Australia has a diverse range of dental options and treatments. It includes veneers, which are thin shells that can fit over teeth to improve the look of your smile. They are used to fix common dental problems such as chipped or cracked teeth, misshaped teeth, and gaps between teeth. People also choose veneers to treat discoloured teeth due to stains or excessive fluoride.
Dental veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of your teeth, and they can be used as an alternative to tooth-coloured fillings. They are known as treatments in cosmetic dentistry because of their advantages and instant results. But how much do dental veneers cost? Many factors impact the cost of dental veneers, including where you live, the quality of materials, and whether you have Medicare coverage. In this blog post, we will discuss some common questions about the price of dental veneers in Australia.
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What Are Veneers?
Dental veneer treatment is a common type used to cover imperfections in the tooth surface. Your natural teeth are coated with a dental restoration tooth-coloured material that has been sculpted to fit your smile and improve its appearance. Veneers can be used to fix cosmetic problems, from chips in the enamel surface or broken teeth, to discolouration and smaller than average teeth. Additionally, veneers can be used with bonding procedures or crowns as part of a restorative dental procedure.
Veneers have various types, but the most common types are porcelain and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are made from solid materials; the thin and translucent porcelain makes them a very natural material. However, they can be quite expensive. Composite resin materials can be an alternative to porcelain veneers, and they are less expensive. However, they can still provide several benefits, like removing less tooth enamel during application and repairing damage like chips and cracks.
If you take proper care of your veneers, they’ll last up to 15 or 20 years. An important factor determining their longevity is healthy oral hygiene. You can extend the lifespan of your veneers by having regular dental appointments. Having your veneers cleaned every six months is an easy way to keep them looking new while keeping you smiling and comfortable.
The procedure of applying a traditional dental veneer involves shaving down the underlying tooth structure, sometimes going past the enamel. This procedure allows for proper placement, but it is also a painful and irreversible treatment that is often accompanied by a local anesthetic.
In contrast, no-prep veneers may require some tooth preparation or alterations, but these changes are minimal. Unlike traditional veneers that remove layers of enamel, no-prep veneers only remove the enamel. Most of the time, no-prep veneers do not require local anesthetics.
Veneers are an instant option to have your dream of a brighter smile. Still, it is essential to note that if you have other underlying oral problems, it is highly recommended that you ask your dentist if you are a good candidate for veneers.
Learn More: What Are Veneers: Everything You Need To Know
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
The cost of treatment will be determined by several factors, such as the type of veneer (porcelain or composite) and how many veneers the patient requires. The cost will also vary depending on your location. In cities like Burwood, VIC, the price of composite resin veneers may range from $458 – $804. On the other hand, porcelain veneers can cost around $1253 to $2036.
What Factors Impact the Cost of Veneers?
Dental veneers are a great way to improve your smile. Picking the suitable material for you is essential in deciding which type of dental work would be best for you and what it might cost.
The price of dental veneers can differ depending on several factors. Factors that can affect the cost of veneers include the materials, custom fitting, and which tooth is receiving them. The common factors that may impact the price of veneers are the following:
Materials
The materials you or your dentist will recommend will largely impact the cost of veneers. Porcelain veneers are the most popular because of the durability of the materials used. Although composite materials are durable, they are not as strong as porcelain and are more likely to chip. In most cases, porcelain veneers can not be repaired and must be replaced if damaged. On the other hand, composite veneers can be repaired if they are chipped.
Veneer Count and Teeth Position
Visible teeth can cost more than those less visible. Generally speaking, the teeth that usually receive this cosmetic treatment are the eight front teeth, since they are more vulnerable to chips, brokenness, and misalignment.
Location Of The Dental Practice
Costs associated with cosmetic dentistry are influenced by factors such as location and population density. A dentist’s office in a major city or densely populated area charges higher rates than one in a rural or suburban area.
Dentist
The reputation and expertise of the dentist can be factors as well. In cosmetic dentistry, they require additional training to be qualified in the field. Veneers are often placed by cosmetic dentists, not by general dentists, dental specialists, or dentists with the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Because the placement procedure of traditional veneers also requires more skill than procedures such as fillings and porcelain crowns.
Thus, the offer will result in a higher price. It is worth considering a skilled dental professional who knows both how to repair dental problems and improve cosmetics.
Does My Health Fund Cover the Cost of Veneers?
Many people might not know how much dental coverage their health insurance provides. Basic policies only cover basic procedures like fillings and cleanings, but more comprehensive ones offer benefits such as dental crowns or wisdom tooth extractions.
Fortunately, porcelain veneers and composite veneers fall into the major dental’ category of dental insurance coverage. Although this will not cover the entire cost, it will cover a specified portion depending on the provider. The downside is that if you have a new policy, you may need to wait for a minimum of 12 months before you can claim more expensive dental procedures, including dental veneers.
When you need to have a procedure covered by insurance, your dentist can give you an itemised list of costs, making the process easier. This way, they’ll be able to submit it for approval as needed when contacting their healthcare provider.
We recommend you reach out to your health fund provider directly to find out what specific dental procedures are only covered by their policies and to find out more about the best dental service insurance plans.
Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Veneers?
In cosmetic dentistry, veneers are a treatment that a patient can choose, rather than a treatment they need. In this case, it would not be covered by Medicare. In some instances, government-funded schemes such as the Child Dental Benefits Schedule or CBDS may assist individuals with the cost of their dental care. However, porcelain veneers are unlikely to be covered.
Other Payment Options for Veneers
It is vital that you understand the information about payment plans. It can vary depending on where you go, so it’s best to ask before applying for one. You have a variety of affordable payment options for your dental work. All these choices will be discussed with you in detail during the consultation, and the dental clinic can help you find a suitable plan for you.
In house repayment options
You will need to ask your dental clinic about their terms and conditions if they offer payment plans. You should check the process before applying, because offices or practices might have different procedures. It is important to remember that each company has different approval processes and eligibility requirements. Payments can be made directly to the practice before their due date if you select a payment plan option for your payouts.
Afterpay
People who want affordable healthcare but don’t have the cash available to pay upfront are given the option of AfterPay. This payment plan allows you to spread out the cost of your dental treatment over four equal instalments and pay it off without incurring any interest or extra fees. Payments on time have no additional expenses, provided they are made on time. This option may vary from person to person, and AfterPay determines the limit.
Zip Pay and Zip Money
Zippay covers more minor procedures under $1000, while Zipmoney covers more advanced treatments above $1000. The Zip Pay monthly payment option makes it easy to pay for your purchases. Both methods are interest-free, up to a 24 month period in Zip Money.
Paying what you can afford every month is the best way to pay off your balance before interest starts accruing, but it won’t pay out the whole amount before interest starts. Be sure to make all scheduled payments on time to avoid surprises in the coming months, such as interest and late payment fees. In addition to any other expenses you may have incurred due to late or missed payments, any outstanding balance at the end of the interest-free period will be subject to finance charges of 19%. We offer a flexible repayment schedule whether you want to pay weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
Veneers Alternatives Comparison
The cost of dental veneers can be high, especially if you want more than one. Furthermore, conventional veneers require the dentist to spend time preparing your teeth, which means removing part of your natural tooth structure is needed before the veneers are applied. As a result, veneers are an irreversible treatment. You can opt for reversible, less invasive dental treatments or affordable options in place of veneers if you are undecided about them. Examples of these are:
Teeth Whitening
Getting your teeth whitened professionally is less expensive than getting veneers. However, the results are not permanent depending on the type of whitening treatment that is used.
Cost of Teeth Whitening
The average cost of in-office teeth whitening ranges between $500 and $1400.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth. When fillings fail to correct a problem, you can use crowns to protect, cover, and restore your teeth’s shape. The materials used for dental crowns include metal, porcelain, resin, and ceramic. As long as you maintain good oral hygiene, they typically don’t require special care.
The Cost of Dental Crowns
The price of dental crowns is determined by the type of material used and will depend on the condition of your teeth. The average cost of crowns in Australia is between $1100 and $2000.
Orthodontic Treatment
If your aesthetic concerns are crooked teeth, misalignment, or gaps between teeth, orthodontic braces could be an option. This procedure is more natural and less invasive.
The Cost of Typical Orthodontic Treatments
The cost of typical orthodontic treatments varies from clinic to clinic and depends on your case. There are several types of braces; ceramic braces are between $5000 and $8500 for an 18-month treatment, while traditional braces may range from $7000 to $8000.
Final Thoughts
Dental veneers are an excellent option for anyone looking to improve their smile. They are used to fix oral problems such as cracked teeth, misshapen and gapped teeth. The cost of dental veneers in Australia can vary depending on the type of dental veneers, the quality of materials, and the location you prefer to receive the treatment. But it is worthwhile taking the time to compare prices and find an offer that suits your budget. Consultations with a dental professional are necessary to identify your needs and determine your aesthetic goals and treatment plan. An exact quote will be given to you after an examination of your mouth. There are also plenty of payment options available which will suit everyone, from those who want to pay upfront or over time with interest-free payments.
Burwood Dental Care is committed to providing the best customer service and dental care possible. Our team of dentists are focused on each patient’s individual needs, not just their teeth. We pride ourselves on being thorough with our examinations and information about improving your oral health for life. If you want more information or have any questions that weren’t answered here, please get in touch with us at 03 7003 2011 today!