Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic solution that offer a total smile makeover with just one treatment! Though veneers offer beautiful results, they do come with a higher price tag than many other cosmetic treatments. Many of our patients wonder if the benefits of this treatment are worth the larger cost of porcelain veneers. Below, we talk more about this popular procedure and what you can expect during treatment. If you are interested in receiving porcelain veneers from Docklands Dental Studio in the Victoria Harbour Precinct in Docklands, Melbourne, contact us today to book your cosmetic consultation or email us at info@docklandsdentalstudio.com.au. We serve Southbank, South Wharf, Port Melbourne and North, South and West Melbourne Areas.

What are porcelain veneers?

Veneers are essentially a thin cover for front teeth visible in your smile. Fabricated from medical-grade ceramic material, veneers can be placed directly over your natural teeth in order to camouflage and conceal a variety of aesthetic smile issues.

Veneer treatments have come a long way in the past few years. Traditional veneers are more natural-looking and longer lasting than ever. Also, minimal prep veneers offer an easier placement procedure that retains much of a patient’s natural enamel.

Am I a candidate for treatment?

Generally speaking patients with healthy teeth and gums, free from dental decay and periodontal disease, can receive any cosmetic treatment — porcelain veneers included. Porcelain veneers are usually the treatment of choice for patients looking for a dramatic smile makeover. Those patients who may wish for several cosmetic enhancements (such as straighter and whiter teeth) find veneers to be a faster and more comprehensive way to receive all their smile improvements.

Veneers may be a great option if your teeth are:

  • Minimally chipped or showing fracture lines
  • Unevenly spaced, with crowding or gaps between teeth
  • Discolored
  • Deeply stained from the inner tooth, a stain which cannot be treated by professional whitening
  • Misshapen, and over or under-sized teeth

How much do veneers usually cost?

Many people believe veneers are reserved for the rich and famous, but that’s not true! Many patients just like you are receiving veneers at our Docklands practice. It’s difficult to give one number when discussing porcelain veneers treatment. This is because the cost can vary based on the type of veneers chosen, the individual dental practice or doctor, and even the region of the country where treatment is administered. Veneers are a more costly cosmetic procedure than most of our other cosmetic treatment options. The higher price is simply reflective of the higher quality, custom-made design, and long-lasting results. The general cost of treatment can be anywhere from AU$500 to $2,200 per tooth. However, at a cosmetic consultation at Docklands Dental Studio, you can receive a better estimate on specific estimated costs for your proposed treatment, based on your unique smile goals.

How do I pay for my veneer treatment?

We understand that veneers can be a big investment for patients. We believe that a healthy and beautiful smile is one of the best investments you can make for your self-image and confidence, so we offer two ways to make treatment costs more attainable.

Our Docklands practice is proud to offer Zip® and DentiCare® payment plans for qualifying patients. While each plan differs somewhat, they both allow you to break up your total treatment costs into smaller monthly payments with little or zero interest when paid in full by a certain date. This is a simple and effective way to allow cosmetic treatments to fit into your monthly budget.

What do the treatment costs cover?

Porcelain veneer treatment costs not only cover the procedure of carefully placing veneers to ensure a beautiful smile, but also the custom-designed and made porcelain veneers that are fabricated in a state-of-the-art dental laboratory.

Treatment will begin with a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. This is necessary to ensure no restorative procedures are needed before veneers are placed. Any decay, periodontal disease or health issues that may be found must be treated and fully healed before cosmetic treatment can begin.

Next, a member of our Docklands team will take impressions and/or 3D images of your mouth to provide a guide for dental lab technicians who will fabricate custom veneers to fit your natural smile. An analysis of your desired enamel color will help you select the shade of your new teeth, so you can ensure the color of your new teeth will be satisfactory.

Then, your veneers are custom-made in a dental lab. Once completed, a second appointment will be scheduled so we can place your new veneers. To begin, your dentist will prepare your natural teeth by filing the enamel to provide a receptive surface for the new veneers. Depending on the type of veneers you receive, more or less enamel may need to be removed. A strong dental bonding agent is placed on each veneer and your dentist securely bonds the veneers to your prepped teeth. Final tweaks and adjustments ensure your bite is comfortable. And that’s it! Your new smile is ready to enjoy, and with proper care, can last for up to 15 or even 20 years.

Before we start any treatment, we let patients know that traditional veneers are considered a permanent smile solution. They must be maintained to help protect the strength and integrity of teeth that have had enamel removed. While veneers are perfectly safe and not damaging to the health of your teeth, remembering lifetime maintenance costs is another important factor when deciding whether veneers are a good solution for you.

How can I receive porcelain veneers?

If you are interested in a new smile through porcelain veneers, contact Docklands Dental Studio to schedule your cosmetic consultation with a member of our experienced dental team. We can help you determine if porcelain veneers are the best cosmetic solution for you. Book your appointment today! Our dental practice is just a 30 minute commute from North Melbourne or West Melbourne by taking bus or tram into the city. Then, hop on Tram Number 11 or 48 from Collins St towards Docklands and get off at Collins Landing (Stop D17).