Porcelain and no-prep veneers can change the shape of your smile, covering crooked teeth and giving you a straighter and brighter smile. While deciding which is right for you is incredibly personal, no-prep veneers are usually recommended for covering small teeth and minor issues, while porcelain veneers are a good long-term option for anyone who has several crooked or strained teeth they wish to cover.
To help you decide which treatment is best for you, we have a brief guide that walks you through both porcelain and no prep veneers and their costs in Melbourne.
Porcelain Veneers – Treatment Information
Porcelain veneers are the most popular option, where thin porcelain shells are added to the front of your teeth, changing their appearance. Several veneers are typically placed over your teeth, changing their shape, colour, and texture. These porcelain shells can be expensive, costing between $1,500 and $2,500 per tooth, and the treatment can take several visits to your dentist.
The treatment usually follows the steps outlined below:
- Initial consultation – where you will meet with your dentist to discuss if porcelain veneers are right for you. Digital scans and impressions are used to create your smile, while a 3D printer helps to find the perfect shade and construct your new smile.
- Preparation – where your teeth are filed to make room for your veneers. A layer of your tooth’s enamel is removed, feeling uncomfortable at the time. You will be provided with temporary veneers to wear during this time while your custom veneers are made to protect your teeth.
- Bonding – when your veneers are ready, they will be cemented to your teeth, permanently setting them in place. The veneers are fitted by a dental professional, who ensures they are fitted correctly and discusses the aftercare process with you.
- Aftercare – you will need to brush and floss regularly and attend regular dental checkups to ensure good oral health and hygiene.
When applied, porcelain veneers can last for eight to ten years, but some clients will see their veneers last much longer! They are a permanent solution, as the enamel is filed away, and you will need to replace them should they become damaged. You will need to care for them properly and attend regular dental appointments to ensure good oral health and address any concerns.
No-Prep Veneers – Treatment Information
No-prep veneers are also made from porcelain but are much thinner than porcelain veneers. The goal of no-prep veneers is to fit them with as little preparation as possible, making them a faster treatment for anyone who wants to improve their teeth’s appearance quickly.
Most no-prep veneers are made from ultra-thin porcelain, but some can be made from composite. Lumineers, DURAthin, and Vivaneers, are some of the most popular options, with thin and durable porcelain used for long-lasting results.
No-prep veneers can vary in price depending on the brand you choose, costing between $800 and $2,000 per tooth. The treatment requires fewer visits to your dentist and follows the steps outlined below:
- Consultation – where we will discuss your smile goals to determine if no-prep veneers are right for you. Impressions will be taken for your teeth, and if the veneers are available, they will be fitted on the same day. In most cases, you will need to return for a separate appointment, though.
- Placement – no-prep veneers are attached to your teeth instantly, though many customers will require light etching or scoring on their tooth surface. This is not as extreme as the filing for porcelain veneers and is only done to help bond your veneers to the teeth.
- Aftercare – You can continue brushing and flossing as normal, and you will attend regular dental checkups to ensure your new smile remains healthy.
Porcelain Vs No-Prep Veneers – Which Is Right For You?
Choosing between these veneers is a personal choice, but there are a few factors that can help you decide which is right for you. No-prep veneers are better suited to patients who aren’t ready to commit to a permanent solution, as they can be removed without needing to re-cover your teeth. They are a good choice for anyone looking to cover small teeth, too, filling out your smile. As no-prep veneers require no preparation, they can look too big for your smile if you have large teeth or a very thick layer of enamel.
In cases where you have large, crooked teeth, porcelain veneers would be a better choice. As your teeth are filed, you have a better chance of porcelain veneers fitting in your mouth, giving you a more realistic smile. Porcelain veneers last for longer, too, and in some cases, they can be cheaper than no-prep veneers.
Start Your Veneer Journey Today
Whether you choose porcelain or no-prep veneers, you can expect to see a difference in your smile, giving you confidence and a new lease of life.
The best people to help you achieve this new smile are Gorgeous Smiles, an expert dentist here in Melbourne. They have years of experience and innovative technology, such as their 3D printer and colour-precious technology, to help you achieve your smile goals. Why not book an appointment with them to kick start your smile journey and see if porcelain veneers in Melbourne CBD can transform your smile?