Dental veneers can transform your smile, but if you’re considering this popular cosmetic dentistry procedure for your crooked teeth, damaged teeth, or discolored teeth, you likely have questions about the cost. The cost of veneers can vary substantially depending on the material from which they’re made as well as a slew of other factors.
We’re here to provide a basic overview to give you an idea of the general expectations. The information in this article is not intended to reflect the our prices. As a premier Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Glosman weighs a variety of factors in order to determine custom pricing for his patients. Anyone who would like to learn more is invited to contact us for a consultation.
Cost of Dental Veneers by Type
The most important factor influencing the cost of veneers is the type of veneer itself. There are three main types of permanent veneers: porcelain veneers, composite veneers (sometimes called composite resin veneers), and no-prep veneers. Each of these cosmetic procedures has its own pros and cons.
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Porcelain veneers come at the highest cost because they’re quite simply the highest quality—and because they require more appointments and preparation than other types of veneers. Porcelain is the longest-lasting type of veneer (with a lifespan of up to 15-20 years with optimal care), it’s extremely stain-resistant, and it’s extremely resistant to chips and breaks. It also has the most natural-looking appearance. Porcelain even catches the light like natural tooth enamel.
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Average cost of porcelain veneers: $3,000 to $5000 per tooth.
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No-prep veneers are more cost-effective than porcelain veneers. That’s because they require no tooth preparation ahead of time and are made from thinner, more cost-effective ceramic materials. The downside is that they don’t last quite as long (you might get 10 to 15 good years with proper care), and they’re slightly less natural-looking. Lumineers are a popular example of no-prep veneers.
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Average cost of no-prep veneers: $3,000 to $3,500 per tooth.
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Composite veneers are typically the most affordable permanent veneers. They’re made from the same type of bonding material used for dental fillings, and they can often be applied in a single appointment with minimal to no prep work. Composite veneers have the shortest lifespan (about 2 to 5 years on average), and they’re much more brittle than other types of veneers, meaning that they can chip and break much more easily.
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Average cost of composite veneers:$2,000 to $3,000 per tooth.
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Factors Influencing the Veneers Procedure Cost
The cost for veneers can vary a lot. Even among standard porcelain veneers, the average cost per tooth can vary by more than $1,500. The reason for the extreme variance is because there are so many factors that play into the procedure. For instance:
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The type of material used. Not all porcelain is created equal. Porcelain veneers may be made from lithium disilicate, Cerinate, pressed ceramic, stacked ceramic, or a similar material. Each type of material comes with its own cost and quality considerations.
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The number of dental office visits required. Porcelain veneers will usually require 2 to 3 appointments. This includes the initial consultation, the preparation appointment (during which a thin layer of enamel is shaved from the tooth), and the final veneers placement. No-prep and composite veneers usually require fewer appointments since less prep work is required.
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The number of teeth requiring veneers. If you’re purchasing a set of veneers as opposed to a veneer for a single tooth, you may qualify for a discount or bundled rate that’s lower than what you’d generally pay per tooth. This is, in part, because multiple teeth can be treated in the same appointment. You might also save if you opt for a complete smile makeover.
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The general condition of your teeth. If you have strong, healthy teeth, your cosmetic dentist may be able to proceed right away with the dental veneers placement. However, if you have some tooth decay, or if your teeth require reshaping or other pre-treatments before you’d be a good candidate for veneers, this will factor into your total investment.
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The experience and expertise of the cosmetic dentist. You might expect to pay a premium for a dentist who specializes in this dental treatment and has a reputation for excellence. It’s usually worth the added investment to go with a professional who does A+ work. Not only will the end result look better, but it will usually last longer.
While you don’t necessarily want to pay the highest price for veneers, you should be cautious about any cosmetic dentist who charges a remarkably low price. Always do your homework and compare reviews.
What Is the Cost of a Temporary Veneer?
If you can’t cover the cost of permanent veneers or are concerned about undergoing major dental procedures, you might be curious about temporary veneers. While it’s true that temporaries—such as clip-on or snap-on veneers—are far more cost effective (often in the $300 to $500 range depending on whether they’re custom-made), they’re not in the same league as permanent veneers. In fact, snap-on veneers are a terrible investment.
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Temporary veneers are usually made from flimsy plastic or resin. They break very easily when compared to permanent veneers, and they typically aren’t recommended for wear while eating.
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Temporary veneers often fit over the teeth more like dentures than traditional veneers. As a result, they don’t blend naturally into your existing smile, and they can often appear bulky and unnatural.
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Temporary veneers can trap food particles along the surface of your teeth, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination, tooth decay, and ultimately gum disease.
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Many temporary veneers are heat-activated, meaning that you can’t enjoy hot beverages while wearing them.
While temporary veneers can be suitable for occasional wear and as a short-term solution while permanent veneers are being made, they are not recommended for daily, ongoing use.
Will Insurance Cover the Cost of Veneers?
Because dental veneers are a cosmetic restoration, dental insurance will usually not cover the cost.
If you have a full-coverage insurance plan that includes cosmetic treatments, you might have better luck, but these plans are harder to come by and much costlier. In addition, you typically need to maintain the insurance for a predetermined period of time—often 6 months to a year or longer—before you can make a claim for a cosmetic treatment.
The best way to pay for veneers is typically via a monthly payment plan. Dr. Glosman helps patients to obtain flexible financing options, making the payment process more convenient and manageable.
Consider the True Cost of High-Quality Porcelain Veneers
If you’re considering veneers for your cosmetic issues, we recommend going with the best. While they may cost more up front, porcelain veneers are actually more cost-effective than other permanent veneers when you consider the lifetime cost of ownership. They’re also more affordable than braces and they look and feel more natural. When you opt for the best dental care, it’s an investment you won’t regret.
