If you’re looking to improve the function and appearance of your teeth, porcelain veneers may be an option. They are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of teeth, with the aim of adjusting shape, size, and colour. In some cases, veneers can also provide added strength to teeth.
Disclaimer: Results may vary between individuals. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified practitioner.
What to do first
Before deciding on veneers, it’s important to start with a comprehensive consultation with Dr Shawn Rama and our in-house ceramist, Ms Chloe Park. At this appointment, we take the time to understand your goals, examine your teeth, and discuss the most suitable treatment options. Veneers may not always be the only solution, so we provide information on all available options, including estimated costs, as well as potential risks and benefits, to help you make an informed decision.
Records
Once this consultation is complete, the next step is to get the Clinical Records taken. These are likely to include moulds of your teeth, 2D and 3D Xrays and photographs. For your convenience, this can be done at the same appointment as the consultation.
Dr Shawn Rama and his ceramist use the information obtained in designing your smile. As Shawn creates a Digital Smile Design so that you can see your new smile digitally, Chloe also puts it all together and creates a ‘wax up’ – a model of your teeth that are transformed into the new smile using special lab wax.
A week after the Clinical Records, we discuss the Digital Smile Design and the wax up to discuss the end result with you and get your feedback.
Trial Smile
This is an optional process which can be created in certain cases. With the introduction of a Digital Smile Design, clients are not too worried about going through the trial smile process.
Using special matrices and dental materials, temporary veneers are placed on your teeth using the measurements produced in the wax up. Most clients love it right away, but some clients like to play with a few changes to colour, shapes or lengths of the temporaries in the mouth, before sharing the information with our ceramist to make the final veneers.
Veneer Preparation
Using the temporary veneers and wax-up as a guide, Dr Shawn carefully prepares your teeth and takes impressions. This usually involves minimal adjustment (around 0.2mm) with a conservative approach. You’ll then be placed back into temporary veneers so you leave looking the same as when you arrived. This appointment usually takes about two hours and is completed under local anaesthetic for comfort.
Our ceramist Chloe then creates your customised veneers in our on-site lab. Clients are welcome to visit the lab to see the process and be part of the journey.
Veneer Insertion
One to two weeks later, your custom veneers are tried in so you can see how they look and feel. Once you’re happy, they’re bonded to your teeth. With our in-house ceramist, tweaks can often be made right away—sometimes within the hour.
We’ve fine-tuned this process over the years so the journey is straightforward and you can enjoy seeing your new smile come together step by step.
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room, with more than 20 years of experience in dentistry. He has a strong focus on aesthetic dentistry and works closely with our in-house ceramist to design customised porcelain veneers. Dr Shawn has created a clinic environment where clients are welcomed by a friendly team and supported throughout their treatment journey.
Contact us on (03) 9857 3988 or book an appointment with us online here.
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: The amazing transformation of a smile makeover
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.
