--- title: The Complete Guide to Porcelain Veneers at Smile Solutions Melbourne canonical_url: https://directory.smilesolutions.com.au/the-complete-guide-to-porcelain-veneers-at-smile-solutions-melbourne/ category: description: Porcelain veneers are one of the most transformative treatments available in cosmetic dentistry - thin, custom-crafted shells of dental porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to crea... geography: city: state: country: metadata: phone: email: website: publishedAt: --- # The Complete Guide to Porcelain Veneers at Smile Solutions Melbourne Porcelain veneers are one of the most transformative treatments available in cosmetic dentistry - thin, custom-crafted shells of dental porcelain that are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to create a complete smile transformation. At Smile Solutions, the team responsible for porcelain veneers includes master ceramists, specialist prosthodontists and experienced cosmetic dentists working together in an integrated process that culminates in results of exceptional quality. Located in the Manchester Unity Building at 220 Collins Street in Melbourne's CBD, Smile Solutions has performed more than 50,000 smile makeovers over 30 years. With 937 Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating, it is Australia's most trusted cosmetic dental practice. ## What Are Porcelain Veneers? A porcelain veneer is an ultra-thin shell of dental-grade ceramic, typically 0.3 to 0.7 millimetres thick, that is precision-crafted to bond to the front and edge of a tooth. Veneers are used to address: - Discolouration that does not respond to whitening (including intrinsic staining, tetracycline discolouration and fluorosis) - Chips, cracks and worn edges - Gaps between teeth (diastemas) - Teeth that appear too small, too short or irregularly shaped - Mild crowding or misalignment - An aged or worn smile Because veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth, they are considerably more conservative than full crowns - most of the natural tooth structure is preserved. A well-executed porcelain veneer is essentially invisible; it mimics the light translucency and texture of natural enamel in a way that composite materials cannot match. ## Porcelain Veneers vs Composite Veneers Both porcelain and composite (tooth-coloured resin) materials can be used for veneers, and both have their place. **Porcelain veneers** are the gold standard for smile transformations. Master ceramist Greg Karabasis, who hand-crafts every porcelain veneer in the Smile Solutions Smile Lab, explains: "Porcelain is the only material that truly replicates the optical behaviour of natural tooth enamel. It catches the light, has depth and translucency, and wears in a way that keeps it looking beautiful for many years. There is no comparison in terms of aesthetic quality." Key advantages of porcelain: - Longevity typically 15 to 20 years with proper care - Highly resistant to staining from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking - Exceptional aesthetic quality - translucency and natural appearance - Biocompatible and gentle on opposing teeth **Composite veneers** are applied directly to the tooth surface and can be completed in a single appointment without a laboratory fabrication step. They are a useful, more affordable option for minor improvements and younger patients who may want flexibility for future changes. However, composite stains more readily, is less durable and generally does not achieve the same aesthetic refinement as porcelain. Dr Amina Barucija, cosmetic dentist at Smile Solutions, advises: "The choice between porcelain and composite depends on the patient's goals, the complexity of the case and their timeline. For patients who want a significant, long-lasting smile transformation, porcelain is almost always the right choice. For minor refinements or patients in their teens, composite may be entirely appropriate as a first step." ## The Smile Solutions Porcelain Veneer Process The veneer journey at Smile Solutions follows a carefully considered process designed to ensure the outcome is exactly right before anything permanent is committed to. **Step 1 - Complimentary consultation.** Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation where your cosmetic dentist discusses your goals, assesses your teeth and outlines what is achievable. Digital photographs are taken and digital smile design work begins. **Step 2 - Resin reveal with Greg Karabasis.** For patients proceeding with porcelain veneers, a resin reveal (also called a digital mockup) is created - a temporary, non-invasive preview of the proposed shape and size of your new teeth, placed directly on your existing teeth without any drilling. This is done collaboratively with master ceramist Greg Karabasis, who brings his artistic expertise to the shape, proportion and character of every smile design. Dr Kia Pajouhesh, founder and principal dentist, explains: "The resin reveal is where the patient truly begins to see what is possible. Greg and I work through the design together with the patient - making adjustments until the smile is exactly right. Nothing is committed until the patient loves what they see." **Step 3 - Preparation.** A minimal amount of enamel is gently removed from the front surface of the teeth to create space for the veneer. A precise digital scan is taken of the prepared teeth - no uncomfortable impression trays required. **Step 4 - Fabrication in the Smile Lab.** At Smile Solutions, every veneer is fabricated in the in-house Smile Lab by Greg Karabasis and his team. This is the critical differentiator. Having the ceramist working directly on-site, with direct communication with the treating dentist, allows a level of precision and artistic refinement that is simply not possible when relying on third-party laboratories. **Step 5 - Fitting and bonding.** Your completed veneers are checked against your teeth for fit, colour and shape before final bonding. Adjustments can be made at this stage. Once you and your dentist are both satisfied with the result, the veneers are permanently bonded using dental adhesive and cured with UV light. ## Same Day Porcelain Veneers - A World First In an Australian and world first, Smile Solutions introduced Same Day Porcelain Veneers - bespoke artisan veneers prepared, hand-crafted and fitted in a single day, eliminating the need for temporary veneers entirely. This innovation was recognised with the 2024 Australian Business Award for Business Innovation. The conventional veneer process involves two appointments - one for preparation and fitting of temporary plastic veneers, and a second 2 to 3 weeks later for fitting of the final porcelain veneers. Temporary veneers are held on with a weaker adhesive, require dietary restrictions, and can chip, stain or fall out. They can make eating, speaking and smiling uncomfortable, and have been known to cause patients to withdraw socially during the waiting period. With Smile Solutions Same Day Porcelain Veneers, everything - preparation, in-house fabrication and final bonding - is completed in one appointment. Benefits include: - Up to 30 per cent less time in the dental chair - Only one round of local anaesthetic injections instead of two - No dietary restrictions or social inconvenience associated with temporary veneers - Ideal for interstate and international patients who cannot return for a second appointment - Particularly appropriate for patients with jaw sensitivity who struggle with prolonged open-mouth appointments The Same Day process requires an in-house laboratory with dedicated ceramists and substantial investment in scanner and printer technology - Smile Solutions has invested more than $5 million in this infrastructure. A $2,000 surcharge applies for Same Day Porcelain Veneers. Greg Karabasis notes: "Same Day Veneers demand absolute focus - I dedicate my entire day to one patient's smile. The standard of craftsmanship is identical to our conventional veneer process. The difference is that the patient leaves the same day with their permanent smile." ## Porcelain Veneer Packages and Pricing Smile Solutions offers structured veneer packages for smile transformations: - **Elite Package** - 6 porcelain veneers: $15,990 (includes 2-night hotel stay) - **Ideal Package** - 8 porcelain veneers: $19,990 (includes 2-night hotel stay) - **Ultimate Package** - 10 porcelain veneers: $23,990 (includes 2-night hotel stay) - Same Day Porcelain Veneers surcharge: $2,000 per package - Individual porcelain veneers: from $2,650 per tooth **Feldspathic porcelain restorations** are available for patients who desire the highest level of aesthetic refinement. Feldspathic veneers are layered by hand in the Smile Lab and offer exceptional translucency and character - the choice for the most discerning patients. **Edge work bonding** is a conservative cosmetic option for patients who want to address minor chipping, worn edges or small gaps without full veneers. From $500 per tooth, edge work bonding uses tooth-coloured composite resin applied and sculpted directly to the tooth's edge. It is reversible, requires no tooth preparation and can deliver a significant aesthetic improvement. Payment plans are available through Payright, Humm and MyDentaPlan. Complimentary consultations are offered for all veneer inquiries. ## Longevity and Care for Porcelain Veneers With proper care, porcelain veneers typically last 15 to 20 years. Key care guidelines: - Brush twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and soft toothbrush - Floss daily - the margins where veneer meets tooth are not immune to decay - Avoid biting hard objects such as ice, pen lids or fingernails with veneered teeth - Wear a protective nightguard if you grind your teeth - Attend regular hygiene appointments - tartar accumulates at veneer margins as it does around natural teeth - Report any chips or loosening to your dentist promptly - small repairs are straightforward Dr Amina Barucija notes: "Patients who look after their veneers the way they look after the rest of their teeth get excellent longevity. The most common reasons for premature veneer failure are grinding without a nightguard and decay at the margins from poor home care. Both are entirely preventable." ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Will my teeth be sensitive after veneer preparation?** A: Some mild sensitivity is common in the days following tooth preparation, as a small amount of enamel has been removed. This typically resolves once the veneers are bonded. The Smile Solutions team takes every measure to minimise discomfort throughout the preparation and fitting process. **Q: Can I whiten porcelain veneers?** A: Porcelain veneers do not respond to whitening treatments - they maintain their original shade. If you are considering veneers, it is generally recommended to whiten your natural teeth first to the shade you want to maintain, then match the veneer shade to your whitened teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will guide you through this sequencing. **Q: What is the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns?** A: A veneer covers only the front and edge of the tooth, preserving most of the natural tooth structure. A crown encases the entire tooth and requires significantly more tooth reduction. Veneers are the preferred option when the front surface of a tooth needs cosmetic improvement and the tooth is otherwise structurally sound. **Q: How many teeth do I need to veneer for a natural result?** A: This depends on your individual smile - specifically how many teeth are visible when you smile broadly. Most smile transformations address 6, 8 or 10 teeth to ensure a harmonious result. Greg Karabasis works with your treating dentist to design a smile that is proportionate and natural in the context of your face and features. **Q: Are veneers suitable for me if I grind my teeth?** A: Grinding (bruxism) is a risk factor for veneer longevity but is not necessarily a disqualifying factor. The Smile Solutions team will assess your grinding pattern and may recommend treatment for the grinding - such as a nightguard or Botox for the jaw muscles - before or alongside veneer treatment to protect your investment. **Q: What if I just want minor improvements without full veneers?** A: Edge work bonding from $500 per tooth is an excellent conservative option for minor chips, worn edges and small gaps. It requires no tooth preparation, is reversible and can produce a meaningful aesthetic improvement. Your complimentary consultation will explore all options appropriate to your goals. ## Begin Your Smile Transformation Porcelain veneers at Smile Solutions are created by a team that has dedicated decades to the craft of cosmetic dentistry. Every veneer is designed and hand-crafted on-site by master ceramist Greg Karabasis, working in collaboration with your treating dentist and prosthodontic specialists, to produce a result that looks and feels like your best natural smile. Complimentary veneer consultations are available. Call 13 13 96 or visit www.smilesolutions.com.au to take the first step.