If you have persistent cosmetic issues that previous dental procedures like teeth whitening or aligners have failed to address, veneers may be a worthwhile investment. Although the cost might be higher than for the other treatments, a sturdy, long-lasting, dazzling smile can be achieved with veneers that are made to match your real teeth. Read until the end to find out how much veneers cost in Australia and what factors influence it.
What are veneers?
The dental veneers procedure is a common cosmetic dental treatment. A set is also called a “smile makeover,” as it drastically improves the appearance of the teeth. Veneers appear as thin, tooth-colored shells that are put in front of teeth to change their shape, color, and sometimes even size.
Not everyone is qualified to get teeth veneers. Since they are often permanent, it is important to ensure that treatment to correct oral health issues has been performed beforehand. Other qualifying factors include having:
- Fully gone through skeletal growth
- A good bite
- No gum disease or cavities
- Good oral hygiene
Types of dental shells
There are several types of veneers. Let’s start with the main ones: porcelain veneers and composite veneers.
Porcelain veneers
Such veneers are made from porcelain laminate and are the most realistic-looking and long-lasting veneers available. Due to its high biocompatibility, porcelain veneers also respond well to the mouth’s soft tissues, including the gums. In addition, since porcelain is so aesthetically pleasing, these veneers can greatly enhance the look of your smile.
Composite resin veneers
Such veneers are made from composite resin, which is a blend of inorganic and organic components. They blend in quite well with your other natural teeth, but because they are not as strong as porcelain, they are vulnerable to stains over time and do not last as long.
Lumineers
These are a brand of veneers that are made of an incredibly thin porcelain laminate material and need minimal preparation before being placed. Unlike the porcelain veneers mentioned above, less natural tooth structure is destroyed when installing a lumineer over your tooth enamel.
Removable veneers
Otherwise known as snap-on veneers, this type of veneer is less expensive and is meant to be a temporary option.
Factors that influence dental veneers cost
Veneer prices might vary greatly. The average price per tooth for standard porcelain veneers might even vary by more than $1,500. The procedure involves a great number of variables, which accounts for the excessive variance.
Factor 1: The material
The cost of veneers will be significantly influenced by the materials that you or your dentist choose. P porcelain veneers are the most widely utilized type based on the materials’ longevity. Although composite materials are also resilient, they are weaker than porcelain and more prone to chipping. Additionally, porcelain veneers are typically irreparable and must be replaced if they are broken. Composite veneers, on the other hand, may be fixed if they are cracked.
But even porcelain veneers can be made from different materials, such as cerinate, pressed ceramic, lithium disilicate, stacked ceramic, and other similar materials. Each material has its own price and quality factors to take into account.
Factor 2: Number of visits
Typically, porcelain veneers require two to three visits, which include the preliminary consultation, the preparation visit (the tooth’s surface getting lightly shaved), and the final placement. On the other hand, since no-prep and composite veneers require less preparation, they often require fewer visits.
Factor 3: Veneer count/teeth position
Teeth that are more noticeable are often more expensive. Since the eight front teeth are more prone to chips, breakage, and misalignment, these are usually the teeth that receive this aesthetic procedure.
Factor 4: The dentist
Another consideration is the dentist’s reputation and level of experience. You may think that general dentists will be placing the veneers, but that’s not the case. Since it is a cosmetic procedure that requires more skill than other procedures like fillings, specialized cosmetic dentists are the ones that go apply the veneers.
As a result, the price after the offer will be higher. Therefore it is best if you choose a qualified dental professional who is knowledgeable about both fixing oral issues and enhancing their appearance. Still, although paying the highest price is not necessary, you should be wary of any cosmetic dentist who quotes a startlingly low price. Do your research and compare reviews at all times.
Factor 5: The location
Location and population density are only two examples of variables that might affect cosmetic dental costs. The cost of dental care is often higher in metropolitan areas and big cities like Sidney than it is in rural or suburban areas.
Prices for the full set of veneers
Dental insurance frequently does not fully cover the expense of treatment for veneers since they are considered to be cosmetic. As mentioned above, the type of veneers you choose, where your dentist is located, and how many you get will all affect the price.
The price per tooth for a conventional veneer ranges from $1,000 to $1,230. The most costly veneers are made of porcelain. No-prep veneers, such as Lumineers, are a somewhat cheaper option, tending to cost between $700-$2000 per tooth.
Although patients can get discounts when buying a full set of veneers, it is still costly (between 10,000-40,000)
If you’re curious about how much do dental veneers cost per tooth, these are the estimates (which may vary depending on the location you get your veneers procedure)
- Porcelain veneers: $500-$2,500
- Composite resin veneers: $250-$1,500
- Lumineers: $700-$2,000
There are also removable and temporary veneers that can be acquired per arch.
- Removable veneers: $300-$3500
- Temporary veneers (trial veneers): $200-$400
The cost of veneers can vary in different cities, such as Melbourne and Sydney. When considering veneers in Melbourne, prices typically range from $1800 to $2500+ per tooth. Similarly, the cost of veneers in Sydney falls within a similar price range. It’s important to note that these prices may depend on factors like the type of veneers and the dentist’s expertise. However, both Melbourne and Sydney offer dental clinics that often provide payment plans and discounts, ensuring that you can find affordable options to fit your budget in either city.
What’s included in the treatment cost?
Although there may be differences based on the type of veneer you want to get, the placement procedure is usually done in 2 sessions. Here is what is often included in the treatment:
- Removing enamel in order to make room for the veneer
- Creating an impression/mold of the prepped tooth structure
- Matching the veneer share to your smile
- Making a custom veneer, which usually takes several months, meaning you will have to wear temporary veneers until they are ready.
Does insurance cover the cost of veneers?
Traditional veneers are often done for aesthetic purposes – to improve the appearance of your teeth. And they cost more than conventional operations because they need specific materials, special tools, and advanced skills. Only dentists who have undergone significant training are able to employ custom molding tools.
Many consumers may not be aware of the extent of the dental coverage that their health insurance offers. Basic policies only provide coverage for basic procedures like cleanings and fillings, while more comprehensive ones may offer benefits that include wisdom tooth extraction and dental crowns.
However, since it is a cosmetic procedure that is not essential, often, private health insurance may not cover the cost. Still, if you make additional payments to your health fund, veneers will fall under major dental procedures, allowing you the possibility to make a claim.
Although this will not cover the full cost, it is still quite helpful. Unfortunately, if your policy is new, you may have to wait at least a year to be able to claim expensive dental procedures (like dental veneers).
To learn more about which of the dental procedures are covered by their policies, as well as the best dental service insurance plans, it is best to contact your health fund provider.
Lifespan of veneers
How long do veneers last? The lifespan of veneers varies from type to type. With proper care, regular check-ups, and oral hygiene, porcelain veneers can last 20 or more years. These are often the best choice because they last the longest, don’t harm gum tissue, and look the most natural out of them.
On the other hand, composite veneers usually last about 5-7 years, and Lumineers about 10 years.
Alternative treatments & their costs
As shown above, veneers can be quite costly, so if you have a tighter budget, here are a few alternatives that are both reversible and less invasive.
Teeth whitening
Professional teeth whitening is more affordable, and its effects are not permanent. The price of in-office teeth whitening varies from $500 to $1,400 per session. But you can also do it at home, which can cost from $30 to $300.
Dental bonding
With dental bonding, it is possible to whiten your teeth and/or correct tooth abnormalities by using an adhesive and tooth-colored composite resin. Unlike veneers, which need two or more sessions, these fillings, also known as resin composites, are typically finished in a single visit. The price per tooth might range from $300 to $600. Inlays, onlays, and crowns made of porcelain are examples of indirect restorations that can cost up to $1,500 per tooth.
Orthodontic treatment
This treatment avoids removing tooth enamel and is preferable if you have several crooked or misaligned teeth. Some common options are braces and clear aligners. Depending on the type of braces you choose, the price can vary. Ceramic braces are usually about $5000-$8500 in case of an 18-month treatment, and traditional braces are about $7000-$8000.
Final thoughts
The dental ceramic braces cost in Australia varies depending on the type you get, of which porcelain veneers are the most expensive. Factors such as the material used, the dentist’s expertise, the location, the number of visits, the placement, and amount of veneers needed are included in the final price. Since veneers are a permanent procedure, it is best to undergo the other alternatives that are reversible before fully committing to it.
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