Veneers
Porcelain veneers in Vietnam — Emax explained for Australian patients
Porcelain veneers for Australian patients at Picasso Dental Clinic — Emax Press, Emax Press Plus, and Lisi materials, AUD pricing from AUD 510 per tooth, conservative prep protocol, 7-year warranty, and candidacy guide.
Porcelain veneers at Picasso Dental Clinic cost AUD 510–680 per tooth (Emax Press to Lisi) and typically last 10–15 years with proper care. Australian patients receive a written AUD quote before booking flights, shade approval using temporaries worn for 3–5 days, and a 7-year manufacturer warranty. Conservative preparation — removing the minimum enamel compatible with the aesthetic change — is the clinical standard.
Porcelain veneer materials at Picasso (AUD)
Picasso uses three porcelain systems for veneers, all in the lithium-disilicate (glass-ceramic) family:
| Material | Price per tooth (AUD) | Warranty | Clinical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emax Press | AUD 510 | 7 years | Most common — balance of aesthetics and strength |
| Emax Press Plus | AUD 565 | 7 years | Higher translucency; preferred for lighter shade goals |
| Lisi (lithium-disilicate reinforced) | AUD 680 | 7 years | Strongest option; preferred for heavier bites or mild bruxism |
All three materials are fired in a certified off-site dental laboratory. Composite veneers (hand-layered resin) are a separate, lower-cost option — see composite veneers.
Australia vs Picasso cost comparison
| Scenario | AU private practice (AUD) | Picasso Vietnam (AUD) |
|---|---|---|
| Single veneer | AUD 1,500–2,500 | AUD 510–680 |
| 6-veneer upper arch | AUD 9,000–15,000 | AUD 3,060–4,080 |
| 10-veneer smile | AUD 15,000–25,000 | AUD 5,100–6,800 |
| 16-veneer full smile | AUD 24,000–40,000 | AUD 8,160–10,880 |
Return flights from Sydney or Melbourne to Vietnam average AUD 900–1,200 and accommodation AUD 60–90 per night. Even after adding travel costs, savings on 8+ veneers typically exceed AUD 8,000. See veneer cost: Australia vs Vietnam for the full break-even analysis.
The Portrait Sitting — shade and shape approval
Before any enamel is touched, the clinical photography and shade mapping session establishes:
- Baseline records — clinical photos from 8 angles, panoramic X-ray, bite assessment
- Shade mapping — colour selected against your skin tone, eye colour, and lip line
- Wax-up or mock-up — proposed shape visualised on models or temporarily applied to teeth without preparation
- Consent point — you approve shade and morphology before any irreversible work begins
This session is what differentiates a planned aesthetic outcome from a guess.
Preparation — how conservative?
The clinical standard at Picasso: remove the minimum enamel compatible with the aesthetic change and a durable bond.
Typical preparation depth:
- Minimal-prep: 0.3–0.5mm for teeth that are slightly small or discoloured
- Standard prep: 0.5–0.7mm for most cases
- Non-prep: possible in select cases where the tooth is slightly undersize — no enamel removal
Preparation depth is agreed with the patient before any irreversible work — this is a clinical decision, not a volume-driven one.
Temporaries — the functional prototype
After preparation, laboratory-fabricated temporaries are bonded for the duration of lab work (3–5 days). Temporaries:
- Protect the prepared tooth from sensitivity and decay
- Let you test the new shape before final ceramics are made
- Guide the lab — the ceramist uses photos of the temporaries to fine-tune the final shape
If the temporaries reveal something you want changed — shade too warm, incisal edge too long — adjustments are made before final bonding.
Appointment flow — typical 7–10 days
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Consultation, X-rays, clinical photos, shade mapping |
| 2 | Portrait Sitting — wax-up review, shade approval |
| 3 | Preparation, temporary fabrication and bonding |
| 5–6 | Try-in — shape, shade, and bite check |
| 7–8 | Final bond — cementation, bite check, hygiene instructions |
Combining with implants, crowns, or whitening? The timeline extends by 2–4 days.
Candidacy — who is suitable?
Well-suited:
- Adults with healthy gum tissue and stable bite
- Patients with staining, worn edges, or minor shape irregularities
- Patients wanting a durable result lasting 10–15+ years
- Bruxists with a commitment to wearing a night guard
Requires evaluation before proceeding:
- Active periodontitis — gum disease must be treated and stable first
- Severe bruxism without compliance intent — realistic expectations essential
- Very deep overbite — bite must be assessed for veneer clearance
Not suitable:
- Children and adolescents with developing teeth
- Active decay or infection — treated first
Aftercare and lifespan
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Night guard compliance (bruxists) | Very high — prevents premature fracture |
| Non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste | High — preserves glaze surface |
| 6-monthly hygienist visits | High — cleans cement margins |
| Avoiding biting nails, ice, hard food | Moderate |
| Contact sports mouthguard | High for contact sports |
Expected lifespan: 10–15 years with good care; many veneers last 20+ years.
Warranty
Emax Press, Emax Press Plus, and Lisi veneers carry a 7-year warranty against manufacturing defects at Picasso. Exclusions include trauma, grinding without a prescribed guard, and marginal decay. Full warranty terms at /warranty/.