Dental veneers can be an important cosmetic treatment in helping you achieve a beautiful smile. Porcelain veneers, in particular, offer the look and feel of your natural teeth while providing superior durability. But before considering any dental treatment, one important thing to consider is cost – including costs associated with porcelain veneers. In this blog post, we will explore the cost of porcelain veneers so that you have a better understanding of what it may entail if you decide to go ahead with the treatment. We hope that by gaining some information about the process and its associated cost factors, you can make an informed decision when deciding whether or not dental veneer treatments are right for you.
What Are Porcelain Veneers and How Do They Work?
Porcelain veneers are lean shells made of dental porcelain that are customised to fit over your natural teeth. They’re designed to look and function like your natural teeth, with the added benefit of hiding imperfections. Porcelain veneers are long-lasting and can help you achieve a brighter, more cohesive smile. They’re popular for those with crooked, chipped, misshapen, or discoloured teeth.
How do Porcelain Veneers Work?
Getting porcelain or composite veneers typically involves two or three dental visits. The first visit is dedicated to consultation and evaluation. Your dentist will examine your oral health to ensure you’re a good candidate for the procedure. They will also discuss your smile goals to ensure that your expectations align with what they can realistically achieve.
If you’re deemed a suitable candidate for the treatment, your cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth by extracting a thin layer of enamel to make space for the veneers and give you temporary veneers. They will then take an impression of your natural teeth, which will be used to create customised veneers in a dental lab. During the final visit, your dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth, ensuring they fit perfectly and adjust seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
In this blog section, we will explore the amazing benefits of porcelain veneers and why they are becoming a popular cosmetic dental procedure.
Improved Appearance
Porcelain and composite resin veneers can improve your appearance by giving you a bright, white smile that looks natural. Veneers can mask discoloured, broken, or misshapen teeth that make you self-conscious. They can also close gaps between your teeth, providing a more uniform appearance.
Long-Lasting
Porcelain veneers are durable for 10-15 years with proper care. They resist staining and can give you a beautiful and luxurious smile for years. With regular dental check-ups and cleanings, your veneers can last much longer than other cosmetic dental procedures.
Minimal Tooth Prep
Porcelain veneers require minimal tooth preparation, which is minimally invasive compared to other cosmetic dental procedures. Your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneers, but this process will not affect the strength of your teeth. The procedure is comfortable and usually performed in one or two visits.
Easy Maintenance
Porcelain veneers are easy to maintain and keep clean. You can brush and floss them like your natural teeth. Avoiding hard or sticky foods can also help maintain your veneers. Your dentist may also recommend certain toothpaste brands that are gentle for use with veneers.
Boost Confidence
Having a beautiful, radiant smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem. You will feel more comfortable and confident in social situations, which can improve your overall quality of life. Porcelain veneers allow you to have the smile you’ve always dreamt of.
Common Reasons to Get Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers, in particular, can give you a natural-looking dream smile by mimicking the appearance of real teeth through a personalised smile makeover. This blog section discusses why people use porcelain veneers to improve teeth.
Discoloured Teeth
Teeth naturally darken and yellow over time due to ageing, smoking, or drinking dark beverages like coffee, tea, or wine. Teeth stains can be eliminated with professional teeth whitening services. Still, if you have severely discoloured teeth or stains that cannot be removed by whitening dental treatment, porcelain veneers can conceal them. The veneer shell is bonded to the front surface of your teeth, hiding any discolouration and giving you a beautifully white smile.
Chipped or Cracked Teeth
A broken or cracked tooth can cause pain and discomfort and be unsightly. They can also increase the risk of decay and infection. Porcelain veneers can repair such defects by covering the damaged area and restoring the tooth’s shape and size. A veneer can also make your teeth stronger and prevent further damage. If the tooth is completely affected, then you might need dental implants.
Uneven Teeth
Teeth can become uneven due to genetics, accidents, or tooth grinding. It can affect your bite and be unattractive. Porcelain veneers offer an ideal solution to fix uneven teeth by providing an even and natural-looking smile. A skilled dentist can customise the veneers to match your natural teeth’ colour and shape to ensure they blend in seamlessly.
Gaps Between Teeth
If you have teeth gaps, it can interfere with chewing, speaking, and cause self-esteem issues. Porcelain veneers can hide those gaps and give you a more natural-looking smile. They can be a quicker and less invasive alternative to braces or Invisalign.
Misaligned Teeth
Porcelain veneers can also fix mildly crooked, overlapping, or crowded teeth. They can change teeth’ shape, size, and position, giving you a straighter and more attractive smile. However, veneers aren’t recommended for more severe orthodontic problems like overbites, underbites, or crossbites.
Cost of Porcelain Veneers
The average cost of porcelain veneers in Australia ranges from $1,500 per tooth. However, the cost can be higher if you require additional treatments, such as periodontal therapy or tooth extractions, to prepare for veneers. Remember that the cost of porcelain veneers varies depending on the location of the dental practice. For example, Sydney dental veneers may be more expensive than those offered in smaller towns or rural areas.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
Regarding dental veneer cost, it is important to understand that additional costs may be excluded from the upfront price. For example, some cosmetic dentistry practices charge for follow-up appointments to ensure your veneers are working correctly. Additionally, suppose you experience any veneer problems, such as chips or cracks. In that case, you may need to return to the cosmetic dentistry practice for repairs, which can be an additional cost.
Factors that affect the cost of porcelain veneers
If you’re considering getting porcelain veneers, it’s important to understand the different factors affecting the price. In this blog section, we’ll take a closer look at these factors so that you can make an informed decision.
Material Costs
The materials used to make porcelain veneers can differ widely in quality and price. Lower-cost veneers are made from less expensive materials, which might not last as long and could start to look less natural over time. On the other hand, higher-quality porcelain veneers will be crafted from premium materials which can mimic the natural translucency of your real teeth. The material costs can also vary depending on the case’s complexity, such as how many veneers you need and whether additional treatments are necessary.
Geographic Location
Where you live can also affect the cost of porcelain veneers. In areas where the cost of living is higher, such as big metropolitan cities, you can expect to pay more for your porcelain veneers than you would in smaller, more rural areas. Dentists in major urban centres also have higher overheads, so they may charge more to cover their expenses. So, if you’re looking to save money on porcelain veneers, dental clinics outside major cities might be worth considering.
Practitioner Experience
The experience and reputation of the cosmetic dentist you choose can also impact the cost of your porcelain veneers. Experienced and highly skilled cosmetic dentists with a good track record may charge more for their services, but you can usually expect exceptional quality treatment and results. On the other hand, if you’re working with a general cosmetic dentist or one who doesn’t have much experience in placing veneers, you may be able to save on cost.
Complex Cases
The case’s complexity is another major factor in the cost of porcelain veneers. For instance, if you have multiple issues with the appearance of your teeth that need to be addressed with veneers, such as fixing chips, gaps, and significant discolouration, then you can expect to pay more. Additionally, if you require any additional dental treatments beforehand, like gum reshaping or tooth extractions, this can increase the cost of your procedure.
Aftercare Services
The final factor affecting the cost of porcelain veneers is the aftercare services. Follow-up appointments to monitor your new veneers’ success and maintain oral health will add to the total cost. This should include advice on the proper diet you need to follow after the procedure and any additional treatments you may need to help your veneers last longer.
Financing Options for Porcelain Veneer Treatments
You may be thinking about financing options for porcelain veneer treatments. That is why we have put together this guide to help you explore different options for financing porcelain veneers. We want you to understand that there are several ways to finance your porcelain veneer treatment to achieve the smile of your dreams.
Dental Insurance
The first thing you should do when considering financing options for porcelain veneers is to check if your dental insurance provider covers the treatment. However, most insurance policies do not cover cosmetic dental procedures like porcelain veneers. Some insurance policies cover partial expenses for some aspects of the treatment, such as exams, cleanings, and X-rays. It’s essential to read and understand your insurance policy.
Payment plans offered by Dental Clinics
Many dental clinics offer payment plans to their clients to help them pay the cost of veneers gradually. Before committing to any dental clinic, it’s important to ask about the payment plans’ options, terms, and conditions. Before accepting any payment plan agreement, review the payment terms, the amount of the deposit, and the total cost of the treatment with your dentist.
Credit Cards
Credit cards can also serve as a means of financing porcelain veneer treatments. Many credit cards offer zero interest for some months or low-interest rates if you pay on time. Using a credit card to finance your porcelain veneer treatment can be an excellent option if you can make timely payments. However, it’s essential to know that credit cards could cost you more money in the long run if payments are not made on time.
Personal Loans
Personal loans are another option for patients who need help financing dental veneers cost. Personal loans are usually unsecured loans that can be applied online or at your local bank or credit union. The interest rates and payment plans will vary depending on the lender. Exploring different options and comparing interest rates, terms, and conditions is crucial before deciding on a personal loan.
Medical Financing Companies
Medical financing companies also specialise in financing cosmetic dental procedures like porcelain veneer treatments. These companies offer various financing options, including low-interest loans, no-interest loans, and flexible repayment terms. However, it’s important to choose a reputable financing company and carefully study the terms and conditions of the loan to avoid any hidden fees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the cost of porcelain veneers can vary greatly and seems entirely up to you, the consumer. A key step is understanding what your insurance plan covers in relation to Porcelain Veneers and, if not, what out-of-pocket costs you may need to pay. Additionally, it is important to discuss things with a professional today to receive an estimate tailored towards meeting your needs regarding Porcelain Veneers. We here at My Local Dentists know how much of a major role obtaining the right smile can have on one’s self-confidence, and we are dedicated to helping put that pep back into your step! If you have further questions or want more information regarding Porcelain Veneers, please get in touch with our team at (02) 9630 9996; we would be happy to help!
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/veneers/dental-veneers-pros-and-cons