Porcelain Veneers Sydney

Check out the rough estimate at our pricing page.

Porcelain is fired in a vacuum furnace hence there are no air bubbles in it after it cools and hardens thus it reduces or nearly eliminates the issues of staining which means it does not stain and keeps looking good for longer.
Composite veneer presents staining issues over time as the air bubbles trapped in the composite veneer resin may not be immediately apparent but eventually would fill up with stains from coffee, tea, red wine and other coloured foods.

Porcelain veneers have a high surface glaze(gloss) which cannot be removed by tooth-brushing. The surface texture of porcelain mimics the enamel providing you will a naturally looking confident smile whereas composite resins have a relatively flat surface texture and usually does not polish to the same degree as porcelain so might not seem quite as natural.

The bio-compatibility of porcelain veneers is reasonably well-established, and porcelain has a higher strength than composite. However, a tiny percentage of porcelain veneers will come unstuck or chip occasionally.
Composite Veneers are a little more prone to chipping and breaking on the edges.
Although an additional expense, if you know you are a night grinder, it is advisable to invest in a night guard/ occlusal splint irrespective of the veneer type you choose!

Porcelain veneers and composite veneers are both popular options for improving the appearance of teeth. Both types of veneers are thin shells that are attached to the front surface of the tooth, and both can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental concerns. However, there are some important differences between the two types of veneers that may make one a better option than the other depending on the specific situation.

One of the key differences between porcelain veneers and composite veneers is the material they are made from. Porcelain veneers are made from high-quality dental porcelain, which is a strong, durable, and natural-looking material. Composite veneers, on the other hand, are made from a composite resin material that is similar to the material used for tooth-colored fillings.

Another important difference between the two types of veneers is their appearance. Because porcelain is a more translucent material than composite resin, porcelain veneers are often more realistic and natural-looking than composite veneers. They are also less likely to stain or discolor over time, which means that they can maintain their bright, white appearance for many years with proper care.

In terms of durability, porcelain veneers tend to be more durable than composite veneers. Because porcelain is a stronger material, porcelain veneers are less likely to chip, crack, or break over time. They can also withstand the forces of chewing and biting better than composite veneers, which means that they may last longer in the mouth.

One advantage of composite veneers over porcelain veneers is that they can be applied without removing as much of the natural tooth structure. Because the composite resin material is applied directly to the tooth, it can be sculpted and shaped in place without the need for extensive preparation of the tooth. This can make the procedure less invasive and more comfortable for the patient.

Overall, both porcelain veneers and composite veneers are effective options for improving the appearance of teeth. The best choice will depend on the specific situation and the preferences of the patient. A skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr Alps can help patients make an informed decision about which type of veneer is right for them.

• 1st Visit:

After your initial consultation and smile design appointment, we will schedule you for preparing your teeth which usually takes 90-120 minutes depending on the number of teeth we are treating.

We carefully remove a thin layer, about the thickness of a fingernail, from the surface of the tooth allowing the space for the veneers to be glued in at a later visit.

An anaesthetic of your choice can be made available for this procedure. Usually local anaesthetic is sufficient however we do provide other pain relief options if you prefer.

The impressions of the prepared teeth are taken and sent to a qualified Australian-based dental ceramist who has delivered consistently for us. The ceramist will manufacture the veneers to fit your teeth just as we digitally planned the treatment.

In the meanwhile, you will have temporary direct veneers so you can enjoy the daily lifestyle without worrying too much about the function and appearance of your teeth.

• 2nd Visit:

We then remove the temporary veneers, and we then check the colour, shape and fit of your new veneers before we bond(glue) them to your prepared teeth.

You must discuss any changes you like before cementing the veneers. Once we both are happy with the look and feel of your new improved smile we proceed to the bonding stage.

The bonding/cementing stage involves cleaning teeth and preparing the tooth surface to create micropores into which the bonding resin engages and locks the veneers securely into place. 

I then cement the veneers onto your teeth with a durable dental cement activated by a targeted light beam to bond the veneer firmly to your teeth.

Once this is complete, the veneers are checked and polished to ensure you feel comfortable and natural.

• 3rd Visit:

One week after we have placed your veneers, we like to see you for a routine follow-up visit.

During this visit we evaluate how comfortable and confident, you feel with your new improved smile and reassess your oral hygiene regime.

This appointment is vital for your future oral health even if you feel the veneer treatment was a success.

• Relatively painless procedure.
• High surface glaze/gloss to mimic natural teeth.
• It is resistant to staining due to age, smoking, coffee, tea, red wine or other coloured food.
• It is a simpler and more economical option compared to dental crowns.
• Both porcelain and the cement used for cementing the veneer onto the tooth are durable, making veneers comparable in strength to healthy teeth.
• Porcelain does not decay.
• When cared for at home and professionally, veneers can last for many years providing you beautiful, long-lasting smile.

Porcelain veneers are a popular and effective option for improving the appearance of teeth. They are thin shells that are attached to the front surface of the tooth, and they can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental concerns. Some of the key advantages of porcelain veneers include their natural-looking appearance, their durability, and their versatility.

One of the biggest advantages of porcelain veneers is that they look very natural. Porcelain is a translucent material that closely resembles the natural appearance of tooth enamel. Because of this, porcelain veneers can blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth and create a very natural-looking smile. In addition, porcelain is a very stain-resistant material, which means that porcelain veneers are less likely to yellow or discolor over time.

Another advantage of porcelain veneers is that they are very durable. Porcelain is a strong, hard material that can withstand the forces of chewing and biting without chipping, cracking, or breaking. This means that porcelain veneers can last for many years with proper care, and they can provide a long-lasting solution for improving the appearance of teeth.

In addition to their natural-looking appearance and durability, porcelain veneers are also a versatile option for treating a variety of cosmetic dental concerns. They can be used to correct gaps between teeth, to cover chips or cracks, to restore worn or uneven teeth, and to brighten discolored or stained teeth. Because they are custom-made to fit each individual tooth, porcelain veneers can be tailored to address the specific needs and concerns of each patient.

Overall, porcelain veneers offer many advantages over other cosmetic dental treatments. They are natural-looking, durable, and versatile, which makes them a popular choice among patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth. A skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr Alps can help patients determine whether porcelain veneers are the right option for them.

• Porcelain veneers are a popular and effective option for improving the appearance of teeth. They are thin shells that are attached to the front surface of the tooth, and they can be used to correct a variety of cosmetic dental concerns. However, like any dental procedure, there are some potential disadvantages of porcelain veneers that patients should be aware of.

  One potential disadvantage of porcelain veneers is that they may be more expensive than other types of cosmetic dental treatments. Because porcelain is a more expensive material than composite resin, porcelain veneers may cost more to manufacture and apply than composite veneers. In addition, the process of applying porcelain veneers is more complex and time-consuming than the process for applying composite veneers, which can also add to the overall cost of treatment.

  Another potential disadvantage of porcelain veneers is that they require the removal of a small amount of the natural tooth structure in order to be applied. In order for the veneers to fit properly and look natural, the dentist must carefully shape and contour the tooth to create a smooth, even surface. This can involve removing a small amount of the tooth’s enamel, which is the hard outer layer of the tooth. While this is usually a very small amount of enamel, and it can be replaced by the veneer itself, some patients may be concerned about losing any of their natural tooth structure.

  In addition to these potential disadvantages, there is also a risk that porcelain veneers may not last as long as some patients expect. While porcelain veneers are generally very durable and can last for many years with proper care, they are not indestructible. They can still chip, crack, or break if they are subjected to excessive forces, such as biting on hard objects or grinding the teeth. In some cases, porcelain veneers may need to be replaced after a few years, which can add to the overall cost of treatment.

  Overall, while porcelain veneers can be an effective and attractive option for improving the appearance of teeth, it is important for patients to understand the potential disadvantages of this type of treatment. A skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr Alps can help patients weigh the potential risks and benefits of porcelain veneers and make an informed decision about whether this type of treatment is right for them.

Composite Veneers, also known as Composite Resin Veneers, are a kind of Dental Veneers that are sculpted into the tooth and cured with light to harden each layer of composite.
When the final shape and colour get achieved, the surface is polished to give the veneer a natural look.

Composite veneers also referred to as composite bonding, are full or partial coatings applied to the surfaces of teeth to enhance the appearance of your smile and are the same material that is used for white fillings (composite resin).
Composite veneers are directly applied in a single visit and are a great way to restore chipped, stained, or damaged teeth, as well as closing spaces between teeth and, are ideally suited to minor aesthetic complications where there is minimal functional stress.

Same-Day Aesthetic Dental Treatment
Composite dental veneers are an ideal treatment for people who would like to improve the appearance of their teeth or would like to change the way their smile looks without waiting for a couple of weeks for their veneers to be made in an off-site dental laboratory.
We handcraft each composite veneer directly on your natural tooth by carefully matching the veneers to the colour of your adjacent teeth so that the composite will blend in providing you with the smile you have always desired.
Your treatment visit will take 90-180 minutes, depending on the number of teeth you want to have treated. 
We spend enough time with our patients to ensure the treatment completely meets or exceeds their expectations. 

Both porcelain and composite resin veneers can be repaired using various materials and techniques, but in my observation, these have unpredictable and variable success rates. It is important to assess why they had complications needing repair.

Veneers can last about 3-7 years and possibly much longer. However, they can endure considerably less than this if trauma or decay of the tooth structure is involved leading to early failure.
Also, it can wear under pressure, and unlike Porcelain Veneers, it is not stain-resistant or colour stable!
It’s all about maintaining consistent and efficient oral hygiene.
A regular dental check-up and cleaning must be scheduled at least twice a year.

Composite veneers will stain over time – the rate at which this happens will depend upon your dietary and hygiene habits.
Initially, this will be able to be polished off by us, but an increase in porosity over time of all resins means the stain will penetrate the material over time.
Porcelain veneers may be a better option if you are too concerned about staining your veneers.

• Avoid impact and high stress; if sharp objects strike the veneers, they will break just as your regular tooth would so wear a mouth guard for protection, especially while playing sports.
• Also, if you grind your teeth, you will inevitably cause some damage to your veneers; thus, wearing a nightguard is highly recommended to avoid chipping of veneers and your teeth. Persistent teeth grinding can cause the veneers to chip, break or even detach entirely from the tooth.
• Infrequently, the bite can get left a little too hard on a tooth post-bonding leading to a slight tenderness in that tooth; this will be easily and quickly fixed by Dr Thakkar with a quick bite adjustment as required.

Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and use of the interdental brush is crucial. Maintaining good dental health is the key to your veneers lasting longer as it aids in cleaning the crevices and keeping the plaque out of the ledges that may be around your veneers and maintaining the underlying tooth caries-free and the gums around the veneers healthy. Healthy gums are essential to the success of veneers.
Schedule check-ups for regular professional maintenance every 6 months. During this visit, we polish your porcelain veneers with a specially formulated, non-abrasive paste and inspect them for ensuring that there are no signs of failure.

Excessive chewing or biting on hard food like ice, hard lollies, and gnawing meat off bones may break the veneers. Also, habits like nail biting, holding hard objects in your mouth like pens or opening bottle tops or cutting string or tape with your front teeth can chip/break your veneers.
Remember, If in doubt, do not bite!

Pain should be minimal after composite veneer treatment.
A local anaesthetic is used during the preparation and bonding process as it requires strict control over the surrounding gum tissue. The gum tissues are lightly pushed out of the way during the procedure, and some people can have mild discomfort in this area for a day or two after treatment.

Porcelain veneers cost can vary from patient to patient from as little as $999 for each tooth to over $2500 each. Check with your health fund.

The first step in deciding on veneers cost is to schedule an initial cosmetic dentistry consultation to provide you with a personalised treatment plan.

Although many dentists offer veneers, the optimal results are more likely to come from those who have a measured sense of aesthetics such as Dr Thakkar and an extensive background in cosmetic dentistry in general and veneers in particular.

Composite veneers cost can vary from patient to patient from as little as $400 each to over $900. Check with your health fund for Item number 582.

Patients who invest in Veneers consider them a worthwhile investment, although it costs much more than other regular cosmetic treatments as they enjoy the benefits many treatments almost combine into one, like teeth whitening, orthodontic treatment like Invisalign, and dental crowns.
To top that, Dental Veneers offer incredibly life-like results.
Post-placement, many patients feel more confident in their smile than they have felt in years.

Despite stunning results, porcelain dental veneers or composite veneers may require us to shape and prep all the teeth.
Therefore, if the colour of your teeth is your only concern, we first recommend Teeth Whitening for your mildly discoloured teeth to have a whiter and brighter smile because it is the least invasive cosmetic dentistry option.
If crooked teeth or alignment issues are involved, Teeth Whitening also may be combined with orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign.

In some patients, increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures may get observed post-procedure. This is normal and would usually subside in a few days.
Tooth sensitivity is uncomfortable and inconvenient, but you can effectively manage it with pain relievers and desensitising pastes/gels, and these symptoms are only temporary.

When you got your veneers, you probably loved the results. However, cracks can appear with age or as the result of poor habits like chewing on hard items, like your nails, a pen or ice. It might not seem substantive of an issue initially, however, with time, it can result in loss of colour, so it’s best to have them suitably repaired.
Chips are usually the result of dental trauma (an accident) or chewing on hard items; chips can either be small pieces or a significant portion of the veneer.
Un-bonding of veneer over time can occur, and the material used to bond might wear away, resulting in an un-bonding of the material to your tooth.

If you just have a small crack or chip and your veneer is otherwise in good shape, Dr Thakkar may be able to fill the crevice with resin and efficiently repair it.
She can also re-bond veneers that have become un-bonded as long as you can see her as soon as possible after you notice any troubling signs.
If, however, you ignore these signs and have a significant portion that is missing, she may suggest a replacement for that veneer by removing the bonding material, and a new impression will be cast on your natural tooth to place a new veneer.

Remember, repairing and replacing veneers can be expensive, so your best bet is to properly care for them to keep them in great shape throughout their lifespan. 

Yes, alternatives to veneers include Teeth Whitening, Orthodontics, Bonding (Composite fillings) and Dental Crowns.
Veneers offer an excellent intermediate option and may be optimally suited for patients who want to change the overall shape of their teeth more than just a tiny bit – as is done with bonding – but not so much, as to require a crown.

Other alternatives to veneers:
Minimal preparation veneers or “no-prep” veneers— they are so called because they typically don’t require removal of as much tooth material—are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Often, the placement of no-prep veneers can be done more quickly and with less discomfort than traditional veneers.
They are comfortable, safe and best of all, an affordable way to transform the appearance of your teeth, creating a whiter, straighter, younger and healthier-looking smile.

Snap-On Veneers
There are occasions wherein snap-on veneers may be a good choice, especially for those who want to give their smile a makeover but aren’t ready for a more committed dental procedure.
Snap-On Veneers are also useful for people who are contemplating getting Dental Veneers but need to try out the look and feel before actually committing to them.
Snap-On Smile is an affordable and life-changing solution for people of all ages. A Snap-On Smile requires merely two, short, painless visits. Learn more about Snap-On Smile.

• Avoid impact and high stress; if sharp objects strike the veneers, they will break just as your regular tooth would so wear a mouth guard for protection, especially while playing sports.
• Also, if you grind your teeth, you will inevitably cause some damage to your veneers hence wearing a nightguard is highly recommended to avoid chipping of veneers and your teeth. Persistent teeth grinding can cause veneers to chip, break or even detach entirely from the tooth.
• Infrequently, the bite can be left a little too hard on a tooth post-bonding leading to a slight tenderness in that tooth; this will be easily and quickly fixed by Dr Thakkar with a quick bite adjustment as required.
• Increased Sensitivity In some patients, increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures may be observed post-procedure, this is normal and would usually subside in a few days. Tooth sensitivity is uncomfortable and inconvenient, but you can effectively manage it with pain relievers and desensitising pastes/gels, and these symptoms are only temporary. 

Most Individuals do not show as much lower teeth as they do the Upper ones. However, if you do show the lower ones too, then there is nothing wrong with that.
Dr Thakkar ordinarily places the Dental Veneers on the top teeth but if in some cases, patients want to have them for the lower teeth as well, in case they do show them while smiling, then these options can be discussed in the initial consultation, and she would recommend optimal solutions specific to your situation.

Patients usually prefer Teeth Whitening done for their lower teeth to match the shade of the upper ones, which are enhanced with Dental Veneers.
Dr Thakkar encourages the Teeth Whitening Treatment to be done on the lower teeth before the veneers are placed for accurate shade match results.