Who doesn’t want a dazzling white smile they can show off with pride. Not only is a healthy-looking white smile attractive, it can also do wonders for a person’s confidence. Fortunately there are several ways to achieve this including porcelain veneers. The good news that cosmetic dentistry treatments such as dental veneers have grown in popularity globally. But how much do veneers cost and are they worth it?
The findings of the National Dental Survey in 2017 found that Australians could expect to pay up to AUD 1,983 per tooth for a porcelain veneer and up to AUD 860 for a composite veneer. Naturally, prices for the procedure will vary from one dental clinic to another.
So, what are dental veneers?
Veneers are ultra-thin tooth-coloured shells used by a dentist to cover a patient’s teeth. There are two types of veneers for people to choose from – porcelain and composite and both are used to modify the shape, size, or colour of one or more teeth.
Porcelain veneers are crafted in a dental lab and bonded to the tooth enamel. When properly cared for they can last upwards of 10 years. Conversely, composite veneers are applied directly to the teeth by a dentist using the same material used for white tooth fillings. The composite resin is placed on the tooth and shaped to give a shiny new surface which on average lasts between 5 and 7 years.
Most people prefer porcelain veneers because they closely resemble the translucency and sparkle of tooth enamel to give a natural-looking smile. They are more durable than composite dental veneers and when cared for properly can last for a decade or more.
When are dental veneers used?
Porcelain veneers are used to fix the following dental concerns:
- To whiten discoloured or severely stained teeth
- Modify the shape or size of a tooth or teeth
- Straighten mildly misaligned teeth
- Close gaps between the teeth
- Conceal cracked tooth enamel and broken or chipped teeth
How much do veneers cost? – What you need to consider
Since cosmetic dentistry is not a dental necessity but rather something a person chooses to have, the main thing to consider is whether the improvement in the appearance of your smile and the boost to your confidence outweigh the financial cost.
Furthermore, have you considered the pros and cons of other options available to you?
While some people may consider the cost of dental veneers not to be worth it, for others it can transform their lives.
At Beyond Infinity Dental, we will discuss any suitable cosmetic options available to you together with their costs and provide a written treatment plan so you can go home and think things through.
We find it’s always best to sleep on a decision, going through it in your head to ensure that you’re one hundred per cent sure it’s the right decision. If you have any doubts then it’s best to address them before going ahead.
What influences the cost of dental veneers?
At this point in the article, you may well be thinking that you still don’t have an accurate answer to the question of “how much do veneers cost?”
Well, that’s because every treatment and smile is customised to suit the individual and will vary according to what is required. The following factors will affect the price of your dental veneers.
The number of veneers
The number of veneers needed is the main determining factor as to what you can expect to pay for your new smile. It could be that a patient only requires a single veneer to restore a cracked tooth or maybe two veneers to close the gap between their two front teeth. Perhaps you long for a full Hollywood smile makeover which depending on the width of your smile could require as many as 12 porcelain veneers.
Some people can achieve the smile they want using just the six teeth in their smile line whereas for others it’s the front ten teeth. Some people are only concerned about their top teeth.
What we’re saying is that everyone is different and everyone has different needs.
If a dentist charges by the cost per veneer then simply multiply that by the number of veneers you need to get a better indication of the price.
Some dentists also offer veneer packages so you may get a better deal for your money this way.
The dentist
Is the dentist a general dentist or a cosmetic dentist? Since there are no standard fees for dentists, aside from how many veneers you need, the biggest price difference is the dentist’s pricing structure.
While most dentists provide porcelain veneers and have the necessary training, it may not be a procedure they perform regularly at their practice. While a cosmetic dentist is not a registered dental specialist, they focus on cosmetic dentistry and likely do hundreds every year.
Generally speaking, the more experience a dentist has, the higher their costs may be.
Technician/Ceramist
The technical skill of the person making your veneers is crucial to ensure a great fit and a natural-looking result. Again, the more training and expertise they have, the higher the lab charges may be to the dentist and this will be reflected in the price.
Location
Not only does the price of porcelain veneers vary from one country to another but it also varies from one state to another and between large cities and smaller towns.
Insurance
Finally, don’t forget to consider your health fund when wondering how much do veneers cost. The level of insurance provided by your health fund ultimately affects how much you can claim back and what amount comes out of your pocket,
Are you considering porcelain veneers?
At Beyond Infinity Dental, Dr Yang utilises ground-breaking Infinity Veneers and with his talent and expertise can create an attractive natural-looking smile that we know you’ll love. Currently, we’re offering zero percent finance to help you spread the cost. Call us at (02) 8806 3799 or book online today.
