Veneers are ultra-thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of your teeth to instantly correct discolouration, chips, gaps, and irregular shapes. At Macleod Dental, we custom-craft each veneer to blend seamlessly with your smile — for a result that looks and feels completely yours.
A porcelain veneer is a wafer-thin shell — typically 0.5mm — permanently bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Unlike crowns, veneers require minimal enamel removal and preserve most of your natural tooth structure. The result is a stronger, whiter, more even smile that still looks and feels entirely real.

Veneers correct staining, chips, cracks, gaps, and irregular shapes that whitening or bonding alone cannot fix.
Only 0.5mm of enamel is removed — far less than a crown. No-prep options exist for suitable candidates.
Each veneer is individually shade-matched and lab-fabricated from high-quality porcelain that reflects light like natural enamel.
Is a Veneer Right for You?
Have stubborn staining or discolouration
Including tetracycline staining, fluorosis, or staining that doesn't respond to professional whitening.
Have chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
Veneers can restore and protect minor damage while dramatically improving appearance.
Have small gaps or irregularly shaped teeth
Minor spacing and shape concerns can often be resolved with veneers alone, without orthodontics.
Want a complete smile makeover
Veneers are often the centrepiece of a full smile transformation, addressing multiple issues at once.
Not sure if veneers are right for you? We will assess your smile honestly and discuss all options — with no pressure and complete transparency.
Veneers may not be suitable if you...
Grind or clench your teeth heavily — a night guard can help manage this
Have active gum disease or untreated tooth decay
Have insufficient enamel remaining for bonding
Have severely misaligned teeth that require orthodontic treatment first
We will always recommend the most appropriate option for your health and goals — whether that is veneers, bonding, crowns, or something else entirely.
Most veneer treatments are completed across two to three appointments. Here’s exactly what to expect.
Step 01
We discuss your smile goals, assess your teeth, and walk you through options including material choice and shade selection.
Step 02
Under local anaesthetic, a tiny sliver of enamel is removed. Impressions are taken and temporaries placed while your veneers are made.
Step 03
Precise impressions are sent to our dental laboratory. Each veneer is custom-crafted from high-quality porcelain to your exact shade and shape.
Step 04
We check fit, colour, and bite before permanently bonding your veneers. Adjustments are made until the result is perfect.
Step 05
A follow-up ensures comfort and bite alignment. We provide full care advice to help your veneers last for years to come.
There is no single best option — the right choice depends on your teeth, goals, and budget. Here is an honest comparison.
| Feature | Porcelain Veneers | Composite Bonding | Dental Crowns | Teeth Whitening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixes staining | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | Partial | Mild only |
| Fixes chips & shape | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Minimal tooth removal | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Stain resistant | ✓ Yes | Partial | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Longevity | 10–15+ years | 5–7 years | 15+ years | 1–3 years |
We will help you choose the right option for your smile, health, and budget at your consultation.
Veneers require a small, irreversible removal of enamel — typically just 0.3–0.5mm — to ensure a proper fit and natural thickness. This is far less than a crown. Modern minimal-prep and no-prep options reduce this even further for suitable candidates. We will always discuss the full picture before proceeding.
With good oral hygiene and regular check-ups, porcelain veneers typically last 10–15 years or more. Avoiding habits like biting nails, chewing ice, or opening packaging with your teeth will significantly extend their lifespan. Wearing a night guard if you grind is also recommended.
The preparation appointment is performed under local anaesthetic, so you will be completely comfortable throughout. Some sensitivity to hot and cold is common in the days following preparation but usually settles quickly once the permanent veneers are bonded in place.
Porcelain veneers are lab-fabricated and are generally more durable, stain-resistant, and lifelike. Composite bonding is applied and shaped directly on the tooth in a single visit — quicker and more affordable, but it typically lasts 5–7 years versus 10–15+ for porcelain. We will help you decide which suits your goals and budget.
Veneers are generally considered a cosmetic procedure and are not covered by Medicare. Some private health fund extras policies may provide a partial benefit — we recommend checking with your insurer. We are happy to provide a written treatment estimate before you proceed so you can check your entitlements.
Veneers are cared for just like natural teeth — brush twice daily, floss regularly, and attend your routine check-ups. Avoid biting very hard foods directly with veneered teeth. If you grind, a custom night guard will protect your investment. We will walk you through a full aftercare routine at your fitting appointment.
A great complement to veneers or a standalone option for mild discolouration.
Full coverage restoration for teeth with significant damage or large existing fillings.
Combining veneers with other restorations for a complete smile and functional overhaul.
Regular maintenance to keep your veneers and surrounding teeth in excellent long-term condition.
Ready to transform your smile?
Book a consultation at Macleod Dental and we’ll assess whether veneers are the right fit for you — with honest advice, clear pricing, and no pressure.