Veneers are perfect for fixing chipped or yellowed teeth, adding length to short teeth, widening narrow gaps between teeth, and more.
Veneers are typically placed over the teeth to make them look whiter and more beautiful. Still, you can use them for dental correction as well. When it comes to dental care, aesthetics are often just as important as function.
The question of how much veneers cost is a common one. Many factors go into pricing for these services. Well, it all depends on what type of material they’re made out of. With so many options available, it’s easy to find one that is just right for any budget. You can find out more by reading this blog post today.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a type of cosmetic dental procedure that can be used to enhance the appearance of teeth. A veneer is essentially a thin layer of tooth-coloured material that is custom prepared and placed on the front surface of your teeth. They can be used in combination with other restorative dental procedures such as bonding or crowns.
Veneers can help correct several aesthetic imperfections, including gaps between teeth, discolouration from previous restorations (fillings) and chips in the enamel surface. A well-fitted veneer will not only make your smile look better, but will also aid in protecting your natural teeth and gums from future damage.
Permanent veneers are made from either porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain is sturdy and can be formed into moulds or used as a solid block. The strength and durability of porcelain make it an ideal material for cosmetic applications such as dental veneers. In addition to its hardness, porcelain has a real tooth-like translucency that allows us to create natural-looking teeth. Porcelain is also solid, which means it won’t crack or chip even with the small forces placed on your teeth during chewing and biting.
On the other hand, composite resin veneers are tooth coverings made out of composite material. They cover your teeth and help you to improve your appearance while being minimally invasive. However, they are cheaper than porcelain and can be done quickly in a single visit to the cosmetic dentist‘s office.
If you take care of your veneers, they could last up to 15 or 20 years. Good oral hygiene is key to determining their longevity. Your regular dental visits keep the veneer in optimal condition for longer periods. A routine cleaning every six months is a helpful way to extend the life of your veneers while keeping you comfortable and smiling.
Therefore, it’s no wonder that tooth-colored restorative materials, from composite resins to porcelain, are in such high demand! They give patients some of the most beautiful smiles ever seen and save time and money over more traditional methods like crowns or bridgework.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
What Factors Impact the Cost of Veneers?
Material (porcelain or composite):
Veneers are a common procedure for dental work, but you might not know that there is more than one type of material used. Different types of veneers have pros and cons depending on your needs. Suppose your finances are a huge factor in the long run (and they usually do). In that case, going with a porcelain veneer will be worth it as opposed to opting for something cheaper like a composite one, which won’t last as long.
Dental veneers are expensive because they require meticulous care and attention to detail. Dental laboratory technicians have to spend hours shaping each tooth to look natural and take special care to ensure that each case is done correctly using numerous specialized tools and careful planning per patient.
Dental Practitioner:
Your qualified dental practitioner’s credibility and reputation can also impact this, as they are sought-after for their skills in cosmetic dentistry. Hence, it’ll be more expensive. It is worth considering an equally competent practitioner who can repair any dental problems while incorporating a natural-looking cosmetic enhancement.
Location:
Factors such as geographical location and population density play a role in the cost of cosmetic dentistry. Dentists’ offices in metropolitan or densely populated areas charge higher rates than in rural areas.
Required Number of Veneers:
If you opt for more veneers, the cost will be higher. On the other hand, if you go on a per-veneer price basis, getting one single veneer can often result in a higher overall cost than purchasing multiples at once. One drawback to having a single veneer dental procedure is that it will be charged at a premium.
Other Dental Treatments:
It is uncommon for patients who want porcelain veneers to get other treatments done. Although they can’t be stained, they can’t be whitened either. Therefore, it’s crucial that you need to have the perfect shade you’re happy with before getting them put on. Some patients may require additional treatments such as gum surgery or excessive removal of tissue for this cosmetic procedure to work, affecting how much it will cost overall depending on what type of treatment needs to be done.
Note: As it is a cosmetic treatment and not medical care, your primary dental insurance typically does not cover any of the costs for cosmetic work; thus, you may have to pay for it at your own expense.
Learn More: Why Do People Get Veneers?
Does My Health Fund Cover the Cost of Veneers?
People are often unaware of the extent of dental coverage their health fund provides. Basic policies may only cover basic procedures such as fillings and cleanings. In contrast, more comprehensive ones offer benefits like dental caps or extractions.
For those with dental coverage, most policies do not cover cosmetic procedures. Suppose your dentist prescribes an approach that falls outside of the policy’s scope. In that case, you can apply for more coverage from your health fund but may have to wait before making any claims.
Although some dental treatments are covered with a small additional premium, veneers usually fall under the category of major dental, which demands a higher level of coverage. Out of pocket expenses may still be incurred because the private health insurance company will not cover all costs.
It is advisable to get in touch with your insurance provider to find out which dental procedures are included in your insurance policy. Some of the things you should know when contacting your insurance provider include what procedures are covered in their policy, how much it would cost to go through those treatment plans, and whether or not they require a referral.
Suppose you need to have a procedure covered by insurance. In that case, your dentist can provide an itemized list of costs that you’ll be able to submit to your healthcare provider if necessary.
Learn More: What Dental Problems Do Veneers Fix?
Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Veneers?
Medicare does not cover cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers. In addition, government-funded assistance programs are unlikely to provide funding for the procedure. To learn more about the services and eligibility for those who qualify, visit your state’s website.
Other Payment Options for Veneers
In house repayment options
If your dental clinic has payment plans available for patients to use, you will need to ask about the terms and conditions. The process may vary depending on which office or practice it is, so definitely check before applying. Consider that each company has its own approval process and eligibility criteria. When a payment plan option is selected for your payouts, the payments can be made before their due date directly to the practice.
Afterpay
Afterpay was created for those who need access to affordable healthcare but do not have the cash available right now. It allows you to spread out the cost of your dental treatment and pay it off in four equal payments made every fortnightly without paying any interest or additional fees. If you make all of your payments on time, there are no added expenses at all.
Zippay
Zip pay is for more minor treatments under $1000, and zip money is for more extensive procedures above $1000. Zippay provides the convenience of charging your purchase monthly. However, it is essential to note that only paying what you can afford each month will not pay off the entire balance before interest starts accruing. To avoid any surprises in the coming months, such as interest and late payment fees, make sure to keep up with all scheduled payments. Any balance outstanding at the expiration of your interest-free period for this purchase will be charged an additional 19% in finance charges on top of any other fees you may have incurred as a result of late or missed payments. Flexible repayment schedule you could choose from, whether weekly, fortnightly, or monthly.
Veneers Alternatives Comparison
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is an effective cosmetic treatment and an affordable option that lightens teeth to give them a bright appearance. Dentists have practiced teeth whitening for a really long time. This procedure is inexpensive, effective, and delivers quick results.
People use whitening treatments to boost their confidence and enhance their overall appearance. Teeth whitening is also less costly than other cosmetic treatments like veneers.
The amount of treatment time it takes often depends on the quality of your teeth. Characteristics like opacity, gloss, and fluorescence are all factors that may require more or less upkeep over time.
Cost of Teeth Whitening
According to a National Australian Dental Fee Survey conducted in 2017, an individual can spend up to $610 on take-home teeth whitening kits and over $260 per tooth for in-chair treatments.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown or tooth cap is an artificial covering for the entire tooth. Suppose the surface of your teeth breaks, chips, or fractures or is beyond repair. In that case, it will be encapsulated by a dental crown to prevent further damage.
A dental crown is a tooth-coloured, metal, or porcelain piece covering and strengthening an already damaged tooth to restore its function and shape.
Dental professionals create custom-made crowns to ensure they blend in with a patient’s surrounding real teeth.
The Cost of Dental Crowns
The average amount you should expect to pay for a dental crown is around $1,100-$2,000. It will vary depending on the dentist or clinic chosen and the type of dental crowns.
Orthodontic Treatment
Modern orthodontic treatment is quick and painless. It’s an option to straighten, reposition, and tighten teeth to improve their aesthetics and function. It also works to maintain the health of your gums and jaw joints by distributing the pressure more effectively.
You could either choose traditional braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners such as Invisalign to straighten your teeth.
The Cost of Typical Orthodontic Treatments
The price of the treatment varies depending on your circumstances.
Type of Treatment Average Cost of Treatment
Traditional metal braces $4,500 – $8,000
Ceramic braces $5,000 – $8,500
Lingual braces (single arch) from $7,500
Lingual braces (full treatment) approximately $12,500
Invisalign minor treatments from $4,500
Invisalign full treatment $6,000 – $9,000
Clear alternative (like Clear Correct) $2,000 – $5,500
Learn more: Cost Of Clear Aligners Definitive Guide 2021
Final Thoughts
When it comes to teeth, most people want a beautiful smile. And while there are many ways to achieve that goal, veneers may be the best option for you if your budget is limited or if you have certain dental conditions like sensitivity to cold foods and beverages. Veneers can effectively cover up discolouration in teeth and repair chips or cracks without adversely affecting your oral health.
As you can see, many factors go into the cost of traditional veneers. A few things to keep in mind when considering treatment include your financial situation and whether you’ll need more than one set of veneers for different teeth. That being said, we hope this article has given you some ideas about what to expect when it comes to pricing.
We feel confident our team of dentists can provide an accurate estimate based on what is needed before performing the procedure. Suppose this sounds interesting to you and you would like more information about the costs associated with it. In that case, we are happy to provide a more detailed estimate for your specific situation so that you can make an informed decision about what treatment is right for you. To get started, please schedule an initial consultation with our team today.
