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A traditional veneer costs between $1,000 and $1,230 per tooth. Porcelain veneers are the most expensive. Prepless, or no-prep, veneers like Lumineers are a little cheaper.
Depending on the type, the cost of veneers is as follows:
Veneer placement is typically separated into two appointments at a dental clinic. Here is what's included in the treatment cost:
Dental insurance only covers necessary dental procedures. Because veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance doesn’t cover it.
However, if your veneers are recommended for your dental health, insurance might pay for a portion of the cost. For example, it might be considered a necessary procedure if your veneer covers jagged edges or corrects a malocclusion.
However, there are other ways to pay for veneers. Talk to your dentist about different payment plans and options.
Dental veneers are coverings that fit over the surfaces of your front teeth (anterior teeth). Sometimes, only a portion of your tooth is covered by a veneer. However, at other times, an entire tooth can be covered.
Veneers use high-quality dental materials to conceal a wide range of dental problems, including:
Veneers can enhance the appearance of your teeth, giving you a smile makeover. However, veneers are limited and won’t be able to address serious oral health issues such as gum disease or cavities.
Veneers aren’t a perfect procedure with certain advantages and disadvantages. You should discuss veneers and other options with your dentist to help decide whether you are a candidate.
Here are some pros and cons of veneers:
There are a few ways to save money on veneers:
Some dentists offer payment plans that allow you to pay for veneers over time. These plans work by spreading out the cost of treatment.
You can choose from different financing options to lower the cost and interest of the procedure. However, the reduction can depend on the plan you choose.
You pay off some of the veneer(s) over a few months. This makes it easier to manage the treatment's cost.
Fortunately, some discount dental plans may cover a portion of the cost.
Most dental discount plans work in similar ways:
Payment and discount dental savings plans are two ways to save money on veneers.
Although there are temporary or trial veneers, dental veneers are permanent. Permanent veneers can last up to 15 years; however, different types have different life spans.
For example, porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years or longer, especially with:
Composite veneers typically last between 5 and 7 years, while Lumineers can last up to 10 years. Porcelain veneers are generally the best option because they last the longest, do not harm your gum tissue, and look the most natural.
There are several different types of veneers:
Porcelain laminate veneers are the most natural-looking and durable veneer material available. Traditional porcelain veneers comprise several thin layers of ceramic material bonded together to form a strong shell.
Porcelain veneers are also extremely biocompatible, which means the mouth's gums and other soft tissues respond well to them. These veneers can significantly improve the appearance of your smile because porcelain is very esthetically pleasing.
Composite veneers are made of composite resin, a mixture of inorganic and organic materials. They’re also referred to as instant veneers.
They blend in fairly well with your natural teeth. However, composite veneers are prone to stains over time and don't last as long as porcelain ones.
Lumineers are a brand of veneers. They are made of ultra-thin porcelain laminate material and require minimal preparation before placement.
Unlike porcelain laminate veneers, less natural tooth structure is removed before placing a lumineer over your tooth enamel. As no-prep veneers, they also require minimal tooth preparation and are less invasive.
Removable veneers, or snap-on veneers, are cheaper and less durable than traditional veneers. They’re also considered trial or temporary veneers.
To create these veneers, an impression of your teeth is made. Then the impression is sent to a dental lab. The dental lab technicians create a custom-fit set of veneers, then mailed back to your dentist.
Palatal veneers are also known as onlays. They’re used to restore posterior teeth, which are the surfaces behind the front teeth.
Composite palatal onlays offer a great solution to repair these areas of your teeth. Palatal veneers come in two different chemical compositions: porcelain and resin.
Veneers don’t damage your teeth. However, it’s possible for the tooth underneath to decay.
Because of this, it’s important to maintain oral health and hygiene frequently. You can maintain the health of your tooth by frequently:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste. You should also avoid whitening products because they can damage your veneers.
To make your veneers last longer, avoiding certain foods or drinks that can damage them is important. Typically you should avoid biting down on the following:
Although porcelain veneers are stain resistant, you should still avoid dark foods and drinks like:
Dental veneers improve and brighten your smile but don’t strengthen or repair your teeth. On the other hand, dental crowns can cover the entire tooth to protect it.
Overall, the main purpose of veneers is to maintain the color and appearance of your teeth. Meanwhile, dental crowns can restore damages caused by tooth decay and injury.
Dental veneers can be expensive, especially if you want multiple veneers. Traditional veneers also require prepping, so our natural tooth structure will be removed before placement. This means veneers are permanent and cause irreversible changes. If you are unsure about veneers, a few reversible and less invasive dental treatments are available.
These include:
Professional teeth whitening costs less than veneers, and the results are not permanent. Tooth-whitening treatments use peroxide-based bleaching agents to brighten your teeth,
At-home treatments contain 3% to 20% peroxide (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides). Meanwhile, in-office treatments contain from 15% to 43% peroxide.
In-office teeth whitening costs anywhere between $500 and $1,400 per treatment. At-home treatment can cost from about $30 to $300.
Dental bonding uses an adhesive and tooth-colored composite resin to whiten your teeth and/or fix tooth irregularities. Such fillings, or resin composites, are usually completed in one office visit, while veneers take two or more appointments.
They can cost anywhere between $300 and $600 per tooth. Indirect restorations, such as porcelain inlays, onlays, and crowns, can cost up to $1,500 per tooth.
Orthodontic treatment may be better if you have many misaligned or crooked teeth and does not involve the removal of tooth enamel. Clear aligners and braces are popular choices.
Direct-to-consumer clear aligners cost less than braces and Invisalign. Typically clear aligners can cost between $6,000-$7,000. Meanwhile, the average braces cost is around $5,000 to $6,000.
Veneers are an effective way to improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. However, they can be costly and may not be covered by insurance.
Different types of veneers have different advantages and disadvantages. Veneers are also permanent for the most part and last between 15 to 20 years.
You must consider all the costs before committing to treatment. Talk to your dentist about payment plans and other financing options to help you afford veneers. If you’re unsure about getting veneers, there are various available alternatives.
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