PORCELAIN VENEERS

Porcelain veneers are very fine, custom made tooth coloured shells, made from pressed porcelain technology and custom glazed, and seamlessly bonded to, and cover the front of prepared and sometimes even unprepared teeth. We are able to determine how much space is required for the veneers using experience, dental software and 3D printing of models. Veneers are used to repair cracks, chips, uneven shape, breakage or discolourations. Porcelain veneers cover the front surface area of teeth and serve a functional, as well as an aesthetic purpose by protecting the outer layer of a damaged tooth. They are a more conservative treatment than a crown and may be used as an alternative, but only if the underlying tooth is strong and healthy. 

Porcelain resists staining naturally due to its non porous composition, keeping teeth beautiful and natural looking for a long time to come.

Sometimes we are unable to place porcelain veneers if there is damage to the inside of the tooth, needing more strength and protection in the bite, or if the tooth has gone very grey.  In this case a three quarter porcelain crown would be placed for greater strength and better masking of the underlying tooth shade, and often whitening is recommended to match in with a lighter base shade.

Fees for porcelain veneers are $2100 per tooth, and porcelain crowns are $2400 per tooth. In office tooth whitening is $690.

cases where veneers may be used

Porcelain veneers are a versatile cosmetic dental solution used to address a variety of aesthetic concerns. They are thin shells of porcelain custom-made to fit over the front surface of teeth. Here are some common cases where porcelain veneers are used:

1. **Closing Gaps Between Teeth:** Veneers can be an effective solution for closing gaps between teeth, particularly when braces are not suitable or desired.

2. **Correcting Tooth Length:** Veneers can adjust the appearance of teeth that are perceived as too short or too long, creating a more balanced and harmonious smile.

3. **Straightening Crooked Teeth:** While they don't physically move teeth, veneers can create the appearance of straighter teeth, making them a quick alternative to orthodontic treatments in certain cases.

4. **Concealing Stains and Discoloration:** Porcelain veneers are highly effective in covering up teeth that are stained or discolored, especially when whitening treatments are not effective.

5. **Repairing Worn and Chipped Teeth:** Veneers can restore the appearance of teeth that have been worn down or chipped, protecting the tooth's surface from further damage.

6. **Replacing Old Porcelain Veneers:** Over time, existing veneers may need to be replaced due to wear, damage, or aesthetic considerations.

However, it's important to note that while veneers are a great option for many cosmetic dental issues, they may not be suitable in every case.

For instance:

- Good Shape but Misaligned Teeth: If teeth are in good shape but misaligned, less invasive options like Invisalign might be considered. Invisalign aligners can straighten teeth while conserving more of the natural tooth structure compared to veneers.

At Brisbane Smile Boutique, we assess each patient's unique situation to determine the most suitable treatment. Whether it's porcelain veneers, Invisalign, or other dental procedures, our goal is to provide the best solution that meets our patients' needs and conserves natural tooth structure as much as possible.

differences between porcelain and resin veneers

Veneers can be made from porcelain or from composite resin materials. Resin veneers require removal of less of the tooth surface, and sometimes no removal at all, before placement. It depends on the bite, dental health, condition of the teeth, regular dental checks and lifestyle habits, as to whether they will be suitable.

If the entire front of the tooth needs to either be repaired or cosmetically improved, one option might be a porcelain veneer. A porcelain veneer is a very thin, custom designed shell of tooth coloured materials that covers the front surface of a tooth to improve a smile.  They are bonded to the front of the teeth to change the colour, shape, length, alignment and spacing of your teeth with porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant than resin veneers and have light reflecting properties that are more like natural teeth.

Veneers usually require two appointments. The first visit is to prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of tooth structure from the front surface of the teeth and an imprint and 3D scan is taken to make a copy of your teeth. The amount of tooth structure that needs to be removed depends on a few factors such as the alignment, length, shape, spacing and any discolourations in your natural teeth. Temporary veneers are placed on your teeth, while your case and smile design photos are sent to the lab for two to three weeks, and at the second visit, your veneers are fitted and bonded.

We are able to achieve a natural look with porcelain veneers because they are very thin and there is no metal to hide.