Canadians have access to some of the best dental services in the world. In fact, the Canadian Dental Association found that 84% of Canadians believe that they have good or excellent oral health!
While that's true, many of us would like pearly whites that were, well, just a bit more pearly white. And when cavities and other issues do emerge, we're not happy to settle for the old, standard treatments. More and more Canadians are choosing veneers as the final look for their smile.
What is the cost of veneers in Canada? What types are available? Are they the right option for me? Let's examine these questions together below.
Let's Talk Veneers and The Cost in Canada?
Veneers are a very thin covering that dentists apply to the front of teeth to make them look more appealing. For many of us, veneers are the easiest way to achieve the bright, white smile we've always dreamed of. This is an advanced treatment that is hardwearing to last, so as you'd expect it doesn't come cheap.
The cost of veneers in Canada involves a few different factors. It's important to understand that you pay per tooth for veneers. The two main variables in the cost are the type of veneer and the tooth that is being covered.
There are two main types of veneer - composite resin and porcelain. Both create a great smile, but the difference is how long they last. Composite resin veneers may not last as long as porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers may last up to 20 years.
Cost of Porcelain vs Composite Veneers
It's normal for porcelain veneers to cost around $450 per tooth. You may be able to find deals on composite resin veneers for as low as $300. You will need to weigh up the pros and cons of both, as you may have to have composite resin veneers replaced more quickly than porcelain ones.
Remember, it's very uncommon to have just one veneer applied at a time. Most people need to have several. At an average cost of $450 upwards, it's easy to see how you can quickly spend several thousand dollars on the procedure.
What's Included?
It's also good to check with your dentist exactly what they include in the treatment package. Along with the cost of the actual veneers themselves, there are other costs to consider. These include x-rays, moulds, and follow-up visits, and of course, the installation of the veneers. Make sure you understand the total cost involved before starting treatment.
Veneers are normally classed as a cosmetic treatment. As such, most insurers would not cover them as part of a standard insurance package.
However, some employers may offer a Healthcare Spending Account as part of their employee insurance package. This can help to offset some of the costs of the procedure.
What Are Veneers?
A veneer is a very thin shell that covers the front part of a tooth. The aim is to give the tooth a more pleasing appearance. They can be used to correct a number of dental issues, both aesthetic and medical.
Dental cavities and resulting fillings, broken and stained teeth can be very distressing. Veneers help to resolve all of these issues and more. They can also improve the appearance of twisted or crooked teeth.
Dentists can attach veneers to healthy teeth to give a more aesthetic look. They cover the entire surface of the tooth, unlike bonding which goes onto a much smaller area.
Veneers require good care, just like natural teeth. You need to brush them regularly and floss them daily. You also need to take care not to break them when biting into hard or chewy foods.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is the more affordable option to consider when investigating the cost of veneers.
There are two types on the market - direct and indirect composite veneers. Direct composite veneers take one sitting at the dentist's office to apply. Indirect composite veneers are custom-made for your teeth at an outside laboratory or by your dentist. You will need two procedures and will have temporary veneers applied to protect the teeth between visits.
Indirect composite veneers are more expensive, but they are also more hardwearing. They can stand up to abrasions and resist fractures more successfully than direct composite veneers.
With good care, you can expect composite resin veneers to last 5 to 7 years. After that, you'll need to have your veneers replaced. It's important to factor in this shorter lifespan when calculating the overall cost of veneers.
Porcelain
Porcelain veneers are the more expensive option upfront. They have certain benefits though that mean they're well worth considering, despite the higher initial outlay.
One factor is that they are the most realistic type of veneers available. They mimic the shade and translucency of natural tooth enamel, giving you the most natural-looking smile possible.
If you take good care of your porcelain veneers, you can expect them to last up to 20 years. Be aware though that if you have them on the front teeth, they can potentially pop off. Take care when biting down on hard foods.
Veneers vs Crowns vs Implants
For people who want a better aesthetic for their teeth, there are three main choices - veneers, crowns, implants.
Implants refer to teeth that have been entirely replaced with artificial teeth. A tiny titanium post is inserted into the jawbone at the site of the missing tooth. In time, an artificial tooth can be secured to the titanium post.
This not only improves the appearance and removes the need for false teeth. It also creates a strong and stable tooth where previously there was none. The cost per tooth - on average, $1,600 per tooth and possibly over $5000!
What Are Crowns?
For most people then, the choice is between veneers and crowns. Crowns are commonly placed on teeth that have been broken or had root canal surgery performed on them. The dentist inserts a post into the tooth. They then shape the remaining tooth to allow a custom-made crown to be placed on top.
Generally, crowns are more expensive than veneers as they cover the whole tooth. Unlike some veneer options, they are all custom-made. Generally, a crown will start from around $900. As with veneers, porcelain crowns are the most lifelike option. Porcelain fused to metal crowns is the most hard-wearing - and costly.
Which Is Best Between Crowns or Veneers?
Crowns can look just as good as veneers. The difference is the type of damage that they can cover. Veneers are very good at covering superficial damage and correcting the appearance of uneven teeth. They also are minimally invasive to apply.
Crowns on the other hand are used when the damage is too extensive to cover with a veneer. Much more of the natural tooth has to be removed to allow the crown to be fitted, which can be alarming. With proper care though, crowns can last 15 years or more.
The advantage of veneers is that much less of the tooth needs to be removed and they are easier to repair if they get damaged. Dental veneers cost less than crowns as well. However, it's often not an either-or situation. If the damage is severe, a crown or implant may be your only option.
Are They a Good Option for Me?
If your teeth are stained, crooked, or have other aesthetic issues, veneers could be a great option for you. They are hard-wearing, natural in appearance and can give many of us a smile that we'd only dreamed of.
The cost of veneers in Canada is considerably lower than the cost of implants and crowns. However, remember that you will need to replace them in future and they are not suitable for all types of damage.
What Are My Alternatives?
If having looked at the cost of veneers in Canada you feel that they are out of reach at the moment, there are other options available.
If discolouration is your main concern, then teeth whitening could help to improve the brightness of your teeth. Clear braces can correct teeth that are out of alignment, giving a more symmetrical appearance to your smile. Microbonding - adding a small layer of resin - can help improve the straightness of teeth.
What Are They Made Of?
The two most common choices are composite resin and porcelain.
Composite resin is a very hard, artificially produced product that dentists use for a range of applications. They are more affordable, can last for up to 7 years, and greatly enhance the appearance of your teeth. This usually only takes one trip to the dentist.
Porcelain is a mixture of kaolin, quartz, and feldspar. These ingredients form a super-strong material that also mimics the appearance of natural teeth.
How Do I Care for Them?
You might wonder if having veneers will mean less time spent brushing and flossing. The answer is, sorry, no.
The good thing is that they don't need any special care. Just continue your regular good habits of oral hygiene. With twice-daily brushing and flossing, your veneers will continue to reward you with good looks for as long as possible. However, as with natural teeth, they may start to discolour in time.
Examining the Cost of Veneers in Canada
Veneers are a great option for a fantastic smile, but they don't come cheap.
Expect to pay at least $450 for a single high-quality porcelain veneer. The cost of veneers in Canada is fairly steep, but the results can send your confidence through the roof!
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