Dental veneers are thin covers that are customised to fit the size, shape and contours of your teeth. They are a cosmetic dentistry treatment and because they were considered a treatment for celebrities, many patients are concerned about the cost. Fortunately, the cost of veneers has come down considerably as they have become more in demand, making them available and accessible to most people. Let’s take a look at how much does it cost to get porcelain veneers and whether it is worth it.
What Influences The Cost Of Veneers?
There are different variables that can influence how much you pay for veneers. Because every case is different, it’s quite difficult to find averages. The factors that can influence the cost of your veneers include
The Type Of Veneers You Have Placed
Porcelain veneers are significantly more expensive than composite resin, but for good reason. With composite resin veneers, you can expect a four to eight-year lifespan, while porcelain veneers may last for as long as 25 years with good oral care and professional help.
Composite resin is a much softer material than porcelain too, making it easy to chip and crack. Patients tend to favour porcelain because of how closely it emulates dental enamel and because of the fact that it is resistant to stains and discolouration. It also reflects the natural light in the same way as dental enamel so it is not easy to distinguish a porcelain veneer from a natural tooth.
The Amount Of Work You Need Done
If you need additional dental treatments, like a check-up and clean or dental restorations, this will also affect your total cost. If you’re having two dental veneers, the cost will be much lower than for six veneers.
Your Location And Dentist
Your dental practitioner as well as where the practice is located influences how much you will be charged for your veneers. Experienced dentists may charge more than those based in more competitive areas.
Does Private Health Insurance Cover The Cost Of Dental Veneers?
While Medicare will not pay for veneers, some private health insurance policies may cover part of the cost of dental veneers if you have major dental cover. You can expect at least a 12 month waiting period before you will be able to proceed with treatment.
So, How Much Does It Cost To Get Veneers?
The most accurate way to know how much does it cost to get porcelain veneers is to have a consultation with your dentist. Your dentist will then prepare a treatment plan, detailing the options that may be available to you, which in the case of dental veneers would include the cost of porcelain veneers and the cost of having veneers made in composite resin.
Because it’s so difficult to give averages, we have done some online research to compare veneers costs.
According to smile.com.au’s annual dental fee survey of 2020, a single porcelain veneer can cost $2036 per tooth. By comparison, a single composite resin veneer may only cost $836 per tooth.
Figures from finder.com.au cite the ADA’s 2018 dental fee survey and claim that a single composite resin veneer can cost $441 to $804 per tooth and a porcelain veneer between $1200 and $1817 per tooth in NEw South Wales. The website says, however, that some practitioners may charge up to $2500 per tooth for porcelain veneers.
Dental Guide Australia recommends that you budget between $600 and $2000 per tooth for porcelain veneers.
Generally, the more veneers you have placed, the lower the cost of a single restoration.
What Can You Do To Manage The Cost Of Dental Veneers?
It is possible to manage the cost of porcelain veneers so you can get maximum value. Here are some ideas.
- Shop for a private health insurance policy that covers major dental. You can go a step further and compare plans online to make sure you get the best deal available
- Find out if your dental practitioner offers a payment plan
What About Dental Tourism?
Won’t you pay less if you go abroad for veneers? Travelling out of the country for dental treatment is always risky. While the cost of porcelain veneers may seem lower in places like Thailand at face value, when you factor in the cost of dealing with things going wrong, it could work out much more expensive. Having a local dental practitioner in charge of your treatment means that it is much simpler to manage any complications when you only need to go down the road.
How Long Will Your Veneers Last?
The lifespan of your veneers depends on your choice of material, but you can budget on approximately eight-year lifespans for composite resin veneers and a 12 to 25-year lifespan for porcelain veneers. Your dentist will check them when you have your teeth cleaned and polished, and can alert you to any issues as they arise.
For a more personalised answer to how much does it cost to get porcelain veneers, you need to consult with your dentist who will provide you with a detailed treatment plan and treatment options. Call us today on these numbers.
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
