Are you considering veneers to restore your smile and want to know how much porcelain veneers cost? It’s hard to give an exact figure because various factors influence the cost including how many teeth require veneers and your personal circumstances.
But before we talk more about the cost, let’s take a quick look at what veneers are and where they can be used.
Veneers are thin shells which are fixed over the front surface of teeth to improve their shape, position, and colour – as well as the overall aesthetics of a person’s smile. They can also be made from composite resin, but porcelain is stronger and more natural-looking.
Porcelain veneers are a good choice if your teeth require moderate to major changes to their shape and/or texture. A skilled technician can fabricate veneers from porcelain which look so lifelike, that no-one will spot the difference.
Where can porcelain veneers be used?
They are a great cosmetic solution to various dental issues including:
- Spaces between teeth
- Crooked, worn, badly chipped, or broken teeth
- Permanently discoloured or stained teeth, or
- Irregular shaped teeth
So how much do porcelain veneer cost?
According to the Australian national dental fee survey on porcelain veneers cost for 2017, a porcelain veneer can cost anywhere between $1200 and $2,000 per tooth. It sounds a lot, we know, but once you see what’s involved and more importantly the outcome, you’ll know that the treatment really is worth it. Let’s take a closer look…
Diagnostic x-rays
There’s little point in placing porcelain veneers onto teeth that are not healthy. So the first step of the procedure is for the dentist to take one or more x-rays to determine whether the teeth needing veneers are healthy and have healthy roots.
If there are any signs of gum disease then this will have to be treated first. Depending on the severity, this could involve a simple scale and clean combined with improved brushing techniques at home to restore your gums to good health. Alternatively, it may require periodontal surgery. Both of these options will incur extra costs.
Any problem with tooth roots will also need addressing before porcelain veneers can be applied, and this may include root planing treatment to rid them of bacteria-laden plaque. Naturally, your dentist will give you a quote for these additional treatments prior to the cost of your veneers.
Any other work that’s needed to prepare the teeth for veneers will also be quoted. This may involve the dentist reshaping the gum line with a laser, to improve the symmetry so that the incisor teeth, for example, look the same on the left and right side of the mouth.
The architectural stage
Once you and your dentist have reached an agreement regarding the length, arrangement, and outline of the teeth, a wax design will be made from plaster models of your teeth. This is then used to create guides and templates. These help the dentist prepare your existing teeth so that the desired outcome is achieved, both for your provisional veneers and for the final porcelain veneers.
The whole point of provisional veneers is to give you an opportunity of ‘trying out your veneers’ both from an aesthetic and functional point of view. If you’re not happy with anything, then now is the time to speak up!
A good dentist should never rush this stage as once veneers are bonded onto the front of the teeth it’s worth pointing out that only minor adjustments can be made.
How to get porcelain veneers for less
So now you have a rough idea of how much the porcelain veneers cost is likely to be, how can you possibly get them cheaper? Here are a few factors to consider:
- Location
Most dental costs, including those for veneers, are influenced by the location of the dental clinic. For example, porcelain veneers are likely to cost more in Sydney but paying more doesn’t necessarily guarantee good dental work. Instead, try asking around at dental clinics in neighbouring suburbs until you find a dentist and a price that suits. - Porcelain Veneer Promotion
Often, a dentist will use special promotions in quieter periods to get more customers through their doors. You could be lucky and find a dentist that is running a promotion on porcelain veneers. - Veneers Payment plans
Furthermore, many dentists offer payment plans, enabling you to pay for your treatment in affordable monthly instalments.
Lower costs without compromise
No Gaps Dental has 15 clinics scattered over the Sydney Metro area all placed conveniently close to good transport links.
As a multi-location dental provider, we’re able to absorb costs across our various clinics and offer lower prices without compromising on quality. We also utilise the latest dental equipment, technologies and top name brands, to provide high quality, long-lasting dental treatments for all our patients. Our teams consist of highly skilled dental professionals well-versed in restoring smiles beautifully with dental veneers.
So if you are considering porcelain veneers, then why not take the first step to the smile you’ve always wanted by contacting No Gaps Dental on (02) 8007 6727 to book a consultation. Alternatively, you can book online direct at the clinic of your choice. We look forward to welcoming you to one of our No Gaps dental clinics!