[darren]

Hi there

How much does it cost for cosmetic dental work in Australia? My teeth are not in good shape and I have been told that a few of my teeth have been filled so much that they will need crowns soon. I also might need some veneers / caps to my front teeth.

I'm hoping to come over on a working holiday visa and I’d like an idea of costs and prices as I'm never away from the dentist.

Thanks for your help

Darren

[dusty]

Cosmetic dentistry is expensive in Australia. You might be able to take out some form of insurance to cover some of the cost. I would budget $500 - $900 a tooth for a crown.

[Cliff]

Cosmetic dentistry is expensive in Australia. You might be able to take out some form of insurance to cover some of the cost. I would budget $500 - $900 a tooth for a crown.


At least!! I know someone who paid $1600 for one crown. It was their front tooth that had broken but it is still a lot of money for one tooth.

[darren]

Thanks for your replies Cliff and Dusty. The figures are quite variable. I like the idea of having insurance but my teeth are so bad that I don't think I would qualify. I certainly don't want to spend all the money I earn on a dentist!!

[jimjams]

I certainly don't want to spend all the money I earn on a dentist!!

On the one hand I agree with you. On the other hand, the alternatives seem none too pleasant. I'd certainly be prepared to pay quite a chunk of my income to avoid having all or most of my teeth removed. My NHS dentist in the UK is such a poor dentist, I've ended up paying to go private in the hope that the work will be carried out reliably.

[Bun]

I have just had dental work done in Brisbane at a fairly averagely priced dentist. I tried to get all dental work done back in the UK before coming here but faced new problems as soon as a came. I ended up spending few thousands just on root canals and fillings. Bearing in mind that there are no NHS dentists here and I have a private dental insurance. As I need few crowns after that, I will have to get them done when I go overseas. The approximate costs are: $1500 for a crown, $180 for a white filling, $1600 for a porcelain veneer, $3000 for one tooth with 4 root canals at the endodontist (inc.consultation).

With regards to private dental insurance, you are not covered for any major dental work in the first 12 months (crowns, bridges, root canals etc) and after 12 months you are only covered for up to about $1000 per year for major dental work - depending on the level of cover. Implants are not covered nor are veneers.