Dental veneers can transform a smile instantly, covering up aesthetic imperfections and giving you the confidence to smile. For many years porcelain veneers were reserved for the ultra-wealthy as their cost was a barrier for many people but in recent years the cost of porcelain veneers has come down drastically, making this form of cosmetic dentistry accessible to lots more people. Let’s take a look at how much does it cost to get porcelain veneers and whether the procedure is worth your investment.
What Are Dental Veneers?
While dental veneers do strengthen a tooth to a small degree, they are considered to be primarily cosmetic. Your dentist will create a thin shield that will be bonded to the front of your teeth.
These covers or dental veneers can
- Alter the appearance of teeth that are cracked, chipped, broken or fractured
- Make small teeth look wider or longer
- Change the colour of stained or discoloured teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening
Porcelain veneers are usually used in what are commonly known in smile make-overs or transformations. They are minimally invasive and can almost instantly change the appearance of your smile without downtime or pain.
What Factors Influence The Cost Of Dental Veneers?
There are a number of different factors that can impact the cost of veneers, which makes it difficult to give averages or price estimates unless you have consulted with a dentist.
When you are given a cost estimate, it will take these factors into account:
- The number of teeth that will be fitted with veneers
- The choice of material (porcelain is more expensive than composite resin veneers)
- Your dentist’s fees, which is usually based on the complexity of the procedure and the skill level of your dentist
- Where you are based. More competitive areas tend to offer more competitive pricing structures.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Porcelain Veneers In 2021
The only reliable way to get an estimate of the cost of your porcelain veneers is to consult with a dentist. We have done some research and found some ballpark averages that you could use to guide you in your decision-making process.
According to the results of their National Dental Fee Survey, smile.com.au cites an average price of $2036 per tooth for porcelain veneers and a cost of around $836 per tooth for composite resin.
Finder.com.au provides a price range of between $441 and $804 per tooth for composite resin veneers. If you prefer porcelain, they estimate a cost of between $1200 and $2500 per tooth, based on data from a survey they conducted in 2018.
How To Choose Which Material To Use?
If you were shopping on price alone, composite resin does seem more attractive at face value, but it’s important to note that these veneers may only last for eight years before they need to be replaced. While porcelain does demand a higher initial outlay, it does have a much longer lifespan and thus a much bigger return. With good oral care, veneers made from porcelain may last for up to 25 years.
Porcelain is extremely strong and robust, resistant to staining and mimics the natural teeth very closely. It is possible to get an excellent colour match so if your porcelain veneers are adjacent to natural teeth, there shouldn’t be a visible difference.
Does Private Insurance Cover The Cost Of Veneers?
Medicare and most private insurance companies will not cover the cost of dental veneers because it is a cosmetic procedure. If you have an insurance plan with major dental cover, however, you may be entitled to some cover for part of the cost. You will probably have to go through a 12 month waiting period, which means you won’t be able to claim for dental veneers for another year.
Caring For Teeth With Veneers
Continue to take good care of your teeth and porcelain veneers by brushing and flossing twice a day and visiting your dentist twice a year. Only use your teeth for biting food.
While you should be able to eat whatever you want, it would be a good idea to limit your exposure to some foods to protect your veneers. You might want to avoid:
- Food that is really hard. Don’t bite into ice for example
- Really crunchy foods like nuts with shells
- Really sticky and hard foods like toffee apples
For a more personalised answer to how much does it cost to get porcelain veneers please contact us for a consultation: (02) 8203 8760.
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