Veneers are one of the most common dental solutions to correct a wide range of tooth aesthetic concerns such as broken, chipped, damaged, or small teeth. If you want to correct issues like these on your teeth, the first question you would probably have in mind is, “How much are veneers?”
The cost of veneers will vary from one person to the next. They have to be customized to blend in with the rest of your natural teeth so your needs will be different from someone else’s.
In this guide, we give you general estimates on how much you may spend on veneers and the factors that could make the total cost go higher or lower.
How much are individual veneers?
Individual veneers cost around $1,500 to $2,500 per tooth. It is best to just go for individual veneers if you do not have much problem with your front teeth.
How much is a full set of veneers?
Veneers are made to improve the appearance of teeth so it can only be done for your front teeth. Because of this, a full set is considered to be six or eight veneers. A full set of veneers cost around $11,000 to $20,000.
However, some dentists can do more than eight veneers in one mouth. Of course, the price will go higher than $20,000 for that.
Types of veneers and their price range
There are two major types of veneers that you can get from the dentist: resin-based veneers and porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers cost around $925 to $2,500 per tooth. This is because porcelain veneers have the look and feel of natural teeth and they also last longer. This makes it the more expensive type of veneer. Porcelain veneers can last up to 15 years if you take good care of them.
The porcelain veneers are like thin shells from ceramics. They get attached to the front of the teeth’s surface and are highly recommended for cracked teeth.
Resin veneers
Resin veneers (also known as composite veneers) cost around $300 to $1,500 per tooth. The material is cheaper and it will take you fewer office visits to complete. However, they will not last long. You will have to replace them from time to time. Resin veneers can last for 3 to 5 years if you take good care of them.
Resin veneers are bonded to the tooth and are recommended for broken teeth and to fill any small gaps between the teeth.
Factors that influence the cost of dental veneers
You may have noticed from the information above that there is a wide price range to how much do veneers cost. This is because there are a lot of factors involved in determining your overall cost. Here is a quick list of some of these factors:
Your natural teeth
The condition of your natural teeth is the biggest factor. Your dentist may have to remove a layer of enamel or reshape your natural tooth so that they are in good condition to work with veneers. The more adjustments needed to be made, the higher the cost will be.
Dental veneers type
As mentioned earlier, there are two main types of veneers that you can get. The porcelain veneers will be more expensive than the composite resin veneers because the porcelain veneers last longer.
Location
Where you get your veneers will also matter. Your veneers will have to be made in a lab and if there is no lab in your area, the veneers will have to be shipped to your dentist’s office. Location also has an influencing factor on the price of the materials needed to create the veneers.
Office visits
Getting teeth veneers does not happen in just one session. You will have to do a couple of office visits in the process. Composite veneers or resin-based veneers are easier to install and will require fewer office visits to install them. However, they are less durable so you will still end up doing more office visits to replace them.
Can insurance cover dental veneers cost?
Veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure. It is very rare for insurance companies to consider them as medically necessary.
An instance where veneers can be considered necessary by insurance providers is when your teeth were damaged from an injury or disease. But even if they get covered by insurance, they will only cover a small portion of the total cost. So, most of the time, people have to pay for their veneers out of their own pocket.
Take note though that every insurance company and policy is different. You can check out policies that are made specifically for dental procedures – they may have some room for veneer coverage.
Dental veneers – the process
Before you get your veneers, you will have to see your dentist and have your teeth checked. X-rays will be taken to evaluate your teeth and look for tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues.
Your dentist will then discuss with you if you qualify or not. If you have dental issues, if your teeth are too uneven or crooked, or if you need root canals, you will not be able to get veneers and they will give you other options you can have.
If you pass the test, they will set up your next appointment where they have to trim down the teeth involved by removing a layer of the enamel. They will then make an impression of your teeth, which will be sent o the lab that will create your veneers.
Once your veneers are ready, your dentist will contact you to schedule an appointment. Your teeth will be cleaned professionally so that the surface is clean and sterile before the veneer is attached. Then the teeth will be given a rougher texture using a grinding tool so that it will be easier for the veneer to attach to your tooth.
The veneer is attached to the tooth using dental cement. Ultraviolet light will then be used to harden the cement. This process will take you about one to two hours depending on your dental case.
Dental veneers FAQs
What issues can be fixed with dental veneers?
Veneers are made to improve the appearance of your teeth. They are often used to solve the following issues:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Uneven coloring or severe discoloration that could not be addressed with teeth whitening
- Teeth gaps
- Small-sized teeth
- Pointed or misshaped teeth
Are dental veneers permanent?
Some would claim that veneers are permanent but that is actually false advertising. You have to know that they do not actually last forever.
Porcelain veneers may be the closest thing to permanence that you can get since they are made to last longer. They usually have to remove a layer of your enamel to be affixed so they are definitely not removable.
If you are going for a permanent fix, you should go for dental implants instead of veneers.
Do veneers ruin your teeth?
Veneers will not ruin your natural teeth. The process of removing a layer of enamel will not cause your natural teeth to rot or decay. The veneers are designed to fit over your teeth and will protect the portion of your tooth that lost its enamel.
But this does not mean that you will never have cavities as long as you have veneers. You still have to practice good oral hygiene to make sure that your natural teeth will be able to support your veneers.
Do dental veneers hurt?
There are zero to minimal side effects when you get veneers. Anesthesia will be given while the procedure is done so you will barely feel it when the dentist grinds down the tooth structure or takes a layer of enamel away.
Afterward, some people may experience tooth sensitivity, which is normal for all dental procedures. In most cases, people can function as they usually do after the procedure with no trouble. You get to immediately enjoy your new smile with no problem!
Are dental veneers hard to maintain?
Your dentist will advise you to refrain from eating hard food or using your teeth to open packages. You should also use a straw when you drink liquids so that the veneers will not get stained – especially when drinking coffee, tea, wine, and acidic drinks.
You will also be advised not to use your front teeth to bite or chew on anything hard – not just when it comes to food. This covers habits like chewing on your nails or pens.
If you have the habit of clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep, you should get a retainer so that the veneers are protected.
Of course, you have to practice good oral hygiene. Make sure that you floss and brush your teeth after your meals. Make sure you use non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging your veneers.
Make sure you visit your dentist at least twice a year to get a thorough cleaning and to make sure that your veneers are still in good shape.
Conclusion
A beautiful smile can improve your life on a great scale. A good smile makes a good first impression, which could open up a lot of doors for you.
If your teeth are not as attractive as you would want them to be, getting veneers is a great way to improve their look without making drastic changes to your natural teeth.