Custom porcelain veneers are designed for one person’s teeth, face and bite, rather than chosen from a standard shape. Every detail — length, width, edge shape, shade, translucency and surface texture — is planned by your dentist and made by a ceramist to suit you. Here is what “custom” actually involves, and why having the laboratory close to the dentist helps.
What Gets Customised?
| Detail | What it affects |
|---|---|
| Length and width | How much tooth shows when you smile and talk; facial balance |
| Edge shape | Softer, rounded edges or squarer, more defined edges |
| Shade | How light or natural the colour looks next to untreated teeth |
| Translucency | The slightly see-through quality of natural tooth edges |
| Surface texture | Fine lines and lustre that make teeth look natural rather than flat |
| Fit at the gum line | Comfort, cleaning and gum health |
Step 1: Understanding What You Want
Custom design starts with your goals. Some people want a subtle refresh: a few chips smoothed and a slightly brighter shade. Others want a broader change in shape and colour. Bringing photos of smiles you like, or don’t like, helps your dentist understand your taste. See your first cosmetic consultation.
Step 2: Records and Smile Design
Your dentist takes photographs, a digital scan and X-rays where clinically necessary. These are used to plan proportions in relation to your lips, gum line and face. Where appropriate, digital smile planning or a trial mock-up lets you preview the proposed shape in your own mouth and ask for changes before anything permanent happens.
Step 3: Dentist and Ceramist Working Together
This is where custom veneers are won or lost. At many practices, the dentist sends written instructions and photos to an outside laboratory. At Sydney Dental Veneers, our dentists work with Cosmetique Dental’s two in-house ceramic laboratories. The ceramist can see your shade photos and discuss the design directly with your dentist, which helps with:
- matching the shade of untreated neighbouring teeth;
- getting the edge translucency right;
- adjusting shape or texture before the final bonding appointment.
Step 4: Making the Veneers
Depending on the case, veneers may be layered by hand from porcelain, or pressed or milled from a strong ceramic such as E.max and then stained and glazed. Hand layering allows very fine colour effects. Pressed or milled ceramics add strength. Your dentist and ceramist choose the approach. See E.max veneers explained.
Step 5: Try-In Before Bonding
Before your veneers are bonded, they are tried in so you and your dentist can check the shape, colour and fit. If something isn’t right, small changes can be made at this stage. Once you are both happy, the veneers are bonded in place. Read the porcelain veneer process, step by step.
Custom vs “Off-the-Shelf” Options
You may see clip-on or snap-on “veneers” advertised online. These are removable appliances made from a mould, not bonded porcelain veneers. They do not involve a dentist’s examination, are not designed for your bite, and are not a substitute for dental treatment. If you are considering them, it’s worth having your teeth and gums checked first.
What Do Custom Porcelain Veneers Cost?
All porcelain veneers at our practice are custom-made. They are around $1,400–$1,500 per tooth when paid upfront, and your total depends on the number of teeth and any care needed first. Interest-free payment plans are available from $57/week, subject to approval. See the veneer cost guide and payment plans.
Book a Design Consultation
Book a complimentary cosmetic consultation at Suite 302, Level 3, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD to talk through your goals and see what a custom design could involve. Call (02) 8090 1105 or book online. Learn more about porcelain veneers.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are custom veneers?
Porcelain veneers designed for one person’s teeth, face and bite, with shape, shade, translucency and texture planned individually and made by a ceramist.
Are all porcelain veneers custom-made?
Bonded porcelain veneers are made for each patient, but the level of design, communication with the laboratory and shade matching varies between practices.
Can I see what my veneers will look like first?
Where appropriate, digital smile planning or a trial mock-up lets you preview the proposed shape before treatment.
Who makes your veneers?
Our dentists work with ceramists in Cosmetique Dental’s in-house laboratories, so shade and shape can be discussed directly.
Are snap-on veneers the same as custom veneers?
No. Snap-on veneers are removable appliances, not bonded porcelain. They aren’t designed around a dental examination of your bite.