The Porcelain Veneer Process, Step by Step

Getting porcelain veneers usually takes two to three main appointments over a few weeks. Most of that time is spent planning and making the veneers, not in the dental chair. Here is what happens at each stage at our Sydney CBD practice, so you know what to expect before you book.

Step 1: Your Cosmetic Consultation

The process starts with a conversation. You explain what you would like to change, such as chipped edges, uneven shapes, small gaps or colour that whitening has not fixed. Your dentist then checks whether veneers are a suitable option for you.

At this visit your dentist will usually:

• examine your teeth, gums and bite;
• take photographs, a digital scan and X-rays where clinically necessary;
• check for decay, gum disease or grinding that needs attention first;
• talk through alternatives such as whitening, composite veneers or clear aligners;
• give you a written quote.

At Sydney Dental Veneers, this is a complimentary cosmetic consultation. It does not commit you to treatment.

Step 2: Planning Your Smile Design

If you decide to go ahead, the next stage is design. Your dentist uses your photos and scans to plan the length, shape and proportions of each veneer, taking into account your lips, gum line and face.

Where appropriate, digital smile planning or a trial “mock-up” lets you preview the proposed shape in your mouth. This is the best time to give feedback. It is far easier to change a design now than after the veneers are made.

Because Cosmetique Dental has two in-house ceramic laboratories, your dentist can discuss the design directly with the ceramist who will make your veneers. Shade, translucency and surface texture can be agreed in person rather than through written notes alone.

Step 3: Preparing Your Teeth

At the preparation appointment, your dentist gently reshapes the front surface of each tooth so the veneer can sit naturally without looking bulky. This usually means removing a thin layer of enamel, often a fraction of a millimetre. The exact amount depends on your teeth and the planned result.

A local anaesthetic is normally used, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. Some cases need very little preparation, while others need more, for example where teeth are crooked or very dark.

It is important to know that enamel removal cannot be reversed. Once teeth are prepared for porcelain veneers, they will always need a veneer or another restoration.

After preparation, your dentist takes a digital scan or impression of the prepared teeth and records the final shade.

Step 4: Wearing Temporary Veneers

You will usually leave with temporary veneers made from tooth-coloured resin. They protect the prepared teeth and give you a preview of the new shape.

Temporaries are not as strong as porcelain. While you wear them:

• avoid biting into hard foods such as apples or crusty bread with your front teeth;
• avoid sticky foods that could pull them off;
• keep brushing and cleaning gently around the gums;
• call the practice if one comes loose.

Tell your dentist if you would like any changes to the shape or length. The ceramist can often take this into account.

Step 5: Making Your Veneers in the Laboratory

While you wear your temporaries, the ceramist makes your veneers. Depending on the case, they may be layered by hand or milled from a block of ceramic such as E.max (lithium disilicate) and then stained and glazed. Making them usually takes one to two weeks, although timing varies with the number of veneers and the complexity of the case.

Having the laboratory in-house means the ceramist can check details with your dentist during this stage, and small adjustments do not have to be sent back and forth to an outside lab.

Step 6: Try-In and Bonding

At the bonding appointment, your dentist removes the temporaries, cleans the teeth and places the new veneers without glue first. This try-in lets you and your dentist check the colour, shape and fit before anything is permanent.

Once you are both happy, each veneer is bonded in place. The tooth surface is prepared, a bonding cement is applied, and a curing light sets it. Your dentist then removes excess cement, checks your bite and polishes the edges.

This appointment usually takes a couple of hours, depending on how many veneers are placed.

Step 7: Review and Aftercare

A short review visit lets your dentist check your gums, your bite and how the veneers feel after a week or two. If you grind or clench your teeth, a custom night guard may be recommended to protect the porcelain.

Looking after veneers is similar to looking after natural teeth:

• brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily;
• keep up regular check-ups and professional cleans;
• avoid biting hard objects such as ice, pens or fingernails;
• use a mouthguard for contact sport.

With good care, porcelain veneers can last many years, although lifespan varies and they may need repair or replacement in the future.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

Timings vary. If you need other treatment first, such as fillings, gum care, whitening or orthodontics, the overall timeframe will be longer.

What Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

At Sydney Dental Veneers, porcelain veneers are around $1,400–$1,500 per tooth when paid upfront. Your total depends on how many teeth are treated and any care needed first. Interest-free payment plans are available from $57/week, subject to approval. See our veneer cost guide and payment plans.

Is the Process Right for You?

Porcelain veneers may suit healthy teeth with chips, wear, small gaps, uneven shapes or stubborn discolouration. They may not suit people with active gum disease, significant grinding that is not managed, or teeth that need to be moved rather than covered. Composite veneers, whitening or Invisalign can be better options for some people. Compare them in our porcelain vs composite guide.

Book Your Consultation

If you are considering porcelain veneers, book a complimentary cosmetic consultation at Suite 302, Level 3, 70 Pitt Street, Sydney CBD. 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