Cosmetic Smiles



Porcelain & Composite Veneers

One of the most effective and popular procedures to achieve a flawless new smile is with the application of dental veneers. Used to completely reshape your smile in as few as two appointments, veneers are a more conservative option than a full crown. Veneers are an ideal solution to close gaps, straighten crooked teeth, repair chips and cover permanent stains.


Porcelain veneers are carefully crafted in a dental laboratory from fine pieces of ceramic – a non porous material therefore resistant to staining. When bonded to the surface of your front teeth they are very strong and durable. When placing a crown your entire tooth needs to be reshaped to accommodate it, however with a veneer, only minimal tooth enamel is needed to be removed so when they are placed, your veneers appear the same size as your natural surrounding teeth that did not receive a veneer.


Alternatively you may wish to choose a composite resin veneer. Composite resin is a formulated plastic, porous tooth coloured filling material developed from a blend of silica, quartz and fine glass particles mixed to a paste-like consistency, which is able to be colour matched to your natural tooth shade.


Your consultation appointment with the St Vincent’s Dental Centre’s team is the most important aspect of your treatment. This is when we will discuss the result you desire, examine the health of your teeth and gums and if you are also wishing to achieve a lighter colour shade. We also encourage you to ask questions regarding any aspect of your treatment.


Careful preparation is the key to successfully achieving your desired smile. First, the teeth receiving veneers will be lightly buffed removing approximately ½ mm of enamel from the surface; this will enable a strong bond to be achieved and prevent your veneered teeth from appearing larger than your other natural teeth. If you have sensitive teeth, a local anaesthetic may be administered to ensure you are completely comfortable.


Once your teeth are prepared, an impression mould is made and used as a template by our dental laboratory to craft your veneers. This will ensure a precise fit with your teeth and perfect alignment with your gum-line is achieved creating a natural looking smile. Your veneers will take between 1 – 2 weeks to make. Depending on your personal circumstance, temporary veneers may be placed while your permanent veneers are being made.


Before your St Vincent Dental Centre dentist permanently bonds your new veneers, they will place each one on their corresponding tooth, examine it for fit with your gum-line and colour match, and make any minor adjustments that may be required.


Your teeth will then be cleaned and swabbed with an acidic gel, which is no stronger than vinegar or a citric acid such as lemon juice, this will make the teeth surface slightly rough ensuring an even stronger bond between your tooth and veneers is achieved. The porcelain veneers are then seated in place, secured with formulated dental cement, and polished to match your natural teeth.


Placement of composite veneers requires an artistic hand as they are applied to the surface of your teeth in layers, hardened by a specially developed light and sculpted to the perfect shape. Several layers may need to be placed, thereby blending seamlessly with your surrounding natural teeth. The versatility and natural appearance of composite resin veneers including their price advantage over porcelain veneers is why they are becoming an increasingly popular option.


Placement of composite resin veneers will usually take between 10 – 20 minutes per tooth. We will be able to advise you of an anticipated timeframe at your consultation appointment following an examination of the teeth you would like treated.


It may take you a couple of weeks to become familiar with the feel of your new veneers. You may also be required to attend a follow-up appointment several weeks after receiving your veneers to evaluate there has been no gum irritation.


Continuing with a regular oral hygiene routine is just as important for the longevity of your veneers as it is for your natural teeth. Even though your veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin, they are still bonded to your natural teeth, which are still vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day, in addition to regular appointments with the St Vincent Dental Centre team, will keep your new smile looking beautiful for many years.