How Much Veneers Cost & Ways to Pay for Them

What are Veneers?

Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. The treatment is often referred to as a “smile makeover” because it significantly improves the appearance of your teeth. 

A veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell that fits over the front of your tooth. The shells change the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth.

Veneers are an excellent option for tooth discoloration, as well as crooked, gapped, and irregularly shaped teeth. 

Anyone who has all of their permanent (adult) teeth is usually a good candidate for veneers.

You also cannot have cavities, gum disease, or other oral health conditions. If you do, make sure you receive treatment to correct these issues beforehand.

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Types of Veneers

Here are the different types of veneers:

• Porcelain veneers are the most natural-looking and durable veneer material available. Porcelain laminate veneers are also extremely biocompatible, which means they rarely injure the gum tissues and surrounding soft tissues in the mouth. These veneers can significantly improve the appearance of your smile because porcelain is very aesthetically pleasing.
• Composite veneers are made of composite resin, which is a mixture of inorganic and organic materials. They blend in fairly well with your natural tooth color, but are prone to stains over time and do not last as long as porcelain.
• Lumineers are a brand of veneers. They are made of ultra-thin porcelain laminate material and require minimal preparation before placement. Unlike porcelain veneers, less natural tooth structure is removed before placing a lumineer over your tooth enamel.
• Removable veneers are also called snap-on veneers. There are two types of removable veneers: instant veneers and custom-made clip-on veneers.

Custom-made removable veneers are much higher quality than instant veneers. Read more about removable veneers.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Since veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure, dental insurance typically does not cover the cost of treatment. The cost of veneers depends on the type chosen, your dentist’s location, and how many you get. 

On average, the cost of a traditional veneer is anywhere between $600 and $2,500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers are the most expensive.

Prepless (no-prep) veneers, such as Lumineers, are a little cheaper. They tend to cost anywhere between $650 and $2,000 per tooth. 

The cost of a dental veneer, depending on the type, is as follows:

• Porcelain veneers cost — $925-$2,500 (per tooth)
• Composite resin veneers cost — $600-$1,500 (per tooth)
• Lumineers cost — $800-$2,000 (per tooth)
• Removable veneers (temporary veneers) cost — $470-$600 (for both upper and lower teeth)

Veneers are not covered by insurance. They cost between $470 and $2,000 per tooth.

What's Included in the Treatment Cost?

Veneer placement is a non-invasive procedure that is typically separated into two appointments. Here is what's included in the treatment cost:

1. Enamel removal to make room for the veneer
2. An impression (or mold) of the prepared tooth structure
3. A veneer shade that best matches your smile
4. A custom-made veneer (this step can take several weeks — you'll wear a temporary veneer in the meantime)

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Financing Options for Veneers

There are a few ways to save money on veneers:

Payment Plans

A payment plan for veneers is an excellent choice if you do not have insurance. Some general and cosmetic dentists allow patients to pay off a portion of the veneer(s) over a few months. You would pay your dentist directly for treatment. 

Discount Dental Savings Plans

Insurance does not cover veneer costs. Fortunately, some discount dental plans may cover a portion of the cost. Most dental discount plans work in similar ways: 

• You only pay for the dental treatments you need (when you need them)
• No annual spending limit
• No claims or approval forms are required to sign up
• Members pay one low annual fee
• You will get access to a network of dentists in your area

Payment plans and discount dental savings plans are two ways to save money on veneers.

How Long Do Veneers Last? 

Porcelain veneers can last up to 20 years or longer with proper dental care, good oral hygiene, and regular check-ups.

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. 

Alternative Treatments

Dental veneers can be expensive, especially if you want more than one veneer. Traditional veneers also require prepping, which means part of your natural tooth structure will be removed before placement. This means the shells are permanent. 

If you are unsure about veneers, there are a few reversible and less invasive dental treatments available. These include:

• Teeth whitening treatment — professional teeth whitening costs less than veneers, and the results are not permanent. In-office teeth whitening tends to cost anywhere between $500 and $1,400 per treatment. At-home treatment can cost from about $30 to $300.
• Dental bonding — A dental bond uses an adhesive and tooth-colored composite resin to whiten your teeth and/or fix tooth irregularities. Bonding treatment is completed in one office visit, while veneers take two or more appointments. Dental bonds are also reversible and tend to cost anywhere between $300 and $600 per tooth. Indirect dental bonds, such as onlays, can cost up to $1,500 per tooth.
• Orthodontic treatment — if you have many misaligned or crooked teeth, orthodontic treatment may be better. Clear aligners and braces are popular choices. Direct to consumer clear aligners cost less than braces and Invisalign.

If you have cavities, gum disease, or another oral health condition, it is essential to seek restorative treatment. You may need a root canal, cavity filling, dental crown, dental implant, or dentures. Veneers do not restore severely damaged or decaying teeth. 

Removable Veneers

Custom-made clip-on veneers are also called removable veneers. First, 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 for you, which then get mailed out.

Snap-on Smile and Alpha Veneers are two of the most popular custom-made removable veneers companies.

The Snap-On Smile process all takes place at a dental office. The removable veneers typically cost $1,000 to $3,500 per arch. Some dentists may charge as low as $500 per arch.

Occasional wear Alpha Veneers cost $299 for a single arch and $499 for both. Regular wear veneers are $549 for a single arch and $749 for a dual arch.

Alpha Veneers cost less because they are a direct-to-consumer company. They mail you an impression kit, then send it to a dental lab, and return your veneers to your home. Their treatment model is very similar to at-home clear aligner treatments such as byte, Candid Co, and ALIGNERCO.

Veneer Costs: Common Questions and Answers