Oral health plays a crucial role in achieving optimum health and wellness. Behind a great smile is an oral cavity that is free from plaque, tartar, and infection. Keeping your mouth and teeth healthy is not all about pearly whites, but a stronger set of teeth that helps the rest of the body in performing other important processes.
We already know that a smile can impact your self-confidence and even boost your mood. However, is it really possible to improve your health simply by smiling more often? Smiling has also been found to decrease your stress levels and help to make you feel more attractive.
But what if you can’t smile because you have crooked or gapped teeth? This is where cosmetic dentistry comes in. One exceptional cosmetic dentistry procedure that will certainly bring back the smile and happiness in your life is porcelain veneers.
What is the Difference between Composite and Porcelain Veneers?
A great smile makeover can make you look and feel great. A long-term solution for stained and misshapen teeth is the installation of porcelain veneers. Tooth veneers are the perfect smile makeover for those who struggle with teeth discoloration, gapped teeth, crooked teeth, and tooth shape problems.
Benefits of porcelain veneers
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Porcelain veneers are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth, effectively improving the overall appearance of your smile.
- Versatile Solutions: They can conceal various dental imperfections such as stains, discoloration, chips, misshapen teeth, and uneven spacing.
- Customized Process: The procedure involves an initial consultation, tooth preparation, custom veneer creation, and bonding to ensure a natural and perfect fit.
- Durable and Stain-Resistant: Veneers are highly durable and resistant to stains, providing long-term enhancement to your smile.
- Longevity with Proper Care: With regular oral hygiene practices and dental check-ups, porcelain veneers can last for many years, maintaining a beautiful smile.
Tooth discoloration is caused by many factors such as ageing, staining, and chemical damage. Medications, coffee, tea, and nicotine in cigarettes are the more common causes of yellow and uneven tooth color. Genetics is also known to be a cause of discoloration and staining. Certain medications are known to cause yellowing of the teeth as one of their many side effects.
Composite veneers are made from resin that is applied to the tooth in several layers. They are then sculpted in the mouth to achieve a genuine appearance. These are usually recommended for patients with minor chipping and discoloration problems.
Composite veneers offer a variety of benefits, both aesthetic and functional, making them a popular choice for improving smiles. Here are some key advantages:
Aesthetics:
- Natural-looking: Composite veneers can be sculpted and colored to closely mimic the appearance of natural teeth, resulting in a beautiful and seamless smile.
- Versatile: They can address a wide range of cosmetic concerns, including chips, cracks, discoloration, misalignment, and gaps between teeth.
- Minimal prep work: Often, less tooth enamel needs to be removed compared to traditional porcelain veneers, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Stain-resistant: While not completely immune to staining, they are generally more resistant than natural teeth and can be easily polished if needed.
Functionality:
- Strong and durable: Composite veneers are made from a strong resin that can withstand normal wear and tear, lasting for several years with proper care.
- Cost-effective: They are typically more affordable than porcelain veneers, making them a more accessible option for many patients.
- Repairable: Minor chips or fractures can often be repaired, extending the lifespan of your veneers.
- Less invasive: The bonding process is less invasive than crowns or other restorative procedures, causing minimal discomfort.
Additional benefits:
- Quick application: Composite veneers can often be placed in a single appointment, reducing treatment time.
- Reversibility: Unlike crowns, composite veneers can be removed and replaced if needed.
- Boosts confidence: A beautiful smile can significantly improve your self-esteem and overall well-being.
How much do porcelain veneers cost per tooth?
The cost of porcelain veneers in Australia varies and depends on various factors including location and level of experience by dental practitioners. Typically, cosmetic dentists will charge in the range of $800 and $1200 per tooth. Composite veneers on the other hand are more affordable at $250 per tooth. Again, these costs may be lower in some Sydney clinics and may be more expensive in more popular, more established centres.
Location:
- Urban vs. Rural: Expect higher costs in big cities like Sydney and Melbourne as compared to smaller towns or rural areas..
- Clinic Reputation: Renowned clinics or those in affluent suburbs may charge more than smaller practices.
Dentist Experience:
- Seasoned vs. New: More experienced dentists with established reputations usually charge more than those starting out.
- Specialization: Dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry may charge higher fees for their expertise.
Procedure Factors:
- Number of Veneers: The more teeth you need covered, the higher the overall cost.
- Preparation Required: Extensive prep work like grinding teeth for proper fit can increase the price.
- Material Quality: Higher-grade porcelain with superior aesthetics and durability will cost more.
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Initial Consultation: This fee covers discussing your needs and treatment options.
- X-rays and Moulds: Diagnostic tools to assess your teeth and plan the procedure.
- Anesthetics: Local or general anesthesia, if required, can add to the cost.
- Follow-up Care: Post-placement checkups and potential adjustments may incur additional charges.
Alternative Options to Explore:
- Composite Veneers: More affordable at $250 per tooth, offering a cost-effective solution for minor cosmetic concerns.
- Direct Bonding: A less invasive and more affordable option for minor chips or gaps, but may not be as durable as veneers.
Tips for Saving on Porcelain Veneers:
- Shop Around: Compare prices and consult with multiple dentists before making a decision.
- Consider Payment Plans: Many clinics offer financing options to spread the cost over time.
- Look for Promotions: Some clinics may offer discounts for new patients or special offers.
- Research Government Programs: Certain government programs may offer subsidies for dental care in Australia.
While navigating the costs of cosmetic dentistry in Sydney might seem daunting, it’s not an impossible feat. By understanding the factors influencing prices, researching options like in-house plans and government assistance, and prioritizing preventive care, you can unlock a path towards a radiant smile without breaking the bank. Remember, knowledge is your most powerful tool. Equip yourself with it, compare, negotiate, and prioritize your oral health, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving a smile that shines bright, both inside and out, in Sydney and beyond.
Many dental Sydney clinics offer financing or payment plans that allow clients to pay for their service in installments spread across a few months or a few years.
