If you have gaps between your teeth, veneers may be an option to address them. This page explains how veneers can be used to close gaps, the types of veneers available, the placement process, costs, and risks.
All costs on this page are indicative. Full costs will be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment and may vary based on your individual case.
Porcelain veneers: Thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of the teeth. Porcelain veneers require filing the teeth and removing a layer of enamel — this preparation is irreversible. Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 20 years depending on care.
Get more information on porcelain veneer treatment options.
Composite veneers: A thin resin applied directly to the teeth and sculpted by the dentist. Composite veneers require less tooth preparation than porcelain. The resin is cured and polished. Composite veneers typically last 5 to 7 years.
Get more information on composite veneer treatment options.
Veneers can be used to close small to moderate gaps between teeth. By placing veneers on the teeth on either side of a gap, the teeth appear wider, reducing or eliminating the visible gap. Multiple veneers can be placed across a section of teeth for a consistent appearance.
Veneers require a tooth to adhere to — they cannot replace a missing tooth. For missing teeth, dental implants or other restorative options may be more appropriate. Your dentist will assess your teeth and discuss the most suitable approach at your consultation.
Step 1 — Initial consultation: Your dentist examines your teeth, discusses the concern you wish to address, and determines whether veneers are appropriate. Scans and impressions may be taken for porcelain veneers. You can ask questions about the process.
Step 2 — Tooth preparation: For porcelain veneers, the teeth are filed and enamel is removed. This is irreversible. Local anaesthetic is available, though you may experience some discomfort. For composite veneers, light preparation is needed, which is less extensive than for porcelain.
Step 3 — Temporary veneers (porcelain only): Temporary veneers are placed while permanent veneers are fabricated. This step is not required for composite veneers, which are sculpted directly onto the teeth.
Step 4 — Veneer placement: Porcelain veneers are bonded to the prepared teeth. Composite veneers are applied as resin, sculpted, cured with a light, and polished.
Step 5 — Aftercare: Care for your veneers as you would natural teeth — brush and floss daily. Avoid biting hard objects. Attend regular dental check-ups so your dentist can monitor the veneers and your oral health. Your dentist will provide specific aftercare instructions.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
Veneers are priced per tooth. The cost depends on the type of veneer and the number of teeth being treated.
Porcelain veneer: $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth
Composite veneer: $300 to $600 per tooth
Your dentist will provide a specific cost at your consultation. Payment plans are available through AfterPay, Humm, and Zip.
Customisable: Veneers can be colour-matched to surrounding teeth and adjusted in shape and size to close gaps and address other concerns.
Conservative tooth preparation: Composite veneers in particular require less tooth removal than some other restorative options. Porcelain veneers require more preparation, which is irreversible.
Versatile: Veneers can address multiple concerns at once, including gaps, chips, discolouration, and tooth shape, depending on the clinical situation.
Do I Qualify for Veneers to Close Gaps?
To be a candidate for veneers, you generally need healthy gums free from active gum disease and adequate enamel on the teeth being treated. Veneers are suited to small or moderate gaps. For large gaps, missing teeth, or bite issues, orthodontic treatment or dental implants may be more appropriate.
Your dentist will assess your oral health at a consultation and advise whether veneers are appropriate for your case.
All dental treatments carry risks. Risks of veneer treatment include tooth sensitivity during and after preparation; the irreversible removal of natural enamel (for porcelain veneers), meaning the teeth will always require veneers or another restoration; the possibility of veneers chipping, cracking, debonding, or failing over time; colour mismatch between veneers and natural teeth over time; the potential need for root canal treatment if the nerve is affected during preparation; and the need for eventual replacement, as veneers are not permanent.
Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to your case before treatment.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
If you have gaps between your teeth and are considering veneers, a consultation is the appropriate starting point. Your dentist will assess your teeth, discuss whether veneers are clinically appropriate, explain the options and their risks, and provide a treatment plan with costs.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.