Dental Veneers in Ashburton

Durable, natural-looking results

Veneers are thin porcelain layers placed over the front teeth to improve their shape, colour and appearance while reinforcing the tooth. We prepare teeth conservatively — removing only around 1mm of enamel — which preserves most of your natural tooth and protects the nerve.

Results vary from person to person. Veneers need a thin layer of enamel removed, which can’t be undone. Risks include sensitivity, chipping and eventual replacement.

What veneers can address

Is it right for you?

Veneers work best for patients with good oral hygiene who keep up regular check-ups and have natural teeth in the areas to be treated. Before we begin we often use a digital smile design and a trial mock-up you can see and feel — with no drilling or permanent changes — so you know what to expect.

Are veneers the right choice?

Veneers excel at a specific set of problems: discolouration whitening can’t fix, chipped or worn edges, mild misalignment or spacing, and small or mismatched teeth. They’re a poor choice for heavy grinders without a night splint, for teeth with large fillings (crowns serve better), and for significant crowding, which orthodontics should address first. At your consultation we’ll go through your goals, show you what each option involves, and often suggest a cheaper or more conservative route if it gets you most of the way.

The process runs over two to three visits: planning and shade selection, preparation with temporaries, then bonding the final porcelain. Modern porcelain is strong and stain-resistant; its enemies are biting nails, opening packaging with your teeth, and chewing ice.

Veneers — common questions

Veneers compared with other options

• Whitening if the issue is colour only.
• Bonding for a small chip or gap, without removing enamel.
• A crown if the tooth is weak, cracked or heavily filled.
• Invisalign if you would rather move crooked teeth than cover them.

Temporaries and the fitting visit

After preparation you leave with temporary veneers. They can feel rough or bulky and are not as strong, so avoid hard or sticky food until the next visit.

At the fitting, we try the porcelain in first so you can check colour and shape in a mirror. We bond them only when you are happy, then check your bite.

After your veneers are fitted

• Teeth may feel sensitive to cold for a few days. This usually settles.
• If a tooth still feels high after a week, call us to adjust it.
• Floss daily where the veneer meets the gum, and keep up your check-ups and cleans.
• If you grind at night, wear a night splint.

If a veneer chips or comes off

Keep the veneer and call us on (03) 9885 7588. Do not glue it back yourself. A veneer that comes off whole can often be bonded again. A chipped one may need repair or replacing. If the tooth is sore, see our emergency dental page.

Cost and health funds

We are a Bupa Members First Platinum, HCF More for Teeth and nib First Choice preferred provider. We accept all health funds, including Medibank, ahm, CBHS and Australian Unity, claimed on the spot with HICAPS.

More questions about veneers

Can veneers be whitened later?

No. Porcelain does not change colour with whitening. If you want your other teeth lighter, whiten them before your veneers are made, so we can match the porcelain to the new shade.

Can I have veneers if my gums bleed?

Bleeding gums are a sign of inflammation, and veneers need healthy gums to look natural at the edges. We treat the gums first, which may mean a clean and changes to home care. Then veneers can be planned.

What if I do not like how they look on the day?

This is why we try the veneers in before bonding them. If the shape or shade needs changing, they can go back to the lab before they are fixed in place.