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Dental veneers are thin, permanent shells that cover the front of your teeth. They are designed to improve the appearance, color, and shape of teeth.
Dental veneers have been used since the 1930s to improve the aesthetic and protection of teeth. Veneers are made of porcelain (ceramic) or composite resin (plastic and glass). They vary in cost depending on the chosen material.
You can get a veneer for just one tooth or multiple teeth. You can also choose to get partial veneers or a full smile makeover, depending on your needs and budget.
Summary
Veneers can fix a wide range of cosmetic issues, but cannot repair damaged teeth. Any dental health issues must be addressed before veneer placement.
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Veneers improve the appearance of teeth rather than repair damage.
Veneers can fix teeth that are:
Veneers are best for patients in good oral health who maintain adequate oral hygiene. They may not be suitable for patients who grind or clench their teeth because the shells can crack.
Veneers cannot correct teeth that are severely crooked. You may need orthodontic treatment prior to veneers if your teeth are not in the proper position.
Summary
Porcelain and composite veneers are the most common treatment options. Composite veneers are cheaper than porcelain veneers. However, porcelain veneers are stronger and more natural-looking than composite veneers.
Popular types of veneers include:
Porcelain veneers create the most authentic-looking final result and are indistinguishable from natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are incredibly durable, stain-resistant, and should last between 15 to 20 years.
Porcelain veneers are expensive and can cost between $700 to $2,500 per tooth.
Composite veneers create a natural-looking result. They are much easier to apply than porcelain veneers and can be applied in one visit. Composite veneers are less durable than porcelain veneers. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite veneers will stain like natural teeth and typically last between 4 to 8 years before they need to be replaced.
Composite resin veneers are more affordable than porcelain veneers. They cost between $200 to $600 per tooth.
Removable, or "snap-on," veneers are a cheaper, non-permanent alternative to dental veneers. They are a great temporary solution for people looking to improve their smile in certain situations. You can order them online or get them made in a dental office.
Summary
While veneers are expensive, they can save money and time in the long run. Veneers fix imperfections that would otherwise require several dental office visits.
Dental veneers are expensive because they are a highly specialized procedure in cosmetic dentistry, requiring custom molding, specialized tools, and advanced training.
Veneers are usually placed by a cosmetic dentist specializing in veneers, rather than a primary dentist or DDS. Because veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment rather than a medical procedure, they are not covered by dental insurance.
Patients who take care of their veneers can expect them to last between 15 to 20 years (for porcelain) or 4 to 8 years (for composite) before needing replacement.
Summary
While veneers are expensive, they can save money and time in the long run. Veneers fix imperfections that would otherwise require several dental office visits.
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover veneers. Veneers are a cosmetic procedure, making the entire process an out-of-pocket cost that patients will need to pay independently.
While veneers are expensive, some cosmetic dentists offer a payment plan for veneers, so patients don’t need to pay for the entire procedure upfront.
Summary
Veneers are not covered by insurance, but many dentists offer payment plans.
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Cheaper veneer alternatives include:
Lumineers is a specific type of semi-permanent veneer. Lumineers don’t require preparation or shaving of the teeth before placement. However, not everyone is a candidate, and not every dentist offers Lumineers. Check with your dentist to see if Lumineers are an option for you.
Lumineers cost between $800 and $2,000 per tooth, depending on the individual's needs. Factors that will influence the cost of treatment include case difficulty, size, geography, and more.
Snap-On veneers, also called "removable," "temporary," or “no-prep” veneers, are a type of removable veneer that can be put on and taken off quickly by the wearer.
Snap-On veneers are an excellent choice for people who have:
Snap-On veneers are also suitable for people who wear cosmetic dentures and are looking for a more affordable or attractive option. Snap-on veneers are great for people who are not ready to invest in a permanent solution like veneers or crowns.
Snap-On veneers aren’t suitable for everyone.
For example, Snap-On veneers are not the right choice for people with the following:
Snap-On veneers cost between $300 to $700 or more per upper or lower arch.
The cost of Snap-On veneers varies depending on the size, shape, and style of the teeth. As well as whether you get them online or at the dentist.
Removable Veneers USA offers two different premium snap-on veneers:
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Alpha Veneers are custom-made, removable, clip-on veneers that fit perfectly over existing teeth. They are more affordable than traditional veneers and improve the color, shape, and size of your teeth.
Alpha Veneers also offers two types of veneers:
TruSmile veneers are made from a special German co-polyester material. These veneers can last as long as five years. TruSmile offers a 2 to 3 week expected delivery after receiving your impressions and a 100% guarantee if they do not fit your teeth properly.
TruSmile veneers start at $499.
Secret Veneers is based in the UK and offers to ship worldwide. The snap-on veneers are made from a highly flexible, crystallized resin. It is a durable material that NASA also uses for its shuttle cabinetry. Secret Veneers offer the thinnest instant veneers available, and the brand claims that they are non-staining.
Secret Veneers offers two types of snap-on veneers:
Instasmile offers users the choice between a straighter look and a natural look. The straighter look creates the appearance of straighter teeth by making the gum line look more even, and the natural look maintains the existing gum line layout. These veneers can also be shaded to match existing teeth color, if desired.
Instasmile veneers start at $500 for single-arch and $800 for both arches.
Summary
Lumineers and snap-on veneers are some cheaper alternatives to normal veneers.
Some alternatives to veneers include:
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a resin is applied on top of the tooth and reshaped. Bonding is used to reshape or repair a broken tooth. Dental bonding may be suitable for patients who are concerned about fractured or broken teeth.
Teeth whitening treatment is designed to bleach tooth enamel, lift stains, and leave your smile looking brighter than before. During a teeth whitening procedure, your teeth are exposed to a bleaching agent that causes the tooth structure to brighten. Teeth whitening may be a better option for patients who are only concerned about tooth discoloration.
A dental crown restores a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed. It is designed to preserve your bite and strengthen your tooth.
Crowns cover an entire tooth. Veneers, on the other hand, only cover the front of teeth. Unlike crowns, veneers are not dental restorations, they are only cosmetic. Because of this, a veneer cannot cover a tooth that is severely decayed, poorly positioned, or too discolored.
Crowns may be a better option if teeth are worn down or you chronically grind while sleeping.
Some types of insurance cover up to 50 percent of the cost of crowns. Veneers, which are considered cosmetic, are not covered by insurance.
Orthodontics, such as clear aligners and dental braces, are used primarily for teeth straightening.
Veneers help improve the shape, size, and shade of your teeth. Unlike orthodontics, veneers do not fix bite or teeth misalignment issues.
Orthodontic treatment is a better fit for people with moderate to severe teeth misalignment.
Summary
Dental bonding, teeth whitening treatment, crowns, and orthodontics are the best veneer alternatives. These treatments may be better options if your teeth are worn down, damaged, decaying, or misaligned.
Unfortunately, veneers are not covered by most dental assistance programs.
What’s Next?
Discover how you and your family can save money on common dental procedures with a dental discount plan.
Or call DentalPlans to speak with a representative about which plan is right for you.
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