While Medicare doesn’t cover porcelain veneers and other cosmetic dentistry treatments, some healthcare providers may cover some of the cost. This depends on your policy and level of cover, and you may be required to upgrade to a more comprehensive plan to include cosmetic dental treatments.

Remember that, if you do change policies, there may be a waiting period involved before you’re able to claim back any of the costs of your teeth veneers.

In the past, porcelain veneers were chosen to achieve a dramatically bright “Hollywood smile” look, where teeth often appeared too big or too white. Since then, dental technology and patient expectations have evolved, and porcelain veneers can look extremely natural, if carried out by an experienced dental professional.

Detailed control can be exercised over the shade, shape and size of the veneers, to achieve a natural and realistic look that integrates seamlessly with the rest of your mouth. Your dentist will speak with you about your own aesthetic goals before starting the treatment.

Porcelain dental veneers are durable and can last longer than ten years with proper care and maintenance. However, they may need to be replaced from time-to-time, due to the following scenarios:

• The veneer becomes cracked or damaged
• The underlying tooth is damaged or decayed
• The bonding dental cement becomes loose
• The patient decides they want a different shade. Since veneers are resistant to whitening treatments, they would have to be replaced

Practising good oral hygiene and getting regular check-ups at your dentist can prolong the life of your dental veneers.