Veneers are an increasingly popular way to improve the appearance of teeth when you have chips, gaps or stains. They’re also a durable treatment, providing an aesthetic enhancement that lasts. But how much do veneers cost in Australia, and are they worth it?
What are veneers?
Veneers are thin layers of material we place over teeth to provide a brighter appearance that mimics the look of healthy natural teeth. Each veneer covers a single tooth, attached to the front using a special dental cement.
We typically place dental veneers on the more visible upper teeth in an even number to ensure a clean, symmetrical look. The material used for veneers can vary, but they all help to cover discolouration on the teeth or imperfections like chips or cracks. Check out our detailed explainer for more.
How much does it cost to get veneers?
Getting veneers will have a different cost for each patient, based on your individual circumstances and a variety of factors. Composite veneers can cost between $500 and $1000 per tooth, while porcelain veneers cost between $1500 and $2000 per tooth.
At Oakleigh Dental, we understand that getting veneers or any cosmetic dental treatment can be an expensive investment. We provide transparent quotes to all of our patients, and help them understand exactly what they need so they can make the best decision.
Factors affecting the cost of veneers
There is no fixed veneers cost — we tailor each treatment fee to the individual based on a variety of different factors.
Material
As mentioned, modern dentistry uses two main materials to construct veneers: porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain is typically the preferred material because it is stronger, lasts longer, and more closely resembles the look of natural enamel. However, porcelain veneers are also more expensive. Composite resin veneers are a cheaper option, but they are also more susceptible to damage and staining, and require more frequent replacements.
Number
As we said, we recommend getting an even number of veneers to ensure a symmetrical look, and while some people will find two veneers sufficient to cover just their front two teeth, most will need around 6-8. Others will again need 10 or more, if they have very wide smiles. The more veneers you need, the more you can expect to pay. However, many dental clinics (including us!) offer a discount on the per veneer cost the more that you need.
Treatment complexity
Your case may be more complex to treat for a number of reasons, including uneven or crowded teeth, misalignment of your bite, gum disease, and tooth decay. It’s essential to resolve these issues before we place veneers, otherwise your natural teeth will only decay further underneath. Receiving additional treatment to manage these issues will increase the overall cost of treatment.
Are veneers covered by Medicare or private health?
Because veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment, Medicare typically does not cover them, with the scheme only providing cover for essential procedures. Similarly, private health insurers will also typically not provide cover for veneers unless you pay for higher-level extras cover. Even in these circumstances, many providers will only provide partial cover of the dental veneers cost. We recommend contacting your health fund directly to understand exactly what is covered, and getting a quote from us that you can show them.
Are veneers worth it?
Whether it is worth getting veneers comes down to your personal goals and budget, as well as your expectations from the treatment. Porcelain veneers often last between 10 and 15 years, providing a lasting improvement to the appearance of your teeth that helps make them worthwhile.
The benefits go just beyond looks though, with veneers able to help correct minor alignment issues. The improved appearance also helps with self-assurance and a willingness to smile. Overall, the value is determined by you, but good oral hygiene can preserve them for longer, making them a worthwhile investment.
Time for a smile upgrade
At Oakleigh Dental, everything we do is for your smile. From general checkups through to cosmetic treatments like veneers, we want you to be able to smile healthily and confidently.
If veneers sound like the right treatment for you, or you’d like to discuss whether they’re worth it for you personally, book an appointment or send us an enquiry and we’ll be happy to help. See you soon!
