Porcelain Veneers in Wollongong: Designed For Natural-Looking Smiles

Porcelain veneers are primarily used to enhance the appearance of the six to eight upper front teeth that are most visible when you smile. We often recommend veneers for chipped or discoloured teeth to help restore a more even, natural-looking smile.

Studies indicate that veneers can be placed on any tooth with sufficient enamel and minimal bite pressure. Molars and back teeth are generally not ideal for veneers because they bear significant chewing forces that increase the risk of veneer fractures over time.

For these teeth, crowns or inlays are usually a better choice since they offer more strength and durability.

While veneers are primarily designed for front teeth, they can be suitable for other visible teeth with the right assessment and planning.

At Illawarra Dentists, we take the time to assess your bite, oral health, and aesthetic goals before recommending veneers or other treatments. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine that veneers are placed only where they are likely to be durable, function effectively, and provide a natural appearance.

When porcelain veneers are applied, a thin layer of the tooth’s outer surface—called enamel—is gently removed to create space for the veneer and promote secure attachment. This preparation is minimal, typically ranging from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm, but it is irreversible. Once enamel is reduced, the tooth will always require some form of coverage, such as a veneer or another type of restoration.

The core structure of the tooth remains intact and functional beneath the veneer. The veneer serves as a surface cover, shielding the visible surface of the tooth from staining and providing the tooth with an improved appearance. However, veneers do not make the tooth immune to dental diseases. Good oral hygiene remains essential, as natural tooth structure can still be vulnerable to decay—especially around the margins where the veneer meets the gum line.

Before recommending veneers, dentists carefully evaluate each patient’s enamel thickness and bite. If the enamel is too thin or the tooth is significantly compromised, a different restoration, such as a crown, may be more appropriate. With proper care—including consistent brushing, routine dental check-ups, and avoiding excessive pressure from habits like grinding or biting hard objects—the tooth structure beneath a veneer can remain healthy and stable for many years.

Porcelain veneers can be a durable and long-term option for cosmetic improvements, usually lasting around 10–15 years. Studies show that around 95% of veneers are still going strong after 10 years, with survival rates of 85% at 15 years. A 20-year study from PubMed found a longevity rate of about 82.9%, noting that issues such as fractures and teeth grinding (bruxism) were the most common causes of failure.

In terms of appearance, porcelain veneers maintain their appearance remarkably well over time. Veneers fully bonded to enamel tend to have greater longevity, whereas those partially bonded to dentin are more prone to failure.

Porcelain also offers superior strength and stain resistance compared to composite materials, making it a preferred option for long-term results. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are keys to maximising the benefits of your veneers and detecting any problems early.

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It’s important to note that habits such as bruxism and smoking can increase the risk of failure and discolouration over time. Nonetheless, when properly placed and maintained by experienced dental professionals, porcelain veneers provide excellent preservation of natural tooth structure and an attractive smile for many years—making them a reliable and worthwhile investment.

Yes, we gently remove approximately 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm of enamel to allow the veneer to fit precisely without looking bulky. This minimal preparation preserves the majority of your natural tooth structure while creating a strong foundation for the bonding of veneers. Removing enamel also prevents over-contouring, so your veneer looks and feels natural. 

Enamel removal is performed under local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the process. Mild sensitivity may occur for a day or two afterwards, but it typically resolves with proper aftercare. Once the teeth are prepped, we take highly accurate impressions to design your custom E-max veneers in the laboratory. 

If your enamel is particularly thin or you’d prefer to avoid enamel reduction, we can explore no-prep or minimal-prep veneers. During your consultation, we’ll assess your teeth and recommend a suitable option for a healthy, seamless smile.

Getting porcelain veneers is generally not painful. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure as local anaesthesia is used to numb the area during enamel removal. This helps keep you comfortable throughout the process.

After veneer placement, mild tooth sensitivity or gum tenderness is to be expected. This usually lasts a few days as your mouth adjusts to the veneers. You can manage this mild discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief medications and desensitising toothpaste.

In rare cases, if the pain persists or becomes severe, contact the clinic and schedule a follow-up visit so your dentist can assess the source of the pain and provide proper treatment.

Yes, veneers can be removed and replaced if necessary—whether due to wear, damage, aesthetic updates, or underlying tooth changes. The replacement process is carefully managed to preserve your tooth structure and achieve natural-looking results. Here's a detailed look at the process:

1. Veneer removal: The existing veneer is gently removed using specialised tools that minimise the impact on the underlying tooth.
2. Removal of Remaining Bonding Material: Any leftover adhesive is carefully cleared from the tooth surface to prepare it for reassessment and re-bonding.
3. Tooth assessment: Your dentist will examine the tooth beneath to check for changes in structure, integrity, or health that may influence the new veneer design.
4. Tooth Preparation Refinement and Impression Taking: If needed, the tooth preparation is refined. Precise impressions are then taken to craft the new custom veneer with optimal fit and aesthetics.
5. Temporary Veneers: While your permanent veneer is being fabricated, temporary veneers may be placed to protect the tooth and maintain its appearance.
6. Placement of New Veneers: Once ready, the new veneer is tried in, adjusted if needed, and bonded securely using dental adhesive. Your bite is checked, and the final polishing is completed.

With proper care, replacement veneers can restore both function and appearance for many years.

Yes, veneers can be carefully matched to the natural shade of your surrounding teeth for a seamless, harmonious look. Your dentist will use a shade guide, digital imaging, or custom colour-matching techniques to select the ideal tone. In some cases, teeth whitening may be recommended before veneer placement to help achieve an even, bright smile—especially if adjacent teeth are darker or uneven in colour. The goal is to create a result that blends naturally with your existing teeth while enhancing overall aesthetics.