Do you want to improve the appearance of your smile but don’t know where to begin? Why don’t you think about porcelain dental veneers? Porcelain dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment that hides the flaws in your smile that you want to avoid seeing in the mirror every morning when you wake up.
Modern dentistry has uncovered many treatments to resolve those niggling imperfections in your smile. However, porcelain dental veneers have been a more successful and popular choice, particularly for famous Hollywood celebrities.
Are you looking to follow in their footsteps? Let’s break down what porcelain dental veneers are, what they entail and how much they cost.
What Is Porcelain Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-coloured shells that cover the front surfaces of your teeth. They are comprised of porcelain material that is bonded to hide those niggling imperfections you don’t want to show. For veneers to bond successfully, a small bit of enamel will need to be removed, but it’s an opportunity to improve the aesthetics of your smile and protect your natural teeth from further damage.
How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
Many potential patients have the most common question of how much porcelain dental veneers cost. As previously said, the cost of veneers varies depending on numerous factors:
- The type of material you choose, with porcelain costing slightly more than composite
- Treatment location – Sydney and Melbourne are usually more expensive
- The number of veneers – Do you want to conceal one or more teeth?
- Equipment – Dental practices may typically purchase expensive brands of equipment, and this can depend on how cheap or expensive the overall treatment cost is.
In Australia, porcelain dental veneers start from $1300 for each tooth. An oral examination, X-ray inspections, and veneer fitting are all included in the overall cost.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Porcelain Veneers Treatment?
Although private health insurance does not cover the entire cost of dental treatments, the good news is that porcelain dental veneers are covered as a major dental category by health insurance. As a result, you may be eligible for financial assistance for a portion of your treatment costs. Although, it’s important to note that you’ll need to pay for a portion of the cost as well. Your insurance may also allow for incremental payments for treatment. This typically depends on your insurance policy.
Why Are Porcelain Veneers Expensive In Australia?
Porcelain dental veneers are a luxurious form of treatment that can transform the look and feel of your smile. The treatment is considered more expensive because the treatment is customised with specialised tools. For example, the dentist would need to customise how your veneers look in the laboratory to ensure the shells are moulded to fit your smile. If the cost needs further breakdown, you may consult your dentist.
Are There Any Alternative Treatments That Can Improve My Smile?
If you don’t want to have porcelain dental veneers because they’re too expensive, there are other options for improving the appearance and feel of your smile:
- Dental Bonding – Dental bonding can be used to hide flaws, especially small chips and cracks that can be filled or ‘repaired’ using a resin material.
- Teeth Whitening — If extensive stains are an issue, professional teeth whitening may be a viable option to lighten your tooth shade and give you a more confident smile.
- Invisalign – With transparent aligners, any dental misalignment or crowded teeth can be corrected by wearing BPA-thermoplastic aligners. They’re designed to shift your teeth back into position whilst straightening them gradually. Invisalign is aesthetically pleasing to the eye too.
- Contouring – teeth may need to be reshaped because of genetics or an accident. Plaque and tartar are also removed during contouring.
Porcelain dental veneers are relatively expensive, but you can rest assured that their benefits can outweigh the general cost. If you seek further support with your treatment decision, consult your dentist to help you.
If you’ve any questions, then consult your local dentist today!