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What Are Porcelain Dental Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of dental ceramic that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They are designed to alter the appearance of a tooth’s colour, shape, length, or surface texture. At Smile On Perth in Wembley, Perth WA, porcelain veneers are the primary clinical focus of Dr Hau Yan Chan, BDS.

They may be used to address aesthetic dental concerns including tooth discolouration, irregular tooth shape or size, and certain spacing irregularities. The procedure involves the permanent removal of tooth enamel, making it an irreversible treatment. Once enamel is prepared, the tooth will require a covering restoration indefinitely.

Is This Treatment Appropriate for You?

Not all patients are suitable candidates. The following conditions may affect candidacy:

Active tooth decay or untreated gum disease
Insufficient enamel for preparation
Bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
Significant bite misalignment
Unrealistic expectations regarding outcomes

A thorough clinical assessment by Dr Hau Yan Chan is required prior to any treatment planning.

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01

Consultation & Clinical Assessment

Dr Hau Yan Chan conducts a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. The clinical assessment determines whether porcelain veneers are an appropriate option for your individual circumstances. Not all patients examined at this stage will proceed to treatment.

02

Tooth Preparation

The front surface of each tooth to be veneered is permanently reduced to create space for the porcelain shell. Local anaesthesia is administered. Digital or physical impressions are taken and sent to a dental laboratory. Temporary coverings may be placed during fabrication.

03

Veneer Placement

The custom-fabricated porcelain veneers are assessed for fit and appearance before being bonded to the prepared teeth using dental adhesive. Adjustments are made as clinically indicated. Post-placement care instructions are provided.

Between Appointments

Temporary Veneers During the Waiting Period

Following tooth preparation (the second appointment), the natural teeth have been permanently reduced to accommodate the final porcelain veneers. During the period while the laboratory fabricates the final restorations — which typically takes a number of days to weeks depending on the laboratory and clinical requirements — temporary veneers are placed over the prepared teeth.

Temporary veneers are provisional restorations and are not fabricated from the same materials as the final porcelain veneers. They serve a protective and aesthetic function during the waiting period.

Patients should be aware of the following regarding temporary veneers:

Protective Function

Temporary veneers cover the prepared tooth surfaces, protecting the exposed dentine from temperature changes and physical contact during the laboratory period.

Aesthetic Provisional

Temporary veneers provide a provisional appearance while the final restorations are being fabricated. Their appearance will differ from the final porcelain veneers.

Fragility

Temporary veneers are not as durable as final porcelain restorations. They are more susceptible to fracture, dislodgement, and staining. Patients should avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods during this period.

Sensitivity

Some patients experience heightened sensitivity to temperature during the temporary veneer phase, as the dentine beneath the temporary material may be more reactive than it will be once the final veneers are bonded.

If a Temporary Dislodges

If a temporary veneer becomes dislodged or fractures, patients should contact the practice promptly. Leaving a prepared tooth unprotected for an extended period can cause sensitivity and clinical complications.