Choosing the right cosmetic dentist can be a tricky task in today’s digital world. Search engines like Google offer a wealth of information. They give customers the ability to search, gather information, see photos, and read reviews. But this is not censored information. They should be read with both eyes open. Let’s filter through it together.
My advice is that your first step is to find the right dentist. Find someone who can evaluate your needs and choose the best option. If those options are veneers or a smile makeover, there are some things to note.
1. Look for an expert in the field of porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are a specialised treatment that require both technical skill and artistic vision. The process is highly technique-sensitive, and when not carried out correctly, the results may not meet expectations and can be difficult to correct. At The Dental Room, we often meet patients who come to us seeking advice after being unhappy with previous cosmetic dental work. This highlights the importance of choosing a dentist with experience in porcelain veneers to help ensure a natural and lasting result.
2. Look for quality
All veneers are not created equally. They can vary in the type of porcelain used and the type of cements used. They can change depending on whether the veneer is prepared in-house or outsourced. An important factor is the degree of customisation available.
That’s why you’ll also find a huge difference in prices. But remember this: porcelain veneers are an irreversible health procedure. At The Dental Room, our focus is on delivering high-quality treatment outcomes. Providing this level of care requires time, expertise, and precision, which is why our treatments are positioned at a premium level. We believe in maintaining the highest standards rather than compromising on quality, as this allows us to achieve results that are tailored, natural, and lasting for our patients.
3. Beware of ‘the marketers’
In today’s world, some dentists run highly polished marketing campaigns. While creativity is an important trait for any cosmetic dentist, it’s essential not to let clever marketing distract you from what really matters, the quality of treatment and outcomes you deserve.
The best way to distinguish genuine expertise from strong marketing is to carefully examine a dentist’s actual work. Ask to see plenty of case examples, and make sure the work shown is truly theirs.
When reviewing photos, take a moment to assess whether the results reflect the kind of aesthetic you’d be happy with. This is one of the clearest ways to gauge the dentist’s skill and artistic ability.
Any passionate cosmetic or aesthetic dentist will care about their photography. That means high-res, clear, and colour-correct images free of debris, saliva, and so on. The photographs are doorways into the quality of their work. You cannot be successful in today’s dentistry if you’re not photographing your work well.
The trick is to look closely at the ‘after’ teeth and make sure they resemble an actual tooth, not a veneer or crown. All aesthetic dentistry should be natural and unnoticeable.
4. Know the ceramist that will work on your veneers
Behind every great cosmetic dentist is an amazing ceramist, especially in the art of porcelain veneers. There is a scientific component understood by the dentist and the artistic component created by the ceramist.
The ceramist makes the veneers, and each ceramist creates a characteristic style of veneers. Does it look like they take a cookie-cutter approach with all their veneers? How ‘natural’ do the veneers look?
5. That certain ‘something’
The last part is the intangible. It’s the feeling you get when you meet the dentist. After all, you are putting your health or smile in their hands. You are creating a special partnership that both parties have to be on board with.
The results of any cosmetic or aesthetic procedure are not 100 per cent predictable. Working with someone who you trust and will help you through any bumps along the road is invaluable. This is why some of the best referrals come from close friends or family!
I hope these tips are helpful. If you have any questions, please drop us an email at hello@thedentalroom.com.au and I will answer back to help guide you through your journey.
Results, potential risks, complications, and recovery times can differ for each individual and each procedure. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Refer to thedentalroom.com.au/risks for more information on risks and potential complications.
Before starting any treatment, we recommend seeking independent advice from an AHPRA-registered health practitioner and considering a second opinion. This content is intended for adults, is general in nature, and should not be regarded as medical advice. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Images and videos featured on this page are shared with our clients’ consent and have not been altered with filters, editing, or AI tools.
NEXT: Veneer trends for 2026: Natural and understated smiles
About Dr Shawn Rama
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room, with more than 20 years of experience in general and aesthetic dentistry. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and has undertaken further training in aesthetic dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and dental implants. Dr Shawn is also an accredited Invisalign® Platinum Provider and a member of the Australian Dental Association. He founded The Dental Room in Balwyn North in 2016, creating a boutique practice centred around personalised, considered dental care.
