Teeth whitening and veneers in Box Hill North
Cosmetic treatment changes how teeth look. It is elective, it is not reversible in every case, and it deserves a proper conversation before anything starts.
Start with what is actually bothering you
People arrive asking for veneers when what they want is their teeth to look less yellow, or straighter, or less worn. Those are three different problems with three different answers, and the least invasive one that achieves the result is usually the right place to begin.
Discolouration often responds to professional whitening, which removes no tooth structure at all. Small chips and gaps can frequently be closed with composite bonding, which is additive and can be adjusted or removed later. Crowding is an orthodontic question rather than a cosmetic one. Veneers become the answer when the shape, alignment and colour of the front teeth all need changing together — and they involve permanently removing enamel, which does not grow back.
We assess your teeth and gums first, because cosmetic work placed over active decay or untreated gum disease does not last.
Cosmetic options we provide
What suits you depends on your teeth, your bite and what you want to change.
Professional whitening
In-chair or custom take-home trays. Removes no tooth structure. Results vary between individuals and do not change the colour of existing fillings, crowns or veneers, which may then need replacing to match.
Composite bonding
Tooth-coloured resin added and shaped to close a small gap, rebuild a chip or reshape an edge. Additive and adjustable, but it can stain and chip and will need maintenance.
Porcelain veneers
Thin custom shells bonded to the front of the teeth. Requires irreversible removal of enamel. See the risks set out below before considering this option.
Crowns for front teeth
Where a front tooth is heavily broken down or root treated, a crown restores both strength and appearance.
Clear aligners
Where the underlying issue is alignment rather than colour or shape, moving the teeth can avoid cutting them down at all.
Replacing old restorations
Discoloured or mismatched fillings and crowns at the front of the mouth can be remade to blend with the surrounding teeth.
Veneers: what you need to know before you agree
Porcelain veneers require the removal of a layer of natural enamel from the front of each tooth. That enamel cannot be replaced, and once it is removed the tooth will always need a veneer or crown on it. This is the single most important thing to understand about the treatment.
Other risks and limitations: teeth are commonly sensitive to hot and cold for days to weeks after preparation; veneers can chip, crack or debond, particularly in people who grind their teeth; the margins can stain over time; and veneers have a finite lifespan and will eventually need replacing, at further cost. Some people are not suitable candidates, including those with active gum disease, significant grinding, or insufficient enamel to bond to. Porcelain does not change colour, so if you intend to whiten your other teeth, that is done before the veneers are made, not after.
Outcomes vary between individuals. We will assess whether veneers are appropriate for you and will say so if we think a different option is the better one. You will receive a written itemised quote before any treatment begins, and we will go through the risks, the alternatives — including doing nothing — and the ongoing maintenance the work will need.
Common questions
How white will my teeth go?
That depends on your natural tooth colour, the cause of the discolouration and how your teeth respond. We cannot promise a particular shade, and some staining — from trauma, certain antibiotics or internal causes — responds poorly to whitening.
Does whitening damage teeth?
Professionally supervised whitening does not remove tooth structure. Sensitivity during and shortly after treatment is common and usually temporary. Gum irritation can occur if the gel contacts soft tissue, which is one reason supervised treatment is preferable to unregulated products.
Are veneers reversible?
No. Preparing a tooth for a porcelain veneer removes enamel permanently. The tooth will need a veneer or crown on it from then on.
How long do veneers last?
They have a finite lifespan and will need replacing eventually. How long depends on your bite, whether you grind, how well you clean and what you eat. We will discuss realistic expectations for your case at the consultation.
Can I get veneers if I grind my teeth?
Grinding significantly increases the risk of chipping and debonding. It does not rule treatment out automatically, but it needs managing first, usually with a splint, and it may make a different option more sensible.
Will my health fund cover cosmetic work?
Cover for cosmetic treatment varies widely between funds and policies, and some exclude it. We claim through HICAPS at the appointment so you can see what is rebated immediately.
Related pages
Other parts of the site people usually read alongside this one.
Whether aligners suit your case, and what retention actually commits you to.
Rebuilding a damaged tooth, and how we choose between a filling and a crown.
Written itemised quotes with ADA item numbers, so you can check your rebate first.
Book a cosmetic consultation
We will examine your teeth and gums, explain the realistic options and put the costs in writing before you commit to anything.
Cosmetic dental treatment is elective. All treatment carries risk and results vary between individuals. This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a recommendation for your circumstances.