A Clinical Approach to Porcelain Veneers
When porcelain veneers are designed to complement an individual’s oral anatomy, they can achieve a balanced and natural-looking result. Dr Brent Dickman provides customised porcelain veneers to address clinical concerns such as tooth wear, chips, or discolouration.
Our clinical team provides professional support and clear communication throughout the treatment process, from the initial consultation to the final restorative stage.
Important Information: All dental procedures carry risks. A consultation is required to determine suitability for any treatment. Results vary between individuals and depend on clinical factors and patient compliance. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries additional risks; before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Treatment details & risksPatient Results
The following images demonstrate the clinical results achieved for our patients. Every smile is unique; these examples are intended to illustrate potential outcomes for various dental concerns and do not guarantee a specific result.
Important Information: Individual results vary. All invasive procedures carry risks. A consultation is required to determine suitability for any treatment.
View our patient resultsThe Porcelain Veneer Process
At Bond St Dental, we have developed a clinical process focused on professional care and patient communication. When working with our team, you can expect a thorough approach to your dental health at every stage of the treatment process. To discuss your options for restorative and aesthetic dentistry, please contact our team to arrange an initial consultation.
1. Clinical Assessment
Once we have developed your personalised treatment plan, we review your clinical records…
1. Clinical Assessment
Once we have developed your personalised treatment plan, we review your clinical records and begin the digital design process.
Our experienced dentists perform a comprehensive 3D digital scan of your teeth, supported by clinical photography to accurately document your oral anatomy and dental profile.
2. Personalised Treatment Plan
Following a thorough analysis of your clinical records, photographs, and digital scans, we will meet to review…
2. Personalised Treatment Plan
Following a thorough analysis of your clinical records, photographs, and digital scans, we will meet to review the findings and discuss the potential treatment pathways for your restorative care.
A distinct advantage of our clinic is our on-site dental laboratory. This integrated approach allows for direct communication between you, your dentist, and our dental technicians to ensure your porcelain veneers are customised to your clinical requirements.
3. Trial Restorations
During this appointment, your teeth are prepared to accommodate the porcelain veneers…
3. Trial Restorations
During this appointment, your teeth are prepared to accommodate the porcelain veneers. This involves the removal of a small amount of natural tooth enamel, which is an irreversible procedure.
Digital scans and impressions are taken and sent to our on-site laboratory, where our dental technicians fabricate your custom restorations. We then place temporary restorations over your teeth. We will review these at a follow-up appointment to ensure the fit and aesthetics meet the requirements of your clinical plan.
4. Final Fitting
Once your custom porcelain restorations are fabricated, we initially place them using a trial…
4. Final Fitting
Once your custom porcelain restorations are fabricated, we initially place them using a trial medium to review the fit, contour, and shade.
After confirming that the restorations meet the clinical and aesthetic objectives of your treatment plan, the veneers are bonded to the prepared teeth. Occasionally, further adjustments may be required at a subsequent visit to ensure optimal function and comfort.
FAQs
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are a restorative dental treatment for individuals seeking to address the appearance of their teeth. Our dentists use thin, tooth-coloured porcelain restorations to overlay the tooth surface, designed to manage concerns such as worn, chipped, or discoloured enamel.
At Bond St, we prioritise a thorough clinical assessment to support a successful outcome. Our team carefully considers the shape, colour, and size of each restoration to ensure your porcelain veneers Melbourne are customised to your oral anatomy and blend with your natural teeth for a balanced result.
While different materials can be used for dental veneers, Bond St utilises porcelain restorations custom-fabricated for your specific clinical needs by dental technicians.
What’s the Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Composite Veneers?
The primary difference between porcelain and composite veneers lies in the material composition and the application method. Porcelain veneers Melbourne involve custom-fabricated porcelain restorations that are bonded to the tooth surface. Composite veneers utilise a tooth-coloured resin that is applied and shaped directly by the dentist.
Porcelain is a highly durable material with significant resistance to staining and wear. While porcelain typically offers greater longevity and a finish that closely mimics natural tooth enamel, the suitability of each material depends on your individual clinical needs and oral health. Both options require regular maintenance to support their long-term function.
Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers Melbourne may be a suitable component of a restorative or aesthetic treatment plan. It is essential to have a comprehensive clinical consultation with our team so that we can assess your individual suitability and discuss the associated risks.
A dentist may recommend porcelain veneers Melbourne as a treatment option if your teeth present with the following clinical indications:
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Minor misalignment or crowding.
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Enamel defects or surface irregularities.
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Staining from fluorosis or tetracycline.
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Irregular tooth shape or size.
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Diastemas (gaps between teeth).
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Persistent discoloration.
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Chipped, worn, or eroded enamel.
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Minor cracks or fractures.
What Are the Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?
For over thirty years, the team at Bond St has provided restorative dental care. Porcelain veneers are an option for patients seeking to address specific dental concerns through a structured clinical process.
Clinical Characteristics of Porcelain Veneers Melbourne:
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Aesthetic Integration: Porcelain restorations are designed to mimic the translucence of natural enamel, supporting a balanced and natural-looking appearance.
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Material Properties: High-quality dental porcelain is highly resistant to surface staining from food and beverages compared to other restorative materials.
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Durability: While clinical longevity varies based on individual oral hygiene and habits, porcelain veneers are a long-term restorative option.
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Custom Fabrication: Each restoration is individualised to the patient’s oral anatomy. Adjustments to shape, size, and shade are made to align with the agreed clinical treatment plan.
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Clinical Versatility: Veneers can address a range of indications, including persistent staining, minor misalignments, diastemas (gaps), or irregular tooth morphology.
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Conservative Preparation: Compared to full-coverage crowns, veneers typically require less removal of natural tooth structure, though the process remains irreversible.
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Clinical Workflow: A typical treatment sequence is completed over three to four appointments, following a comprehensive assessment and planning phase.
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Oral Health Requirements: Suitability is dependent on the health of the underlying teeth and gingival (gum) tissues. A full clinical assessment is required before proceeding.
Is the Dental Veneer Procedure Painful?
We understand that patients often have questions regarding comfort during dental procedures. While individual experiences vary, our clinical team utilises local anaesthetics to manage discomfort during the preparation and bonding of porcelain veneers Melbourne.
It is important to note that porcelain veneers are an invasive and irreversible treatment, as they typically require the removal of a small amount of natural tooth enamel to ensure a precise fit.
At Bond St, we provide a professional environment focused on patient care. If you experience dental anxiety, we encourage you to discuss this with our team. We offer various sedation options and clinical support to assist in making your treatment as comfortable as possible.
Why Is It Important to Preserve as Much of the Natural Tooth as Possible?
Preserving natural tooth structure is a primary clinical objective during the veneer procedure. A conservative approach is intended to:
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Support the long-term health of the dental pulp (nerve).
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Maintain the structural integrity and strength of the natural tooth.
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Provide a stable foundation for the restoration.
Dr Brent Dickman utilises clinical techniques designed to minimise the removal of natural enamel. Most porcelain veneers Melbourne require some alteration of the tooth surface—typically ranging from 0.3mm to 0.7mm—to ensure the restoration fits precisely without appearing bulky.
During your consultation, Dr Dickman will discuss a treatment plan customised to your oral anatomy and aesthetic requirements. Our team at Bond St prioritises a balanced approach, discussing all restorative options to achieve a functional and natural-looking result while focusing on the preservation of your natural tooth structure.
How Do I Care for My Porcelain Veneers?
Most patients can return to their daily activities shortly after the placement of porcelain veneers Melbourne, though you may experience temporary sensitivity or a period of functional adjustment as you habituate to the restorations.
To support the long-term maintenance of your porcelain veneers Melbourne, we recommend the following clinical care:
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Oral Hygiene: Utilise a soft-bristled toothbrush and maintain a thorough flossing routine to protect the underlying tooth structure and gum health.
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Dietary Adjustments: Avoid excessively hard or chewy foods for at least one week following the permanent bonding of your restorations.
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Preventative Care: If you have a history of bruxism (teeth grinding), it is essential to seek treatment, such as a protective night guard, to prevent mechanical failure of the porcelain.
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Routine Reviews: Regular clinical examinations are necessary to monitor the integrity of the veneers and your overall oral health.
How Long Do Porcelain Veneers Last?
Porcelain is a durable restorative material known for its resistance to wear and staining. When compared to composite resin, porcelain typically offers greater clinical longevity. At Bond St, we utilise custom-fabricated porcelain restorations produced by skilled dental technicians to meet our clinical standards.
With a consistent oral hygiene routine and regular dental examinations, porcelain veneers Melbourne can serve as a long-term aesthetic and functional option for many years.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
At Bond St, we provide clear and detailed information regarding the costs associated with your care. Our Treatment Coordinator will discuss these with you as we develop your personalised treatment plan.
We understand that aesthetic dental procedures involve a financial commitment. To assist our patients, we offer several payment options. Our team can provide information on these during your consultation to help you determine a plan that aligns with your requirements.
Are Porcelain Veneers Melbourne Covered by Insurance?
For specific coverage details, we recommend consulting directly with your private health insurance provider.
During your initial consultation with Dr Brent Dickman, you will receive a detailed clinical report and a breakdown of costs. This documentation can be submitted to your health fund to determine your eligible rebates.
Note: Please contact our team for full terms and conditions regarding initial consultation fees and diagnostic requirements.
Should I Get Porcelain Veneers Done for Cheaper Overseas?
While dental treatment options exist globally, receiving porcelain veneers Melbourne at Bond St offers the benefit of Australian clinical standards and local continuity of care.
Choosing a local practitioner ensures that your treatment is performed under the regulations of the Dental Board of Australia and that your follow-up care is easily accessible. This is particularly important for invasive procedures like veneers, where long-term monitoring and local accountability support a stable clinical outcome. If you are considering restorative work, our team can discuss the benefits of receiving treatment within the Australian healthcare system.
Why Should I Choose Bond St for My Porcelain Veneers Melbourne Procedure?
Selecting a provider for restorative dental care is a significant decision. At Bond St Dental, we provide a clinical environment focused on professional standards and patient-centred care.
As a provider of porcelain veneers Melbourne, we focus on the design and placement of restorations intended to support both dental function and aesthetics.
The Bond St Clinical Approach:
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Professional Experience: Our team consists of qualified dentists with experience across a broad range of restorative and aesthetic procedures.
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Modern Technology: We utilise contemporary dental technology, including 3D digital scanning, to support precise treatment planning and clinical efficiency.
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Comprehensive Services: We provide a full range of dental services, from general maintenance to specialised restorative treatments, at our South Yarra clinic.
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Patient Care: We maintain a professional and calm environment, with a clinical team dedicated to clear communication and patient comfort.
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Individualised Treatment: Each treatment plan is customised to the patient’s oral anatomy to support natural-looking results.
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Transparent Pricing: We provide detailed cost breakdowns and offer various payment options to assist with the financial management of your treatment.
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Focus on Health: Our priority is the long-term dental health and well-being of our patients, ensuring all aesthetic work is built on a healthy clinical foundation.
Where Can You Find Our Porcelain Veneers Melbourne Clinic?
At Bond St, we assist you in determining the appropriate restorative and aesthetic dental options for your individual requirements. Starting with a comprehensive clinical consultation, our team provides personalised care throughout each stage of your treatment. Contact our South Yarra clinic to arrange a consultation for porcelain veneers.