How Much Do Veneers Cost?
If you’re unhappy with your smile, veneers may be an option to consider. A dentist will apply veneers, which are custom-made thin shells, to the front of your teeth to enhance their appearance. They can provide a more radiant and youthful smile by treating discolouration, chipping, gaps, and mildly misaligned teeth. Dental veneers can even reinforce the thinned-out, brittle edges of your teeth. However, one common question people have is, “How much do veneers cost?”
The price of veneers can vary significantly based on several factors, including the type of veneer, the number needed, and geographic location. This comprehensive guide from Bright Valley Dental will break down the costs and factors influencing the price of veneers, helping you make an informed decision about this cosmetic dental treatment. In order to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted, Bright Valley Dental aims to offer clear pricing and flexible financing alternatives.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are custom-crafted shells adhered to the front surfaces of teeth. They address numerous cosmetic concerns, such as discoloration, chips, or misalignment. Veneers offer a natural-looking improvement, helping you achieve a perfect smile.
Types of Veneers
Your dentist can recommend the best type of veneers for you based on your specific needs and preferences. The main types of veneers available are porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin, typically around 0.5 millimeters thick. They are highly customizable and, when crafted by an experienced cosmetic dentist, provide a very natural look. To apply porcelain veneers, the dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface, making the procedure irreversible.
There is also a subtype of porcelain veneers known as porcelain laminates, such as Lumineers®. These are often referred to as “no-prep” or “minimal-prep” veneers. They are even thinner, about 0.2 millimeters thick, and can usually be applied without removing any enamel from your natural teeth, making them potentially reversible.
Composite Resin Veneers
Porcelain veneers are extremely thin, typically around 0.5 millimeters thick. They are highly customizable and, when crafted by an experienced cosmetic dentist, provide a very natural look. To apply porcelain veneers, the dentist must remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth surface, making the procedure irreversible.
There is also a subtype of porcelain veneers known as porcelain laminates, such as Lumineers®. These are often referred to as “no-prep” or “minimal-prep” veneers. They are even thinner, about 0.2 millimeters thick, and can usually be applied without removing any enamel from your natural teeth, making them potentially reversible.
What Dental Issues Can Veneers Fix?
Dental veneers are a versatile solution for numerous cosmetic dental concerns, such as chipped, stained, crooked, or misshapen teeth. They also help to reduce gaps between teeth, creating the appearance of a more uniform and harmonious smile.
Factors Affecting Cost of Dental Veneers
Numerous factors affect the cost of cosmetic veneers. Here’s a detailed look at these variables:
Type of Veneers
Veneers mostly come in two varieties: composite and porcelain. Because of their improved stain resistance, natural appearance, and superior durability, porcelain veneers are typically more expensive. Composite veneers, while more affordable, may not last as long and may require more maintenance over time. The material your dentist recommends will significantly impact the overall cost of your veneers.
Number of Veneers
The cost of veneers is often calculated on a per-tooth basis. Therefore, the more veneers you require, the higher the total cost. Some dental clinics offer packages or discounts if you opt for a full set, which can be a cost-effective option if you need extensive dental work.
Dental Office Location
The geographic location of your dental office can greatly influence the price you pay for veneers. Dental practices situated in urban areas or central business districts often charge higher fees to cover higher operational costs, including rent and taxes. Conversely, clinics in rural or less populated areas may offer lower prices. It’s important to consider the location when budgeting for your veneers.
Dentist's Experience and Expertise
The experience and skill of the dentist doing the treatment may also have an impact on the price. Dentists with advanced training in cosmetic dentistry and high levels of proficiency may bill more for their services. But their knowledge can guarantee greater outcomes and a more pleasant encounter.
Laboratory Fees
If your veneers are made in an external dental laboratory, the laboratory’s fees will be included in the overall cost. Porcelain veneers, in particular, often require the expertise of a highly skilled ceramist, which can increase the price. Some dental practices have in-house ceramists or preferred laboratories, which can affect costs.
Additional Dental Procedures
The total cost of receiving veneers will increase if you need additional dental procedures like tooth extractions, gum contouring, or teeth shaping. It is imperative to account for these possible supplementary expenditures while evaluating the overall expenses related to your veneers.
Insurance Coverage and In-House Dental Plans
Cosmetic dental procedures like veneers are typically not covered by insurance. However, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider to see if any part of the procedure might be covered. Some dental offices offer in-house dental plans that provide special pricing on cosmetic procedures, which can help reduce the overall cost.
Financing Options
In order to help patients afford veneers, a number of dental offices, including Bright Valley Dental, provide financing alternatives. The expense of getting the smile you want can be spread out over time with the aid of third-party financing providers, flexible payment plans, and interest-free financing.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
Dental veneer prices can vary greatly based on a number of variables, such as the kind of veneer, the quantity needed, and your location. In Elgin, IL, veneer prices typically range from $1,000 to $2,500 per tooth. Understanding the differences between veneer materials can help you make an informed decision about which option is right for you.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers are generally the most affordable option. They can be crafted directly in the dentist’s office (“chairside”) or made in a dental laboratory. Chairside composite veneers typically cost around $800 per tooth, while lab-made composite veneers are slightly more expensive, averaging about $1,100 per tooth. In contrast to porcelain veneers, composite veneers are less resilient and more likely to chip and discolor. Many dental offices have switched from using composite veneers to more modern materials as a result of these drawbacks.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are widely considered the gold standard for cosmetic enhancements due to their superior strength and natural appearance. They generally cost between $900 and $2,500 per tooth, with an average price of about $1,500. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can endure up to 20 years, which is why they are so durable. The process is irreversible since it entails removing a little layer of the tooth’s enamel. A porcelain veneer needs to be changed if it breaks or slips off, exposing the tooth underneath.
Porcelain Laminate Veneers
Porcelain laminate veneers are a thinner alternative to traditional porcelain veneers, ranging from 0.2 mm to 0.3 mm in thickness. These ultrathin veneers cost between $800 and $2,000 each, with an average price of about $1,800. One of the key advantages of porcelain laminates is that they often require minimal to no removal of enamel, making the procedure reversible in some cases.
Additional Costs
In addition to the cost of the veneers themselves, there are other potential expenses to consider. These may include the initial consultation, diagnostic X-rays, and impressions, which can add an additional $150 to $500 to the overall cost. It might be necessary to schedule follow-up appointments to make sure the veneers are positioned correctly and performing as intended.
Total Cost and Financing
If you are considering multiple veneers, the total cost can add up quickly. For example, if you decide to have eight porcelain veneers at an average cost of $1,500 each, the total expense would be $12,000. While many practices do not offer discounts for multiple veneers, it is always worth inquiring.
At Bright Valley Dental, we provide a range of financing choices to make veneer costs more affordable. To help you afford the investment in your smile, we collaborate with third-party financing firms, work with dental insurance policies, and offer various payment plans.
Conclusion
If you’re unhappy with your smile, veneers can offer a transformative solution by addressing issues like discoloration, chips, gaps, and minor misalignments. The cost of veneers varies widely based on factors such as type, number, and location. Compared to porcelain veneers, which are valued for their strength and natural appearance, composite resin veneers may require more upkeep even though they are less expensive.
At Bright Valley Dental, we aim to provide clear information on costs and offer flexible financing options to help make veneers accessible. Reach out to us to explore your options and find the best solution for achieving the smile you’ve always desired.
FAQ
How long do veneers last?
The kind of veneers you select and the level of maintenance you provide them will determine how long they last. While composite resin veneers typically last between 4 and 8 years and may need to be changed sooner, porcelain veneers typically have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. Both kinds can live longer with the right maintenance.
What happens to teeth under veneers?
While veneers offer added protection by covering your teeth, it’s still possible for cavities to develop beneath them if you don’t maintain good oral hygiene. Proper brushing and flossing are essential because, despite the protective layer veneers provide, decay can still form around and underneath them, if plaque is not effectively managed.
Are veneers painful?
Porcelain veneers are generally not painful. However, you might experience some discomfort during the first 10 to 14 days as your teeth adjust to the new veneers. It’s common to have increased sensitivity to hot or cold foods during this period. Any mild tooth pain typically subsides as you adapt to your veneers.
