A beautiful, natural-looking smile is within reach with a full set of veneers – but what’s the real cost of dental veneers Australia? From porcelain to composite resin veneers, we’ll unpack the options for this cosmetic treatment. Start your smile makeover journey and find out how to achieve high-quality and beautiful-looking teeth with veneers.

SUMMARY

  • Without health insurance, a full set of veneers could cost you anywhere between $7,200 all the way up to $25,000+
  • With private health insurance, you could receive anywhere between $600-$1,000 back on the cost of your veneers
  • Veneers are generally covered under Major Dental extras cover

When it comes to achieving a beautiful smile, many Australians are turning to cosmetic dentistry for natural-looking solutions. Whether it’s discolouration, crooked teeth, or just a desire for that picture-perfect grin, a full set of veneers might be the answer you’ve been looking for.

But how much do porcelain veneers or composite veneers cost in Australia? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from the types of veneers to the treatment plan, and how you can save with health insurance.

Veneers Price in Australia

According to recent figures from the Australian Dental Association, the cost of composite veneers in Australia ranges from $411 to $837 per tooth. However, keep in mind composite veneers will only last you about 8 years, even with proper care.

The cost of porcelain veneers is much higher – and can set you back anywhere between $1,200 to $2,500 per tooth. Some dental clinics might even charge higher. However, this veneers treatment will last you 25+ years, so it’s definitely a more worthwhile investment in your dental care.

CHI TIP: A full set of veneers is anywhere between 6-10 teeth – it depends on how many front teeth you show when you smile!

Most people opt for porcelain veneers as these look the most natural. With this in mind, without private health insurance, you could be looking at an upfront cost of anywhere between $7,200 for 6 porcelain veneers, to $25,000 or more for 8 porcelain veneers.

Factors That Impact a Full Set of Veneers Cost

  • Type of material used: Porcelain veneers are typically more expensive than composite resin veneers.
  • Number of veneers required: The more veneers you need, the higher the overall cost will be.
  • Amount of preliminary work: Any treatment required to create the optimal foundation for the veneers can add to the cost.
  • Complexity of the smile design: Intricate smiles that require more complex and detailed work will generally be more expensive.
  • General oral health The condition of your teeth and gums may affect the cost, with healthier teeth potentially requiring less preparatory work.

Does Medicare Cover the Cost of Veneers?

No, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of veneers in Australia. Generally speaking, Medicare doesn’t foot the bill for dental procedures performed outside of a hospital. This umbrella includes most dental work, veneers among them.

While some government-funded assistance schemes may help defray the costs of dental treatment, eligibility tends to be limited, and it’s unlikely that veneers would be included in these plans. More detailed information about these schemes can be found on your respective state government’s website.

Does Private Health Insurance Cover the Cost of Veneers?

You’ll find most major health insurance companies can help contribute towards your veneer treatment – reducing your bill by about $600 to $800 depending on your level of cover.

Veneers treatment falls under ‘Major Dental’ extras cover, which also includes services such as wisdom teeth removal, extractions, dental crowns and dentures.

Keep in mind, a health insurance policy won’t cover the whole cost of veneers, but every little bit counts!

CHI TIP: Major dental typically comes with a 12-month waiting period before you can claim.

While you won’t be able to claim your veneers before 12 months, with some extras cover you will be able to take advantage of other benefits included in your policy straight away, like general dental, optical, physio and more!

Example: Veneers Cover with AHM

AHM is a health fund provider in Australia that will contribute towards the cost of veneers when you take out an extras policy.

Say you’re a single person earning under $93,00 per year – you could receive up to $600 off the cost of your veneers for only $8.40 per week.

You’ll also receive 60% back on dental and therapies such as physio and remedial massage, plus 100% back on optical, up to annual limits.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are sleek, custom-made dental implants crafted from either porcelain or composite material. These are delicately placed over the front surface of your existing teeth, typically by a cosmetic dentist.

Generally sought for cosmetic reasons, veneers can magically mask imperfections such as gaps in the teeth and unwanted discoloration of the tooth enamel (basically teeth whitening but with new-looking teeth), offering you a flawless smile.

When Are Veneers Needed?

The main goal of veneers is to enhance the aesthetics of your natural teeth. If your oral hygiene and gum health are in good shape, veneers can be a game-changer for your smile by helping you:

  • Close Small Gaps: If you’ve got those pesky little spaces between teeth, veneers can seamlessly bridge the gap.
  • Correct Minor Misalignments: For slightly crooked teeth, veneers offer a quick fix without the need for braces.
  • Brighten Your Smile: Want whiter teeth? Veneers can improve the colour and add some sparkle.
  • Restore Damaged Teeth: Chipped, worn, or extensively filled teeth? Veneers can bring them back to life.
  • Rejuvenate Your Smile: Looking for a total smile makeover? Veneers can provide a fresh, youthful appearance.
  • Offer an Alternative to Braces: If orthodontic treatment isn’t suitable or desired, veneers provide an elegant cosmetic solution.

How Can I Lower the Cost of Veneers?

  • Find the Right Insurance: Shopping around for an extras policy that includes major dental and veneers is crucial. Doing a little homework and comparing prices online can help ensure you’re snagging the best deal.
  • Strategise with Your Dentist: Consider splitting the treatment over two benefit periods, like getting part of the work done in December and the rest in January. That way, you can claim twice, maximising your benefits.
  • Use Other Benefits: While you’re serving the 12-month waiting period, don’t forget to take advantage of other perks included in your cover, such as prescription glasses and physio.
  • Bring Your Health Fund Card: Taking your health fund card to your treatment means no fussing around with claims later. The bill gets automatically reduced on the spot!
  • Think About Payment Plans: Many dentists offer payment plans nowadays. While it might not lower the treatment’s actual cost, it spreads it out, making the financial hit more manageable.

Caring for Your Veneers

Taking care of veneers is quite similar to looking after your regular teeth, and it’s not as daunting as it may seem.

  • Brushing: Make sure to brush twice daily using fluoride toothpaste. This helps keep those veneers sparkling clean, just like your natural teeth.
  • Flossing: Don’t forget to floss daily! It’s key to maintaining the spaces between your veneers and keeping them looking top-notch.
  • Watch the Beverages: Enjoying too much coffee or tea? Might want to ease up a bit. These can stain your veneers over time.
  • No Nail Biting: Biting or chewing your fingernails might be a hard habit to break, but it can cause veneers to chip. Best to avoid it!
  • Avoid Certain Foods: Hard, crunchy, or chewy foods can be risky for veneers. Stick to a veneer-friendly diet to keep them in pristine condition.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

Porcelain Veneers

  • Lifespan: With proper care, porcelain veneers usually last between seven to 15 years before needing replacement.
  • Durability: Generally, they last longer than composite veneers but can be easily damaged by habits like fingernail chewing, grinding, or clenching teeth.
  • Replacement: If damaged, porcelain veneers typically need to be replaced, as they are tricky to repair.

Composite Veneers

  • Lifespan: Less durable than porcelain, composite veneers typically last between 5 and 7 years, similar to regular fillings, but may need occasional repolishing.
  • Repair or Replacement: If chipped, composite veneers can often be repaired or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage.

Other Factors to Consider

Veneers might need replacement sooner due to:

  • Poor Dental Hygiene: Keep brushing and flossing!
  • Normal Wear and Tear: Like everything, veneers aren’t forever.
  • Gum Disease or Tooth Decay: Regular check-ups can help avoid this.
  • Tooth Injuries: Accidents happen, but they can affect veneers too.
  • Improper Tooth Preparation: Get a skilled cosmetic dentist to ensure proper installation.
  • Chipped or Cracked Veneers: Avoid biting on excessively hard foods.
  • Loose Veneers: Improper installation can lead to loosening over time.
  • Natural Movement of Teeth: Teeth can shift, and veneers might need adjustment.
  • Darkening or Staining: Regular care can prevent unwanted discolouration.

FAQs

How much do veneers cost in Australia?

How much veneers cost will vary depending on what the veneers are made of.

  • Composite resin veneers cost from $200 to $600 per tooth.
  • Porcelain veneers cost from $700 to $2,000 per tooth.

Does getting veneers hurt?

It’s not common to experience any pain when getting veneers. However, a local anaesthetic will usually be given to make sure you are comfortable.