Veneers cost Australia: work out the total for your teeth

This calculator works out the veneers cost in Australia from your own quote, shows a cost per tooth and per year, and compares two quotes side by side.

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How it works

  1. Enter your first quoteUnder “Quote A”, add a “Name”, the “Number of teeth” and the “Price per veneer” from your written quote.
  2. Add one-off costsPut the consultation, any mock-up, temporaries and other single charges into “One-off costs (consultation, mock-up, temporaries)”.
  3. Add a lifespan and a second quoteIf your dentist has given you an expected lifespan, enter it in “Lifespan your dentist told you, in years (optional)”. Open “Compare a second quote (optional)” to add another practice.
  4. CalculatePress “Calculate costs” to see each total, the cost per tooth and, where you gave a lifespan, a rough cost per year of use.

Porcelain or compositeA veneer is a thin shell of porcelain or composite resin glued to the front of a tooth Source

2+ visitsPorcelain veneers are made in a laboratory and usually need at least two appointments Source

No 'cosmetic dentist'A dentist cannot be registered as a cosmetic dentist in Australia Source

Major dentalVeneers usually fall under 'major dental' in health fund extras cover Source

What affects the veneers cost in Australia

The Australian Dental Association describes a veneer as a thin shell of porcelain or white filling material, called composite resin, that is glued to the front surface of a tooth. Veneers can be placed on one tooth or several. The veneers cost in Australia depends mainly on the material, the number of teeth, any preparation and the practice. Composite resin veneers are built up directly on the tooth, usually in one appointment. Porcelain veneers are made by a technician in a dental laboratory and usually need at least two appointments.

This calculator does not use average prices. Healthdirect explains that dental fees in Australia vary widely, because each clinic sets its own fees. Enter the price per veneer and the number of teeth from your written quote, then add one-off charges such as the consultation or a mock-up. The total, the cost per tooth and a cost per year (if you add a lifespan your dentist gave you) make two quotes much easier to compare.

Health funds and Medicare for veneers

Most dental care is not covered by Medicare, and healthdirect lists veneers among the items that health funds usually class as major dental. If you have extras cover, your fund may pay part of the cost, up to a yearly limit. Waiting periods for extras are set by each insurer and can be longer for major items. The Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover cosmetic dental work. Ask your fund what it would pay for the item numbers on your plan.

Crowns, bridges and veneers are elective treatments that can repair damaged teeth or change how teeth look. They can be done by a general dentist or by a prosthodontist, a registered dental specialist. The ADA notes that a dentist cannot be registered as a cosmetic dentist in Australia, so treat that title with care. You can check any practitioner's registration on the Ahpra register, which lists every practitioner allowed to practise in Australia, before you agree to treatment.

  • Ask whether the quote is for porcelain or composite veneers
  • Check whether temporaries, reviews and adjustments are included
  • Ask your health fund what it pays for each item number

Upkeep, replacement and comparing quotes abroad

The ADA says having a veneer does not mean no treatment will ever be needed again. The tooth underneath can still decay, and veneers can chip, fracture or no longer match the colour of your other teeth, so they may need replacing. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day. Ask your dentist how long your veneers are likely to last in your situation, and enter that figure as the lifespan.

If you are comparing a quote from Australia with one from Turkey, enter both here with the same number of teeth and the same material. Think about where repairs and reviews would happen once you are home. Smartraveller notes that Medicare does not cover you overseas. Our Turkey teeth calculator lets you add flights, accommodation and extra trips. The Australian Dental Association recommends seeking an Australian dentist's advice before considering treatment overseas, so talk to your own dentist before you decide.

Frequently asked questions

How much do veneers cost in Australia?

There is no single price. Each clinic sets its own fees, and the cost depends on the material, the number of teeth and any preparation. We do not publish averages. Ask for a written quote with a price per veneer and one-off costs listed separately, then enter those figures in the calculator to see your total and cost per tooth.

What is the difference between porcelain and composite veneers?

According to the ADA, composite resin veneers are applied directly to the tooth and shaped by the dentist, usually in one appointment. Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory from an impression or 3D scan and usually need at least two appointments. Ask your dentist which type suits your teeth and compare quotes for the same type.

Does Medicare cover veneers?

Generally not. Most dental care is not covered by Medicare, and the Child Dental Benefits Schedule does not cover cosmetic dental work. If you have private health insurance with extras cover, veneers usually fall under major dental. Ask your fund what it pays and whether a waiting period applies.

Do veneers damage your teeth?

The ADA says veneers are very thin, so not much or no tooth structure has to be removed. How much is needed depends on your teeth and the type of veneer. Ask your dentist exactly how much tooth structure would be removed and what that means if the veneers need replacing later.

How long do veneers last?

There is no fixed lifespan. The ADA notes that veneers can chip, fracture or stop matching the colour of your teeth and may need replacing, and the teeth underneath can still decay. Ask your dentist what to expect in your case and enter that figure under “Lifespan your dentist told you, in years (optional)”.

Who can place veneers in Australia?

A general dentist or a prosthodontist, who is a registered dental specialist. The ADA points out that a dentist cannot be registered as a cosmetic dentist in Australia. You can check a practitioner's registration on the Ahpra register before treatment.

Why do veneer quotes differ so much?

Quotes may differ in material, the number of teeth, preparation, temporaries, reviews and guarantees. Some include the consultation and mock-up, others charge them separately. Enter each quote with its one-off costs, and use “Compare a second quote (optional)” to see both totals side by side.

Can I whiten veneers?

No. The ADA says whitening gel only lightens natural tooth enamel and does not change the colour of porcelain veneers or composite fillings. If you want to whiten your teeth, talk to your dentist before getting veneers, because the shade of the veneers is usually matched to your other teeth.

Should I get veneers in Turkey or Australia?

That is your decision, made with your dentist. Compare full quotes for the same number of teeth and material, and think about repairs and reviews once you are home. Smartraveller says Medicare does not cover you overseas and basic travel insurance rarely covers medical tourism. Use our Turkey teeth calculator to add travel costs.

Sources

This tool provides general information and calculates only with the values you enter. It does not replace an examination or advice from a dentist, your health insurer or a financial adviser.