The cost of getting full-mouth porcelain veneers is an important factor in a patient’s decision-making process to get this dental procedure. They are a popular solution for addressing various cosmetic issues and dental health issues. To help you better understand what to expect, we’ve created this guide explaining what’s included in this dental treatment procedure, what it costs, and how to pay for it.
How Many Veneers Can You Get in a Full Set?
There are generally eight dental veneers in a full set. These restorations are designed as a cosmetic—and not a structural—solution, and so they’re reserved for the eight teeth that are most prominently visible on the upper jaw: the central and lateral incisors, canines, and first premolars.
Of course, not everyone will require a full set of eight veneers. These thin shells are designed to cover tooth imperfections and may be used on teeth that are cracked, chipped, discolored, or out of alignment.
Depending on the condition of your teeth, you may only need one or two veneers. A full set is generally recommended if you have significant aesthetic flaws covering most or all of your visible upper teeth.
Note that porcelain veneers are not designed for weak, decaying, or significantly fractured teeth. They’re designed for healthy teeth with aesthetic imperfections. Your dentist can take X-rays, assess the health of your teeth, and help you to determine if this procedure is right for you.
Determining the Full Mouth Veneers Cost
The cost of full-mouth porcelain veneers can vary significantly depending on the condition of your teeth, the amount of prep work required, and even the location and skill level of the cosmetic dentist performing the procedure.
The industry average for a single porcelain veneer ranges from $900 to $2,500 per tooth. Based on that price, a full set of porcelain veneers can range from $7,200 to $20,000. It’s difficult to estimate a cost for any single patient because everyone’s needs are different.
If you’re looking for a more precise figure, the first step is to undergo a consultation with experienced dentists like Dr. Glosman. Your dentist will be able to break down the costs more precisely and provide you with financing information.
How to Pay for Full-Mouth Porcelain Veneers
If the initial cost of veneers seems high, it’s important to note that an affordable financing option is likely are available.
Most patients don’t pay the full cost up front. Rather, they work with their dental office to establish a convenient and manageable payment plan with the help of a third-party financing partner. There are also cosmetic dentistry grants, healthcare credit cards, and other solutions available. For more information, refer to our guide on how to pay for cosmetic dentistry.
Some patients will also seek out more cost-effective types of veneers, like the cheaper composite resin veneers. This can potentially save a lot of money because composite veneers average between $250 and $1,500 per tooth (or $2,000 to $12,000 for a full set).
However, when deciding between composite veneers vs porcelain veneers, composite is clearly the inferior choice. This is especially important to consider if you’re opting for a life-changing full set of veneers.
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Composite materials don’t last nearly as long as porcelain, so you’re not saving as much as you think when you consider the lifetime cost of ownership.
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Composite veneers are more prone to chipping and breaking, which can necessitate additional repair costs down the road.
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Composite resin veneers are far less stain-resistant; so even if you do get the maximum life out of them, they won’t look as good after a couple of years.
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Resin composite doesn’t look as natural as porcelain, especially as time goes on; porcelain is the closest thing to natural tooth enamel.
The same disadvantages apply when comparing porcelain veneers with Lumineers (another cost-effective alternative). Yes, they’ll save you money, but they’re not as durable, not as long-lasting, and not as natural-looking.
When restoring your entire smile, you don’t want to compromise with cheaper materials.
Additional Factors Influencing the Cost of Dental Veneers
It’s difficult to estimate the cost of full-mouth porcelain veneers because there are so many factors involved. Here are just a few variables that can influence the cost of the procedure.
Tooth decay: If there is any degree of decay on the tooth, the dentist will first need to remove it. Once the veneer is placed, any underlying decay will continue to eat away at the tooth, so the first priority of any dentist will be to ensure that the tooth is in pristine condition. Depending on the severity of the tooth decay, the dentist may recommend antibiotics, root planing and scaling, or surgical intervention, all of which come at a cost.
Damaged teeth: If there is significant damage to the tooth structure, the dentist may recommend a crown instead of a veneer. Whereas a veneer is a shell placed directly over the tooth, a crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth for structural support. This type of restoration can cost $1,500 or more on average. The good news is that some insurance providers will cover part of the cost if the crown is considered essential. A typical insurance policy will cover 50%.
What’s Included in the Full-Mouth Porcelain Veneers Price?
The quoted cost of full-mouth porcelain veneers typically includes the initial consultation appointment, the tooth preparation, and the veneer placement. If additional work is required ahead of time, such as cavity removal or gum disease treatment, these costs will usually be quoted separately.
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The consultation. During the initial appointment, you sit down with the dentist to discuss what you’re hoping to achieve and what you can expect. The dentist may conduct X-rays to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers, and then they’ll lay out a plan for the procedure, outlining the costs and expectations.
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The preparation. To prepare your teeth for veneers, the dentist will need to shave a razor-thin layer of enamel (usually about .5 millimeters) from the front of each tooth. This provides ample space for the veneers and ensures that they look natural and don’t stick out. The dentist uses a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. After the prep work is complete, the dentist takes an impression of each tooth and submits them to a laboratory. Over the course of 1 to 2 weeks, the lab creates your custom veneers. In the meantime, you may be provided with temporary veneers.
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The placement. When your new veneers are ready, your dentist uses a bonding cement to fuse them to your teeth. The cement hardens under a special light, providing a perfect seal that can last up to 20 years. During this appointment, the dentist will also check to ensure a perfect fit and make any last-minute adjustments to help you achieve the most natural look possible.
Your dentist may schedule follow-up appointments to ensure that there are no issues or concerns following the veneer placement. In most cases, though, three appointments should cover the whole procedure.
Will Insurance Pay for Porcelain Veneers?
Standard insurance policies do not cover veneers made out of porcelain. A veneer is a cosmetic procedure designed to enhance a person’s smile. It’s not required to replace, protect, or preserve teeth, and therefore it’s not deemed essential by most insurance carriers.
There are a growing number of full-coverage dental plans that pay for procedures not traditionally covered by dental insurance, but if you’re considering this route, there are a few important things to know:
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Not all full-coverage dental plans cover veneers; many will cover preventive but not cosmetic procedures, so read the fine print carefully.
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Many full-coverage dental plans will require you to be a policyholder for a set amount of time (usually 1 to 2 years) before you become eligible for non-emergency and non-routine dental procedures.
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Full-coverage dental plans can cost significantly more than standard insurance.
So if you do decide to pursue non-traditional dental plans, make sure to do your homework so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Is Paying for Full-Mouth Porcelain Veneers Worth It?
Only you can decide—with the help of your cosmetic dentist—whether a full set of porcelain veneers is right for you. If you have healthy teeth but are seeking a significant smile makeover, full-mouth porcelain veneers may be the ideal solution.
Yes, the upfront cost can be significant, but most dental offices offer financing options and the results can be absolutely transformative. Decide for yourself if you’re ready to take that next step.
