What are porcelain veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic bonded to the front surfaces of the teeth. They are custom-made to a shape and colour agreed at planning and are used to change the appearance of teeth affected by discolouration, chips, gaps and minor irregularities in position.
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment. They do not treat decay, gum disease or bite problems, and those conditions need to be addressed first. Veneers also do not move teeth: where teeth are significantly crowded or rotated, orthodontic treatment addresses the underlying position and may involve far less loss of tooth structure.
Why people consider porcelain veneers
Porcelain resists staining well and can be made to resemble natural tooth structure closely.
Published estimates commonly put the lifespan of porcelain veneers at around 10 to 15 years, though this varies considerably with the individual, the bite, oral hygiene and habits such as grinding. Some fail earlier, and none are permanent.
IMPORTANT — porcelain veneer treatment involves permanently removing a layer of enamel from the front of otherwise healthy teeth. Enamel does not grow back. Once teeth are prepared, they will require veneers or crowns for life, and those restorations will need replacing periodically. The lifetime cost is therefore considerably higher than the initial fee.
Before Treatment
Treatment begins with an examination. Our dentist assesses your teeth, gums and bite, takes any necessary X-rays, and discusses what you want to change and the options for achieving it, including alternatives that remove less tooth structure. Where veneers are appropriate, impressions or digital scans are taken so the veneers can be made.
You should receive an explanation of the risks and a written quote before agreeing to anything.
Cost of porcelain veneers in Sydney
Published price guides commonly quote porcelain veneers in Sydney at around $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth. These are indicative figures drawn from published sources rather than quotes. The fee for your case depends on its complexity, the number of veneers required and the practice providing the treatment, and can only be given after examination.
What affects the cost
- Material and laboratory work. Different ceramics and different laboratories carry different costs.
- Complexity of the case. More extensive changes and more difficult bites require more planning and chair time.
- Number of veneers. More veneers mean a higher total.
- Preliminary treatment. Where decay, gum disease, cleaning, whitening of the natural teeth or other work is needed first, that is charged separately.
- Replacement over time. Veneers need replacing periodically. This is an ongoing cost rather than a one-off fee.
Health fund benefits
Some private health insurance extras policies include a benefit for veneers, generally subject to waiting periods and annual limits, and some exclude purely cosmetic work. Check with your fund directly before committing.
Fees and payment at North Sydney Dentistry
We offer an interest-free payment plan for porcelain veneers from $57 per week. This is a repayment amount, not the total cost of treatment.
Approval is subject to that provider’s eligibility criteria.
View our dental veneers package here
The Treatment Process
- Consultation and planning. Examination, discussion of options and risks, digital impressions and a written quote.
- A layer of enamel is removed from the front of the teeth being treated. This step is irreversible. Local anaesthetic is commonly used and temporary veneers may be fitted.
- The veneers are made in a dental laboratory to the agreed shape and shade.
- The veneers are tried in to check fit and colour, adjusted, then bonded. Colour is confirmed before bonding because it cannot be changed afterwards without remaking the veneer.
What to expect afterwards
Sensitivity to hot and cold is common after preparation and bonding and usually settles within a few weeks, though it can persist. Some gum tenderness while the tissues settle is also common.
Risks and Limitations
Porcelain veneers are elective cosmetic treatment and carry risks that should be explained to you before you proceed:
- irreversible enamel removal, committing the teeth to restorations permanently
- tooth sensitivity, usually temporary but sometimes persistent
- gum irritation, and recession over time exposing the veneer margin
- chipping, cracking or debonding, generally requiring replacement rather than repair
- the possibility that a prepared tooth requires root canal treatment or extraction
- colour that cannot be altered once made and may not match natural teeth as they age
- a finite lifespan requiring periodic replacement
Veneers are generally not appropriate where there is active decay or gum disease, insufficient enamel, significant grinding, or a bite that would place excessive force on them.
Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed.
About North Sydney Dentistry
Our dentists provide porcelain veneers as part of general dental practice. All are registered with the Dental Board of Australia and their registration and qualifications can be checked on the Ahpra public register.
At your consultation we examine your teeth and gums, explain the options including those that remove less tooth structure, set out the risks and provide a written quote covering exactly what is included. Where veneers are not appropriate for your case, we will tell you.
To find out whether porcelain veneers are suitable for you and what they would cost in your case, contact us to arrange a consultation.