Research has proven that most people are unhappy with their smiles due to cosmetic imperfections. This is usually due to discoloration, chips/cracks/breaks, size, shape, and more.
Cosmetic dentistry addresses these issues with a variety of procedures based on your needs and goals. One of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures is dental veneers because they can create the most dramatic change.
Still, dental veneers range from around $950 to $4,500 per tooth. Unfortunately, since veneers are a cosmetic procedure, most dental insurance plans will not cover any portion of treatment. This means that patients must pay for it out-of-pocket.
Porcelain Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed on the front of the tooth to improve its appearance. They are typically placed on the upper 6 to 8 front teeth that are visible when smiling. They may be made of composite resin or porcelain.
Composite resin veneers may be direct, in which the composite material is applied directly to the teeth, or indirect, in which the veneers are made outside of the mouth either in the office or in an off-site dental lab. Composite resin veneers can be completed in a single visit.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are made in a dental lab. Typically, porcelain veneers require at least two appointments. The first one is to prepare the teeth, and the second is to place the veneers.
Veneers require some enamel to be removed from the teeth, which means this is an irreversible procedure. You may need to replace them in the future, but you will never be able to have them removed to try something different.
Preparing Teeth for Veneers
The first step is your initial consultation. During this visit, your oral health will be evaluated, including your oral hygiene habits. We will also discuss your expectations for treatment to determine if veneers are the right solution for you.
If you decide to get veneers, we will start by deciding whether you want porcelain or composite resin. Then, we will choose the color that most closely matches your adjacent teeth so that they will blend in as much as possible. Keep in mind that veneers cannot be whitened, so if you want a lighter color, you’ll need to undergo whitening for your natural teeth.
Then, we will remove some of the enamel from your natural teeth, which will create space for the veneers to be placed. Once this is done, an impression will be taken of your teeth, which will ensure that the veneers fit perfectly. If necessary, temporary veneers will be placed on your teeth to protect them while you wait.
Once your permanent veneers are ready, the temporary ones will be removed, and your teeth will be cleaned and polished. Then, the dentist will verify the fit of your permanent veneers and they will be cemented in place. A special light will be used to harden the cement.
There are several factors that impact the cost of dental veneers:
Material
Veneers may be porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain is the more expensive option, but typically lasts longer and offers a more natural appearance. However, if your porcelain veneers are damaged, they must be replaced. Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
Composite resin is less expensive than porcelain. This material is not as durable or as long-lasting as porcelain. However, if composite resin veneers are damaged, it is possible to repair them. Composite resin veneers can last up to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance.
Location of Dental Clinic
The location of the dental clinic has a major impact on the cost of services. A clinic located in a larger metropolitan area is likely to charge more than one that is located in a more rural or suburban area.
Number of Veneers Needed
Some patients only need a single veneer, while others need 6 to 20 to cover the upper front teeth that are visible when smiling. The more teeth you need to have treated, the higher the cost of the procedure.
Experience/Expertise of the Dentist
Typically, the more experience and training the dentist has, the more they will charge for their services. A newer dentist often has lower fees and you may save more money by going to a dental school where the work is done by students supervised by dentists.
Additional Procedures
Most dental clinics include the cost of exams and x-rays in the base cost of veneers, but some charge separate fees. If you need procedures such as teeth whitening on adjacent teeth, you will be charged extra for those.
Since the primary purpose of dental veneers is to improve appearance, most dental insurance providers will not cover any portion of the procedure. This means that patients must pay for it on their own and, unfortunately, the cost can quickly add up.
The good news is that you may be able to finance the cost. Most dental clinics work with third-party financing companies. Financing allows you to get the treatment you want and break the fee up into smaller, more budget-friendly payments over time. Some clinics offer a membership program that offers discounts on their services and others offer in-house financing. The office staff will be able to explain your options for financing your services.
