A “smile makeover” is not a single procedure. It is a term for a treatment plan combining several cosmetic treatments, which might include veneers, crowns, whitening, orthodontic treatment or replacement of missing teeth. Because the combination differs from patient to patient, so does the cost.
This article explains what drives the cost and what to check before committing.
Smile makeover cost in Sydney
Published price guides span a very wide range, from a few hundred dollars for a single treatment to $15,000 or more for extensive multi-treatment plans. These are indicative figures rather than quotes, and a meaningful figure for your own case can only be given after examination and treatment planning.
Fees at North Sydney Dentistry
We provide a range of cosmetic dental treatments. Fees currently range from $449 to $7,790 depending on which treatments are involved and the complexity of the case.
You receive a written quote setting out the full cost of your proposed plan before treatment begins.
What affects the cost
The main factors are which treatments are involved, how many teeth are being treated, the materials used, the complexity of the case, and whether preliminary treatment is needed first. Decay, gum disease or bite problems must be assessed and addressed before elective cosmetic work is considered, and that treatment is charged separately.
Laboratory work is a significant component for veneers and crowns, and different ceramics and laboratories carry different costs.
Ongoing costs
Cosmetic restorations are not permanent. Veneers and crowns have a finite lifespan and will need repair or replacement over time. Whitening fades and requires repeat treatment. The lifetime cost of a cosmetic plan is therefore higher than the initial fee, and this is worth factoring into the decision.
Where treatment involves removing enamel, as most veneer and crown work does, that step is irreversible. The teeth will require restorations from then on.
Health Fund benefits
Some private health insurance extras policies include benefits for individual treatments, generally subject to waiting periods and annual limits. Purely cosmetic work is excluded under some policies. Check the relevant item numbers with your fund directly before committing.
Questions worth asking
Before agreeing to a treatment plan, it is reasonable to ask:
- which parts of the plan are irreversible
- what less invasive alternatives exist and why they are not being recommended
- what the total fee covers and what is charged separately
- what the expected lifespan of each restoration is and what replacement would cost
- what the risks are for each treatment involved
You can check any practitioner’s registration and qualifications on the Ahpra public register. Cosmetic treatment is elective, so there is no need to decide quickly, and seeking a second opinion before committing to anything irreversible is reasonable.
Risks
All cosmetic dental treatment carries risks, which vary by procedure. They can include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation and recession, permanent loss of tooth structure, the need for further treatment such as root canal treatment, failure of a restoration, and the ongoing cost of maintenance and replacement.
Results vary between individuals and no outcome can be guaranteed. The risks relevant to your case should be explained to you in full before you agree to treatment.
To discuss what would be involved in your case, contact North Sydney Dentistry to arrange a consultation with a cosmetic dentist.