Are Veneers Covered by Insurance?

Why Aren’t Veneers Usually Covered by Insurance?

Dental veneers are considered cosmetic, so insurance typically doesn’t cover them. 

Insurance companies only offer coverage for medically necessary procedures. A procedure is considered medically necessary if it significantly impacts your health or quality of life.

Medically necessary dental procedures include fillings, dental crowns, and root canals.

When Might Veneers Be Covered by Insurance?

While it’s exceedingly rare, insurance may cover dental veneers if you can prove they’re required to preserve your teeth.

However, this process can be complicated since other dental restorations, such as fillings and crowns, can perform similar functions. Talk with your insurance company to determine if you have coverage for veneers.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?

The out-of-pocket cost for veneers depends on the type. 

Permanent veneers can range from $250 to $2,500 per tooth. Removable veneers typically cost around $300 or more per arch.

If you can secure coverage for veneers, you may pay between $500 to $850 per tooth.

Other Ways to Pay for Veneers

Dental veneers can be an expensive way to improve your smile. However, if your insurance doesn’t cover veneers, there are alternative ways to pay for them.

Payment Plans

Payment plans allow you to spread the cost of veneers over a few months. You’ll pay a lower monthly installment instead of the full cost upfront.

The payment plan you choose depends on what your dentist offers. They may provide different options with varying installments. They may also charge interest.

CareCredit

CareCredit is a healthcare credit card that can help you pay for cosmetic procedures. It offers unique financing options for medical and dental services you can’t get with other credit cards.

You can use CareCredit for cosmetic dental work like veneers, other restorative procedures, and preventative treatments.

Dental Savings Plans

Dental savings plans, also known as discount dental plans, are an alternative to traditional dental insurance. You pay a yearly or monthly fee in exchange for discounts on services within a network of dental providers.

Because dental savings plans are not insurance, you can use them to pay for cosmetic procedures. You may receive 10 to 60 percent off your dental veneers this way.

Read more about dental savings plans.

Are Veneers Worth it?

Dental veneers are a reliable, effective solution to improve the color and shape of your teeth. Surveys show most people who get permanent veneers are satisfied with the results.¹

However, whether veneers are worth it for you is a personal decision. Reviewing the pros and cons of dental veneers can help you decide whether to proceed with them or not. 

Advantages

The pros of dental veneers include:

• Durability — Permanent veneers, especially porcelain, are not easily damaged and can last up to 15 years or more.²
• Great esthetics — Veneers are natural in appearance and can improve negative aspects of your smile, such as stains, slightly crooked teeth, or tooth damage.
• Won’t hurt your gums — Some dental restorations can irritate the gums, but veneers have a minimal impact on the surrounding soft tissues.
• Permanent and removable options — You can choose between a permanent traditional veneer or a snap-on veneer that you can remove at any time.

Disadvantages

Veneers have their drawbacks, including:

• Many require tooth reduction — Although veneers only require minimal enamel removal, it’s irreversible and required for permanent veneers.
• Expensive — Permanent veneers can cost up to $2,500 per tooth. They typically aren’t eligible for insurance coverage.
• Can be damaged — Veneers are not invincible and can break, chip, or stain. Composite veneers are less durable than porcelain veneers.⁴

Choosing The Right Type of Veneer

Always discuss what kind of veneer is right for you with your dentist. Here are some tips for choosing the most appropriate veneer for your needs:

Veneers Overview

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front teeth to improve the esthetics of your smile. Most veneers are permanent but don’t qualify for insurance coverage since they are cosmetic.

There are several main types of veneers, including:

• Porcelain veneers — These are the most popular veneers; they can last for 10 to 15 years, and are stain-resistant.
• Composite veneers — These veneers consist of composite resin, which is less durable than porcelain but can closely match the color of your natural teeth.
• Removable veneers — Also known as snap-on veneers, removable veneers are not permanent and can be taken out at any time.

Permanent veneers require your dentist to reduce and reshape your enamel before placement. This process is irreversible but necessary for your veneers to fit correctly.

Summary

Dental veneers are shell-like covers for your teeth that improve your smile. They’re a cosmetic treatment, which means they don’t qualify for insurance coverage.  

There are limited exceptions where insurance may cover part of the cost of veneers. However, you have to prove they are medically necessary to qualify.

You can pay out-of-pocket for veneers using payment plans, credit cards, or dental savings plans. Talk to your dentist about what option will work best for you.