Patients sometimes ask whether superannuation can be used to pay for dental treatment, including veneers. This page provides general information about the ATO's Early Release of Superannuation program as it relates to dental treatment. This page does not constitute financial advice.
If you are considering accessing your superannuation early, you should seek independent financial advice from a licensed financial adviser before making any decisions.
Superannuation is money set aside by your employer to support your financial needs in retirement. In limited circumstances, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) allows early access to superannuation on compassionate grounds. This is called the Early Release of Superannuation (ERS) program.
The ATO may consider early release of superannuation for medical and dental treatment on compassionate grounds. However, approvals are highly restricted, assessed on a case-by-case basis, and not guaranteed. The ATO requires that the treatment be for a life-threatening condition, to relieve acute or chronic pain, or to address mental distress, and that you cannot pay for the treatment through any other means (including savings, loans, or selling investments).
Cosmetic dental procedures are unlikely to qualify for ERS unless there is a demonstrable medical need. The ATO assesses each application individually, and many applications are not approved.
Accessing superannuation early reduces your retirement savings and may have tax implications. The application process involves documentation from medical practitioners and assessment by the ATO. The process can take several weeks, and approval is not guaranteed.
This page does not constitute financial advice. Gorgeous Smiles does not provide financial advice and does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence. If you are considering accessing your superannuation early for any purpose, you should seek independent advice from a licensed financial adviser before proceeding. You can also contact the ATO directly for information about eligibility criteria and the application process.
Gorgeous Smiles offers interest-free payment plans through AfterPay, Humm, and Zip. Private health insurance may also cover a portion of some dental treatments depending on your policy. Your dentist can provide a written treatment plan with item codes so you can check coverage with your health fund before committing to treatment.
All treatment costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment.
If you are considering veneers, a consultation with your dentist is the appropriate starting point. Your dentist will assess your teeth, discuss whether veneers are clinically appropriate, explain the treatment options and their risks, and provide a personalised treatment plan with costs.
All dental treatments carry risks. Risks of veneer treatment include irreversible enamel removal (for porcelain veneers), tooth sensitivity, the possibility of veneers chipping, debonding, or failing over time, colour mismatch as natural teeth change shade, the potential need for root canal treatment on prepared teeth, and the need for eventual replacement as veneers are not permanent. Your dentist will discuss all risks before treatment begins.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.