{"id":128,"date":"2023-08-07T07:06:49","date_gmt":"2023-08-06T21:06:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-porcelain-veneers\/"},"modified":"2026-09-25T14:03:18","modified_gmt":"2026-09-25T04:03:18","slug":"everything-you-need-to-know-about-porcelain-veneers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/everything-you-need-to-know-about-porcelain-veneers\/","title":{"rendered":"everything you need to know about porcelain veneers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Whether you want a full smile makeover or just a few small tweaks, porcelain veneers can offer a natural-looking way to change how your smile looks.<\/p>\n<p>At smilogy, we believe you have a right to be well informed before you decide anything. So here is our porcelain veneers guide: what they are, what they can help with, how the process works, what they cost and how to look after them. Take your time with it. There is no rush.<\/p>\n<h2>what are porcelain veneers, anyway?<\/h2>\n<p>Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to change how they look. Porcelain veneers are made from thin layers of porcelain, shaped and colour-matched to suit your teeth, your face and your goals.<\/p>\n<p>Porcelain is popular because it can closely mimic the translucency and way natural teeth reflect light. It is also strong and resists staining well, so it can keep its colour better than natural enamel or composite resin.<\/p>\n<p>Veneers can also be made from composite resin. If you are weighing up the two, our guide to <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/what-are-composite-veneers\/\">porcelain vs composite veneers<\/a> compares them side by side.<\/p>\n<h2>why do people choose porcelain veneers?<\/h2>\n<p>People come to us with their own reasons, and every treatment plan is different. Porcelain veneers can help with:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>chipped, cracked or worn teeth<\/li>\n<li>discoloured or stained teeth, including stains that whitening has not shifted<\/li>\n<li>teeth that are uneven, misshapen or a different size to their neighbours<\/li>\n<li>small gaps or spaces between teeth<\/li>\n<li>minor crookedness, where veneers can create the look of a straighter smile<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Because one treatment can address shape, size and colour together, porcelain veneers are often part of a wider smile makeover. They can work alongside other treatments such as clear aligners, whitening or crowns. You can choose some or all of these, and we will help you work out what makes sense for you.<\/p>\n<h2>am i a good candidate for porcelain veneers?<\/h2>\n<p>Veneers are not right for everyone. The first step is an examination of your teeth and gums, along with a 3D scan, so we can see what we are working with. Generally, good candidates have:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>healthy teeth and gums<\/li>\n<li>enough healthy enamel for the veneer to bond to<\/li>\n<li>few large fillings or previous bonding on the teeth involved<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have decay, gum disease or severely misaligned teeth, we may suggest treating those first, or a different option altogether. That is what the consultation is for.<\/p>\n<h2>what is the process?<\/h2>\n<p>Porcelain veneers can feel like a big step, so here is how it usually works.<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>consultation and scan.<\/strong> Your dentist examines your teeth, talks through your goals and takes a 3D scan and photos. As part of a smile makeover, you can see a digital preview of your planned result before you commit. A preview is a guide to help you decide, not a promise of the exact final result.<\/li>\n<li><strong>preparation.<\/strong> A thin layer of enamel is removed from the front of each tooth to make room for the veneer. Local anaesthetic is usually used for this step.<\/li>\n<li><strong>impressions or digital scans.<\/strong> These guide the dental technicians who make your custom veneers in a laboratory. You may wear temporary veneers in the meantime.<\/li>\n<li><strong>try-in.<\/strong> The veneers are checked for fit, shape and colour, so you can see them before they are fixed in place.<\/li>\n<li><strong>bonding.<\/strong> Each tooth is cleaned, polished and etched. Etching slightly roughens the enamel so the veneer bonds more strongly. A resin-based cement bonds the veneer to the tooth, and a curing light hardens it.<\/li>\n<li><strong>adjustments and follow-up.<\/strong> Your dentist checks your bite and makes any small adjustments for comfort. Regular check-ups then help keep an eye on your veneers and the teeth underneath.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Our aim is a result that looks like an enhancement of your own smile, not something that looks &#8220;too much&#8221;. A well-planned veneer is shaped in proportion to your face and your other teeth.<\/p>\n<h2>be honest\u2026 do veneers hurt?<\/h2>\n<p>This varies from person to person. Most people find the procedure manageable, because local anaesthetic is used while the teeth are prepared. Afterwards, some people notice temporary sensitivity or discomfort while they adjust. For a fuller answer, read <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/do-veneers-hurt-the-honest-truth\/\">do veneers hurt? the honest truth<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>how long do porcelain veneers last?<\/h2>\n<p>Veneers are not a lifetime fix, but with good care they can last many years. Porcelain generally lasts longer than composite resin, and a range of around 10 to 15 years is often quoted. How long yours last depends mostly on how you care for them and on habits like grinding or biting hard objects.<\/p>\n<p>It is worth knowing that porcelain veneers cannot easily be repaired if they chip or break. A damaged veneer usually needs to be replaced.<\/p>\n<h2>can you go back to your natural teeth?<\/h2>\n<p>No. Because some enamel is removed to fit porcelain veneers, and enamel does not grow back, the treatment is not reversible. If a veneer is ever removed, the tooth will need another veneer or restoration. This is an important point to think through before you go ahead.<\/p>\n<p>With good oral hygiene, the teeth under veneers can stay healthy. Veneers are bonded to the enamel, but decay and gum disease can still develop around the edges, so brushing, flossing and check-ups matter.<\/p>\n<h2>how much do porcelain veneers cost?<\/h2>\n<p>At smilogy, veneers start from $6,300 per smile. The exact figure depends on how many teeth are involved and what your case needs, and we confirm it at your consultation before you commit.<\/p>\n<p>Payment plans are available, and you may be able to claim part of the cost through your private health cover, depending on your level of cover. See our <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/payment-plans\/\">payment plans<\/a> and <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/private-health-cover\/\">private health cover<\/a> pages for details.<\/p>\n<h2>taking care of your porcelain veneers<\/h2>\n<p>The better you treat your veneers, the longer they are likely to last. Here is what helps:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>keep up your routine.<\/strong> Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss once a day.<\/li>\n<li><strong>go easy on hard foods.<\/strong> Avoid biting ice, hard lollies and similar foods, and cut harder foods into smaller pieces.<\/li>\n<li><strong>don&#8217;t use your teeth as tools.<\/strong> Avoid biting nails, pens or opening packets with your teeth.<\/li>\n<li><strong>protect them at night.<\/strong> If you grind or clench, ask your dentist about a night guard.<\/li>\n<li><strong>protect them in sport.<\/strong> Wear a mouthguard for contact sport.<\/li>\n<li><strong>watch the staining culprits.<\/strong> Porcelain resists stains, but it is still a good idea to limit coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco, and rinse with water afterwards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>book regular check-ups.<\/strong> Your dentist can spot any issues early. Our <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/check-ups\/\">check-up, clean and x-rays<\/a> is $149.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>faqs<\/h2>\n<h3>do porcelain veneers look fake?<\/h3>\n<p>They don&#8217;t have to. Porcelain can closely match the colour and translucency of natural teeth, and careful planning keeps the size and shape in proportion to your face.<\/p>\n<h3>why do some veneers look too big?<\/h3>\n<p>This can happen when veneers aren&#8217;t designed in proportion to the rest of the smile, or when teeth underneath are small or worn. Good planning, and a preview before treatment, helps avoid it.<\/p>\n<h3>can I eat normally with veneers?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes, for the most part. Just avoid biting very hard objects or foods and using your teeth to open things.<\/p>\n<h3>how much maintenance do veneers need?<\/h3>\n<p>Not much beyond a good daily routine and regular check-ups. Your dentist will let you know if a veneer needs attention.<\/p>\n<h3>can veneers be combined with other treatments?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Veneers are often part of a <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/smile-makeover\/\">smile makeover<\/a> alongside whitening, clear aligners or crowns.<\/p>\n<h2>start your porcelain veneers journey<\/h2>\n<p>If you are wondering whether porcelain veneers are right for you, start with a consultation and 3D scan. We will listen to what you want, talk you through your options and give you a clear treatment plan and price before you decide.<\/p>\n<p>Any invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you may wish to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.<\/p>\n<p>Learn more about veneers at <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/edgecliff-veneers\/\">edgecliff<\/a> or <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/castle-hill-veneers\/\">castle hill<\/a>, explore a full <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/smile-makeover\/\">smile makeover<\/a>, or <a href=\"\/dental-clinics\/book-online\/\">book online<\/a> today. You can also read about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthdirect.gov.au\/cosmetic-dentistry\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cosmetic dentistry on healthdirect<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Thinking about porcelain veneers? Here&#8217;s what they can fix, how the process works, how long they last, what they cost and how to care for them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":130,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-128","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ih-dsd"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=128"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":241,"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/128\/revisions\/241"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=128"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=128"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/smilogy.com.au\/dental-clinics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=128"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}