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/.
Related pages
- Veneers hub — Portrait Sitting protocol
- Composite veneers — conservative alternative
- Veneer cost: Australia vs Vietnam
- How long do veneers last?
- Night guards and bruxism
- Smile makeover
- Free quote
Frequently asked questions
What type of porcelain does Picasso use for veneers?
Picasso uses three main porcelain systems: Emax Press (AUD 510/tooth, 7-year warranty), Emax Press Plus (AUD 565/tooth, 7-year warranty), and Lisi (AUD 680/tooth, 7-year warranty). All are lithium-disilicate ceramics fired in a certified dental laboratory. Material for your case is selected based on desired translucency, bite loading, and shade target.
How long do porcelain veneers last?
Studies report survival rates of 93–94% at 5 years and around 73% at 10 years for Emax and feldspathic porcelain veneers. Well-maintained veneers regularly reach 15–20 years. The single biggest reducer of lifespan is unmanaged bruxism — a custom night guard is essential if you grind.
How much do porcelain veneers cost at Picasso vs Australia?
Picasso: AUD 510 per tooth (Emax Press) to AUD 680 per tooth (Lisi). Australian private practice: typically AUD 1,500–2,500+ per tooth in Sydney and Melbourne. A 10-veneer smile makeover costs approximately AUD 5,100–6,800 at Picasso versus AUD 15,000–25,000+ at an Australian private practice. Return flights from Australia average AUD 900–1,200 — savings on 8+ veneers remain substantial.
Do porcelain veneers require enamel removal?
Most cases require minimal preparation — typically 0.3–0.7mm of enamel is removed from the front surface to create space for the ceramic. Non-prep or minimal-prep veneers are possible when the tooth is slightly undersize or the desired change is very small. The amount of preparation is determined after clinical examination and discussed before any irreversible work begins.
Can I get veneers if I grind my teeth?
Yes in most cases. Bruxism is not an automatic disqualifier, but it must be disclosed before treatment planning. The plan will include a mandatory night guard, veneers may be made slightly thicker for strength, and realistic lifespan expectations are set before any preparation. Undisclosed grinding is a leading cause of early veneer failure — disclose it on your free quote form.
Am I a candidate if I have gum disease?
Active gum disease must be treated and stable before veneer preparation. Unstable gum margins affect impression accuracy and the long-term bond. Clinical records review at consultation will identify any periodontal issues — these are resolved before cosmetic work begins.