Veneers Cost California

Jump to Section

The International Journal of Dental Clinics is reader supported. We may earn a commission if you purchase something using one of our links.

Searching for veneers cost California? If so, you’ve come to the right place.

A dental veneer is a customized thin tooth-colored layer placed over the flawed tooth. So basically, it covers up the flaw but does not really fix it. Its major purpose is to improve the aesthetics of your smile so this is a procedure done under cosmetic dentistry.

But of course, we all know how expensive dental services can get. So we bet you are wondering how much veneers cost.

Here, we will be able to discuss how much veneers cost in California and other things that you should know before you get them.

How much do veneers cost in California?

Just like getting braces, there is no fixed price for veneers. This is because the total cost will vary from one patient to the next. There are different factors to consider which could make your total cost go higher or lower.

But do not worry, we can provide you general estimates of what you can expect to spend on veneers in California. Take note that you may or may not be paying lower or higher than these estimates – depending on what kind of dental issue you have.

Generally, the cost of veneers are within the range of $400 to $2,000 per tooth if you want to get veneers in California. The major determining factor of the cost of veneers is the type of veneer you want to get get.

Take note that it will be hard to find a dental insurance company that cover dental veneers. This is because they are not included in the list of medically necessary dental procedures. Veneers are seen as a cosmetic treatment as it does nothing to restore your teeth or improve your oral health.

But you can check with the dental professional you are working with if they have monthly payment plans to make veneers a more affordable treatment for you. Most dental clinics have in house payment plans or offer discounted services to help cover porcelain veneers cost.

Types of dental veneers and how much each one cost

Veneers are made out of different materials and each material has its own price range. Porcelain veneers are the most expensive while instant veneers are the cheapest. Here are the different types of veneers and each dental veneer cost.

Porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers typically cost $925 to $2,500 per tooth. A porcelain veneer is the most expensive but it is worth it.

Porcelain is considered to be the most aesthetic material because it can closely resemble natural teeth. A porcelain veneer can be very natural-looking and the texture of a porcelain veneer is as smooth as a real tooth.

Porcelain is also the strongest material that you can get. This means your porcelain veneers will last longer. With proper care, porcelain veneers can last up to 8 to 15 years.

Porcelain is also the least harmful material. Porcelain veneers are biocompatible, which means you do not have to worry about it affecting your gums and other soft tissues in the mouth.

Composite veneers

A composite resin veneer may cost you anywhere between $659 and $1,450 per tooth.

The material is made out of composite resin, which is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials. The organic materials are the resin, the coupling agent, and the initiator, The inorganic material is the filler. It is the same material as most dental fillings are made of.

Composite veneers are strong although not as durable as porcelain. With proper care, a composite veneer can last up to 5 to 7 years.

They also blend well with your natural tooth color but as time would pass, they will be vulnerable to stains.

Palatal veneers

Palatal veneers or palatal onlays are a special type of onlay that is used for your anterior teeth. A palatal dental veneer cost $650 to $1,200 per tooth.

People who need palatal veneers usually have damaged anterior teeth caused by dental erosion, bruxism, deep bite, and many others. They are a great veneer that would help cover up only the compromised part of the tooth and leave the rest untouched.

Lumineers

Lumineers is a popular brand of veneers by DenMat and they are known as “no-prep” veneers since they take less time to apply and can be removed and replaced. Lumineers will cost you around $800 to $2000 per tooth.

Lumineers are made out of a very thin porcelain laminate material. Unlike porcelain and composite resin veneers, there is no need for tooth shaving with Lumineers.

Lumineers have a smooth texture. It is natural-looking and feels like a real tooth. They are commonly used for discolored teeth or to cover up irregularly shaped teeth.

They do have a shorter lifespan than traditional veneers like porcelain and composite resin. The material is ultra-thin, making it prone to fracture and damage.

Custom snap-on veneers

If you need a quick fix or if you are not ready for a commitment with veneers yet, you can try custom snap-on veneers. They can cost anywhere between $300 to $1200.

An impression of your teeth should be made. The impression will then be sent to the dental lab where they will create your customized veneers.

All you have to do is snap them on. You can remove them at any time. Although convenient, you should know that this type of veneer is just meant to be a temporary solution. They also do not look as natural as permanent veneers.

Instant veneers

This is the cheapest type of veneer that you can get. This cheap dental veneer will only cost you about $20 to $50.

To use these veneers, you place the material in hot water. This will soften it and you have to fit them into your mouth by pressing your teeth into the material.

This is just meant to be a solution for a few hours though and are more for a dental emergency situation. This type of veneer is not suited for daily use.

If you are unsure of whether to get veneers or simple teeth bonding, read our comparison guide right here.

How are veneers installed?

Here is a general outlook of how veneers are placed. Take note that your board-certified dentist may have their own way of applying veneers too.

  1. For permanent veneers, your dentist will do tooth shaving, wherein some enamel will be removed from the front and sides of your teeth to make room for the veneer. If you are getting temporary veneers, this step will be skipped.
  2. Your dentist will then make an impression or a mold of the tooth that will receive the veneer.
  3. You and your dentist will pick a shade for your veneer. Choose a shade that would blend well with the neighboring teeth so that the veneer will look natural.
  4. Your impression and chosen shade will be sent to the dental lab, where your customized veneer will be created.
  5. While waiting for your customized veneers, the dentist will cover the shaved tooth with a temporary veneer. Take note that sending your impression to the lab, creating the impression, and sending the veneer to your dental clinic will take several weeks.
  6. Once your veneers are in, your dentist will give you a call to set an appointment. Once you come in, your dentist will remove the temporary veneer. They will then place the veneer on top to confirm the fit and shade. Once confirmed, your dentist will clean the shaved tooth, and then use dental bonding to stick the veneer on your tooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who needs dental veneers?

Dental veneers are a common solution that you can use to fix the following dental issues:

  • Chipped or broken tooth
  • Worn-down tooth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Uneven or unusually shaped tooth
  • Smaller than average teeth
  • Misaligned tooth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Discolored or stained teeth

Are veneers covered by insurance?

Dental insurance typically do not cover dental veneers so you can expect insurance claims to be rejected. Veneers are considered an elective and cosmetic procedure simply because of the fact that they are not a medical necessity.

Insurance pay only for dental care procedures that are restorative. After all, its function is to give your teeth a better appearance. They do not have major restorative functions but they can protect from further damage.

Are veneers better than teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is just a temporary dental treatment whether you are using at-home kits or getting them done by a dentist. Veneers are a more long-lasting solution to stained teeth.

Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and can withstand stains associated with smoking, coffee, and wine. But you also have to consider that your lifestyle can affect how long these veneers will last.

What is the difference between veneers and dental crowns?

A veneer is less invasive and thinner while a crown is thicker and requires more removal of the tooth’s structure. A veneer is bonded to the front surface of your tooth while crowns cover the entire tooth.

Veneers are considered to be a cosmetic procedure because its primary purpose is to improve the appearance of teeth, crowns have restorative purposes. Crowns help fix broken and decayed teeth. Because of this, crowns are covered by dental insourance policies.

Can I get more than one veneer at the same time?

Yes, you can. A full veneer set is considered to compose of four to eight veneers situated on the front teeth for a full smile makeover.

Can veneers replace missing teeth?

No, dental veneers do not replace missing teeth. Veneers are thin layers that need to be placed on the foundation of the original tooth. For missing teeth, you should do other dental treatments like bridges or implants.

Conclusion

If you have any dental flaws that you want to cover up, a veneer is a great option for you. It is a quick and minimally invasive procedure.

If you are looking for dental veneers that are long-lasting, natural looking, and high-quality, porcelain veneers are your best option but they are also the most expensive. If you are looking for low-cost dental veneers as a temporary fix before you get something permanent, you have affordable options like removable or instant dental veneers.

If you are ready for your smile makeover, book an appointment with your dentist to discuss veneers.

Dr Febin Mary George - Editor

With more than 10 years as a dental surgeon, Dr Febin Mary George is passionate about educating consumers around the world to help look after their teeth.

She completed her Bachelor of Surgery at the Century Institute of Dental Science and Research Centre in 2010.

Alongside editing the International Journal of Dental Clinics she has also written for major publications including Thrive Global.