An attractive smile is a universal language. But over time, teeth can become stained, chipped, or misaligned.
Veneers are one solution to help restore that captivating smile, but what will the procedure cost?
If you're trying to navigate the field of cosmetic dentistry, and wondering about the cost of veneers, this guide is tailor-made for you.
Let's dive into everything you need to know!
Quick Answer: How Much Do Veneers Cost?
Veneers are thin shells, custom-made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. They offer both a cosmetic solution and a protective barrier for teeth. When it comes to costs, the materials used (mainly porcelain/ceramic or composite resin) can play a pivotal role.
Number of Veneers***: The largest determinant on veneer cost is, simply, the number of veneers you need. Veneers are almost always billed “per tooth” — so someone who needs 20 veneers will be paying substantially more than someone who only wants veneers on 2 or 4 front teeth.
Porcelain/Ceramic Veneers: The national average cost of porcelain veneers is roughly $1,400, with most costs ranging between $900 and $1,700. The top 5% of the most expensive dental practices charge over $1,800.
Resin (Composite) Veneers: The average cost stands at about $1,150, falling between a common range of $650 to $1,400. The priciest 5% of dental offices charge more than $1,500.
It's essential to remember that these are ballpark figures, and actual costs can vary based on several factors, similar to anything else in dentistry. Also keep in mind that these are full-fee, “cash” prices — if your dentist is in-network with your insurance carrier, there may be a discount.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin shells that are bonded to the front of teeth to enhance appearance or correct defects like staining, chipping, or enamel defects.
Here’s why they’re sought-after:
Cosmetic Enhancement: Perfect for restoring stained, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth.
Protection: They provide a barrier against further damage or wear.
Longevity: With proper care, veneers can last for many years, ensuring you get value for your money.
Minimally Invasive: Unlike crowns, which require shaving down the entire tooth, veneers usually only require a slight amount of tooth reduction on the front surface. In some cases, “no-prep” veneers are cemented to front teeth without any enamel being removed.
Factors Influencing Veneer Costs
Material: As detailed above, porcelain veneers tend to be pricier than resin ones due to their durability and natural appearance.
Dentist's Expertise: Renowned cosmetic dentists with specialized training may have higher fees. Many dental offices that specialize in veneers are out-of-network, fee-for-service providers. In other words, your dental insurance may not help cover any costs!
Geographical Location: Costs can vary based on where the dental office is located. Major cities typically have higher prices than rural areas. As an example, New York City fees are often 25%+ higher than the national average, while small-town Idaho and Arkansas fees are often 25%+ lower than the average.
Lab Fees: Certain veneer materials might incur additional lab fees, especially for high-quality craftsmanship. Many cosmetic dentists have a preferred dental laboratory for veneers — often with higher lab fees. Simply put, veneers are not a good candidate for cut-rate lab work.
Additional Procedures: Some teeth might require additional treatments before veneer placement, which can increase overall costs.
Insurance and Veneers
It’s vital to understand that most dental insurance plans consider veneers a cosmetic procedure, which means they might not offer coverage. However, there are some exceptions, especially if veneers are deemed necessary for structural reasons. Always consult with your insurance provider to understand your coverage.
Caring for Your Veneers
To ensure the longevity of your veneers:
Maintain Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing and flossing are essential. Gum inflammation and tooth decay around veneers are both common causes of veneer failure.
Avoid Hard Foods: While veneers are durable, it’s wise to avoid biting into hard foods like candies or ice. Some dentists will recommend avoiding “chomping” into foods like apples or raw carrots.
Regular Dental Check-Ups: Routine visits will ensure that your veneers remain in tip-top shape. Regular check-ups will allow your dentist to identify problems early and intervene as needed.
Avoid Stains: If you have porcelain veneers, they're resistant to stains, but the cement used to hold them isn’t. Regularly consuming tea, coffee, red wine, or tobacco can discolor the edges. Because there are numerous materials and cements used in veneers, this will differ from one veneer to the next — so ask your dentist whether or not your veneers are resistant to stain.
Cost of Dental Veneers: A Comprehensive Analysis
[Before we get into the details, a note to our international readers: This guide primarily focuses on the dental market of the United States. For those from other countries, my apologies — the variation in dental insurance, national healthcare policies, and countless other factors means I cannot provide an exact and updated estimate for veneer prices in every region.]
Now, for our U.S. audience, let's delve in!
Breaking down dental veneer costs requires a look at a few different factors:
(1) Number of Veneers Required
This may be obvious to some, but it bears repeating. The biggest factor in the cost of your veneers will be the number of veneers required.
Note that veneers are billed “per tooth” — so 4 veneers will be twice the price of 2 veneers, etc.
People with wide smiles, which show more teeth, will often need 10 veneers (to cover the 4 front incisors, 2 canine teeth, and 4 premolars) per arch.
(2) Influence of Insurance***:
Insurance plays a pivotal role when discussing the subject of dental expenses. As an example, a dental veneer might be priced at $1,200 as a cash-pay rate without insurance. If your dentist is an in-network provider for your dental insurance, this could be reduced to $1,000. Furthermore, insurance might cover a fraction of this amount, placing your out-of-pocket costs somewhere between $0 and $1,000, based on the specifics of your policy.
Even in cases where your insurance doesn't directly pay part of the bill, the mere presence of an in-network arrangement can translate to cost reductions due to pre-negotiated rates.
Insurance coverage often hinges on the reason for the veneer— purely cosmetic treatments might not qualify for coverage. It's always wise to double-check!
(2) Variation Due to Materials:
Veneer costs can swing based on the choice of material.
While the price disparity between different materials (like porcelain vs. composite resin) may not be as pronounced as factors such as insurance adjustments, the material chosen does influence the final price. For instance, porcelain veneers, known for their durability and natural appearance, typically come with a higher price tag.
“Chairside” composite veneers, which can be made in a single visit without a dental lab, are oftentimes much less expensive than traditional veneers. However, the esthetic result is usually (but not always…) less impressive.
(3) Additional Cost Variables:
Lab Charges: Situations demanding specialized lab work, especially for customized veneer designs, can hike up the fees. In many cases, custom casts and custom mock-ups will allow a patient to see the predicted final result — albeit at an additional expense..
Dentist's Expertise: Esteemed cosmetic dentists or those with specialized training might command higher fees. While in-network dentists often stick to pre-set rates, high-end clinics or out-of-network professionals have more pricing autonomy.
Location Factors: Geographical variations are noteworthy. For a veneer procedure costing an average of $1,200, the price could be around $950 in regions like rural Arkansas or Idaho, yet escalate to $1,500 or more in places like New York City.
(4) Maintenance and Longevity Costs:
Over their lifespan, veneers may demand some maintenance or replacements.
Maintaining impeccable oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups can stave off potential long-term costs. While veneers are crafted to be durable, they can wear down or sustain damage, necessitating replacements.
On average, porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years, while composite veneers have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years. It's worth noting that with diligent care, many veneers can exceed their expected longevity.
Additional Costs Beyond the Veneers
Navigating the costs associated with veneers isn't just about the veneers themselves. There are often other associated expenses to consider. Here's a breakdown to give you a clearer picture:
Dental Exam:
Purpose: This is an initial assessment to determine the health of the teeth and whether they’re suitable for veneers.
Cost: Up to $150, with the price varying based on the dental office and the involvement of insurance.
While many people, understandably, want to avoid this cost, it is truly non-negotiable. A dentist would risk his/her dental license by veneering a tooth without first conducting a proper examination.
Radiographs (X-rays):
Periapical Radiograph: This shows the entire tooth, from the crown to the bone that supports the tooth. It is useful for determining whether or not the nerve of the tooth is affected, in which case a root canal will likely be necessary.
Cost: These can cost up to $70. As with the exam, the final price can be influenced by the specific dental office and insurance coverage.
Additional Procedures (if needed):
Sedation: Many patients, understandably, want to minimize anxiety in the dental chair. However, you should be prepared for sedation dentistry to add a considerable cost to the overall expense. While nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) may be <$150, conscious sedation or IV sedation often come with a bill in excess of $1,000.
Temporary Veneer***: In almost all cases, the cost of a temporary veneer should be included in the cost of a permanent veneer. If your dentist is charging you an additional bill for a temporary veneer, be sure to ask for an explanation.
Diagnostic casts, wax mock-ups, and digital mock-ups: These are tools used by dentists to show a patient the expected result before making the final veneers. With these tools, a patient has the ability to make critiques and suggestions for the final appearance. The fees associated with these mock-ups will vary from one office to the next.
Root Canal: If the tooth pulp (nerve) is infected, a root canal may be required to save the tooth before it's veneered. This will likely add $400-$1,000 to the overall bill, but insurance may reduce this cost. In most cases, this will not be needed.
Cost: These procedures can significantly add to the total expense, with prices varying widely based on complexity, materials used, and the dentist's expertise.
It's vital to consult with your dentist to get a detailed cost breakdown tailored to your situation. These costs can vary not just by the region but also by individual dental practices and the specific circumstances of the patient.
Veneer Alternatives
If you're contemplating veneers, it's worth exploring other dental cosmetic options:
Dental Crowns: These are more comprehensive solutions that cover the entire tooth, ideal for damaged or decayed teeth. While crowns are sturdier and often last longer, they are also more invasive and sacrifice more of the natural tooth structure.
Teeth Whitening: If discoloration is your primary concern, professional teeth whitening might be a simpler solution. Some “intrinsic” stains occur on the internal surface of the tooth, and are challenging or impossible to bleach away. However, if bleaching is an option, be sure to pursue it before pursuing veneers. The cost will be less, and the procedure will be less invasive.
Orthodontic Treatment: For misaligned teeth, braces or aligners might be more suitable. Veneers can make slight changes to the position of natural teeth, but for large gaps, crowding, or rotated teeth, orthodontics will be the treatment of choice.
Final Thoughts
While veneers can be a transformative solution, it's essential to get a clear picture of the costs involved. Consult with your dentist to discuss the best options for your smile and budget.
Always remember, it's not just about esthetics; it's about ensuring the health and longevity of your teeth.
FAQs
How much do a full set of veneers cost?
A full set of veneers, which typically covers the front eight teeth in the upper jaw, can range significantly in cost based on factors such as the chosen material, the dentist's expertise, and geographic location. In the U.S., the price for a single veneer can range from $800 to $2,500. So, for a full set, you could be looking at anywhere from $6,000 to $20,000 or more. It's essential to consult with your local dental office for a precise estimate — depending on your dental situation, you may need as few as 4 or 6 veneers, or as many as 20!
How long do dental veneers last?
The longevity of dental veneers primarily depends on the material used and the patient's oral hygiene practices. Porcelain veneers, which are known for their durability and natural appearance, typically last between 10 to 15 years. In contrast, composite veneers have a lifespan of approximately 5 to 7 years. With diligent care and regular dental check-ups, many veneers can exceed their expected longevity.
Are dental veneers worth the money?
Dental veneers can significantly improve the appearance of one's teeth, providing a brighter, more aligned, and natural-looking smile. Their worth often depends on individual preferences, needs, and values. For those who seek a long-lasting solution to cosmetic dental concerns, veneers can be a worthwhile investment. However, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the costs and potential maintenance.
What is the best age to get veneers?
There isn't a specific "best age" to get veneers, but most dentists recommend waiting until a patient's twenties or older when the teeth and jaws have fully matured. By this age, the gumline should be fairly stable in position — reducing the chance of an exposed veneer margin over time. Veneers are a significant commitment, both financially and in terms of oral health. It's essential that candidates for veneers have fully developed teeth and are capable of maintaining proper oral hygiene.
What happens to teeth under veneers?
Before placing veneers, a dentist typically removes a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth to allow the veneer to adhere properly. The underlying teeth remain intact but are slightly altered. Once veneers are bonded, they serve as the new front surface for the teeth. It's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices to protect the underlying tooth structure from potential decay or gum disease. In some cases, “no-prep” veneers can be bonded to an existing tooth without any removal of tooth structure.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.