
- Cosmetic Dentistry
- November 15, 2019
- by lotus
- What Are Dental Veneers?
- How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
- How Long Does A Veneer Procedure Take?
- Are Porcelain Veneers Worth The Cost?
The benefits of porcelain veneers are vast, and a few strategically placed veneers can really make over the appearance of your smile. If porcelain veneers cost has got you concerned about budgets, you could always consider composite resin as a more affordable alternative. Let’s take a look at the benefits of veneers and how much you can expect to pay for them in Australia.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells that are custom-made to suit the appearance of your mouth and teeth. They are tooth coloured and bonded to the front of your teeth using a special adhesive.
Veneers are used to alter the appearance of your teeth. They can be used to improve teeth’s size, shape, colour or length. Sometimes veneers are used to improve irregularly spaced or crooked teeth. They are ideal for minor corrections and can be used to address cracks, chips, breaks and discolouration in teeth and teeth enamel.
The most popular veneers are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers cost more than composite resin, but they last much longer. Modern veneers have become really advanced, in that they can mimic the way that natural teeth reflect light, ensuring they look natural and blend in with your smile.
How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
The price of dental veneers will depend on the material you choose, and the number of veneers that you will have fitted. Each dental practitioner will set his or her own fee structure, and prices vary depending on the complexity of your procedure.
According to average costs published by smile.com.au, reflecting the results of their National dental fee Survey in 2017, patients can expect to pay approximately $1983 per porcelain veneer, while composite resin veneers cost up to $880 per tooth.
In recent years, porcelain dental veneers have become more affordable, as patients have shown in increase in demand and dental technologies have improved, driving costs down. Once considered a luxury only accessible to VIPs and celebrities, dental veneers are being widely adopted by patients who want to invest in the appearance of their smile.
How Long Does A Veneer Procedure Take?
Veneers can be applied relatively quickly because no surgery is required, but each patient must be assessed and have impressions taken of his or her mouth and teeth. Your dentist will take x-rays and digital photographs in order to prepare a treatment plan and cost estimate.
Regardless of the type of veneer you opt for, your dentist will need to make space in your mouth to accommodate the new covering for your teeth. The teeth to be covered by veneers will be prepared by having about half a millimetre of enamel removed. Sometimes anaesthetic is given to minimise tooth sensitivity and maximise your comfort.
Once this is done, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory to have your dental veneers created. Your veneers are usually ready two to four weeks later.
You will return to your dentist who will polish and etch your teeth so they bond well with the veneers. The veneers are stuck to your teeth using dental cement that is hardened by a light beam. Once the veneers have bonded successfully, your dentist may make some adjustments to your bite.
Are Porcelain Veneers Worth The Cost?
As you can see from the above cost estimates, porcelain is more than twice the cost of composite resin veneers, but porcelain can last for as long as 25 years. If you do not have to replace your veneers again porcelain des work out more cost effective in the long term.
Because porcelain veneers are so durable, they require very little to no maintenance, making them hassle-free for patients.
Composite resin does have value too, and creates a very natural effect. By comparison, composite resin veneers may only last up to eight years before needing replacing, and may be prone to chopping. Maintaining them makes their costs higher.
In order to ensure you really get a return on your investment in porcelain veneers, your teeth and gums should be in a healthy condition. Veneers can add a protective layer to teeth, strengthening them from further damage.
The best candidates for dental veneers are patients who have healthy teeth and gums. because they practice good dental hygiene brushing and flossing every day. Because a certain amount of enamel needs to be removed, you should have a healthy amount to begin with.
Interested to find out more about the price of dental veneers? It’s time to speak to a professional about a treatment plan. Please get in touch with us: (03) 8737 9359.