Looking for a set of perfect pearly whites? As a leading cosmetic dentist in Manhattan, Dr. Gerry Curatola often recommends getting dental veneers for a natural-looking, flawless smile.
Dental veneers cost anywhere between $250 and $2,500 per tooth depending on the type of veneers you get and the location of your dentist.
If you may dental veneers but aren’t sure if you can afford it or if you’re a good candidate, keep reading for more on how much veneers cost, insurance coverage, and other financial factors to consider.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are thin covers that adhere to the front of your teeth to give them a radiant yet natural appearance. Veneers can be applied to a single tooth or a full row of teeth to change the appearance of your teeth (typically, to hide severe discoloration, crooked teeth, or chipping).
Getting veneers is usually a permanent process because of how the veneer procedure has to prepare your teeth. However, you will need to get new veneers every 5-15 years depending on the type of veneer you choose.
Want to save money on veneers? Make them last as long as you can!
The best way to take care of dental veneers is the same method you follow to preserve your natural teeth: proper oral hygiene. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and dental floss twice a day to clean your teeth, and keep your gums healthy by using a toothpaste like Revitin.
Types of Dental Veneers
Multiple types of dental veneers offer their own advantages. The veneer type you choose will impact how long this dental treatment lasts before you need to have your veneers re-applied.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the classic type of veneer most people choose for their new smile. Their natural, milky appearance look astoundingly similar to the actual enamel of human teeth and have an average lifespan of 10-20 years with proper care.
Composite Veneers
This type of veneer is a popular alternative to porcelain because it’s about half the price, although its lifespan is about half as long as porcelain (about 5-10 years).
These veneers consist of a composite resin that is applied and dried in layers, sculpted as it’s joined to the surface. Composite veneers can be applied on-site while you wait, and don’t require the imaging and molding that porcelain veneers do.
Temporary Veneers
These clip-on veneers slide over your existing teeth much like a mouth guard does. Temporary veneers are typically worn in the interim between the preparation of your teeth and the application of the permanent porcelain veneers.
Their thicker, rougher composition isn’t as natural-looking as permanent veneers, since they’re not made for long-term use.
No-Prep Veneers
If your oral health and condition are excellent when you want veneers, you can opt for this approach that requires minimal to no work on your existing tooth structure.
They can be thick porcelain shells in the form of snap-on veneers or thin, near-translucent films like Lumineers or Durathins. The lifespan varies by product, but many no-prep veneers easily last 5-7 years.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of dental veneers depends on many factors, including:
- What type of veneer you select
- The number of teeth being covered
- Who applies the veneers
- How much work must be performed to prepare your teeth
Cost of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers cost between $600-$2,500 on average per tooth out of pocket, making them the most expensive type of veneers. A full set of veneers that covers the front 6-8 teeth costs $5,000-$20,000.
Cost of Composite Veneers
Composite resin veneers cost $2,000-$10,000, with each tooth costing $250-$1,500 out of pocket. That’s because composite veneers are much easier and quicker to apply than porcelain.
Just keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for replacement resin veneers twice as often as you would porcelain ones, so they’re not necessarily cheaper in the long run.
Cost of No-Prep Veneers
No-prep veneers cost anywhere from $800-$2,000 per tooth because the quality and versions of these veneers range drastically. Talk to your dentist about the brand likely to last the longest.
You don’t want to skimp on these dental services because cheap, low-quality veneers won’t last long — and they won’t deliver the drastic improvement to your smile that you desire.
What are you paying for?
When you pay for dental veneers, the total cost isn’t just for the shells that are bonded to your teeth. In addition to paying for the covers themselves, you’re also paying for:
- the procedure to adhere them to your teeth
- removal of the enamel so they’re the ideal size and shape
- any anesthetic needed for the procedure
- the creation of a mold using an impression of your teeth
- the selection of an ideal veneer shade
- temporary veneers to protect your teeth while you wait for the permanent version
- how experienced your dentist is
Because some types of veneers don’t require all of these steps and involve less time, they cost less money.
Getting porcelain veneers takes at least 3-4 weeks from start to finish, but composite veneers only require an initial consultation and a few hours on the day of the procedure. So, determining how long it takes to get veneers depends on which type you’re getting.
You may also be paying for the x-rays and general dental assessment required before you get veneers. It’s important to make sure you have no tooth decay or extensive gum inflammation before getting veneers.
Are veneers covered by dental insurance?
Veneers are not covered by dental insurance because it’s a cosmetic dental procedure.
Creating and fastening veneers to your teeth is usually deemed a cosmetic procedure that you choose for purely aesthetic reasons. Therefore, your insurance coverage won’t consider the dental procedure a qualifying medical expense.
Veneers can qualify under standard dental insurance plans if they’re deemed medically necessary. This can be when the procedure is essential for the health of your teeth or if restorative measures are needed (without the necessity of full mouth reconstruction), especially if the tooth has been suffering from impairment or decay.
Cosmetic dental procedures greatly improve your smile, but what effect do they have on the long-term strength and condition of your teeth?
To be clear: Veneers do not ruin your teeth; they improve them. In addition to being a visible enhancement to your teeth, the application of durable veneers provides extra protection and reinforces them — as long as you follow proper dental care.
How to Save Money on Veneers
Payment Plans
Most dental offices, including Rejuvenation Dentistry, are happy to work with you to arrange a payment plan that fits your financial situation.
Not everyone can afford to pay for dental veneers out of pocket all at once. If you want veneers but can’t afford them in a single payment, call your dentist to speak with a financial representative about how you can pay your bill in installments.
Dental Discount Plans
Although dental insurance won’t cover cosmetic procedures like veneers, some dental savings plans do. By paying an annual fee to become a member of a low-cost plan, you can unlock savings as high as 50% on cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Financing
A third-party financial institution may offer you financing options so you don’t have to pay the entire bill right away. You may have to pay interest when repaying the loan, but some lenders offer zero-interest terms to qualifying applicants.
Ask About Specials and Discounts
Many offices run current or upcoming specials for dental cosmetic procedures, as well as discounts for qualifying patients. Don’t rule out veneers until you receive a consultation.
Only a Few Teeth
The number of veneers directly impacts how much veneers cost. You don’t have to buy a full set of dental veneers to improve your smile. Instead of paying for a set covering 6-8 teeth, why not just focus on the one or two teeth that are most problematic?
Choose a Cheaper Type
Although porcelain veneers are exquisite, you are paying for their quality. You can save money on dental veneers by opting for a more affordable type like low-prep veneers or Lumineers.
Alternatives to Veneers
If you prefer a cheaper alternative to dental veneers or aren’t keen on making permanent alterations to the structure of your teeth, you can improve the look of your smile with:
- Teeth whitening: Whitening toothpaste and whitening strips are the go-to at-home whitening options most people choose. However, professional teeth whitening at your dentist is safer and more effective than products sold in stores.
- Dental bonding: Bonding can mend minor chips or cracks on the surface of your teeth in a single office visit without compromising the enamel of your natural tooth.
- Orthodontic treatment: Orthodontics are the best way to fix crowding, crooked teeth, or impacted teeth that detract from the beauty of your smile.
- Dental implants: For spaces where you’ve had teeth removed for any reason, dental implants can provide a natural-looking tooth. These implants are not cheap, but done well, can offer a visually appealing aesthetic, allow for normal chewing, and prevent your teeth from shifting.
- Dental crowns: Crowns, or “caps,” are made of materials similar to veneers (like resin and porcelain) and cover teeth from all sides to conceal discolored or broken teeth.
- Dentures: Dentures are an affordable, convenient option for patients missing several (or all) of their teeth. They’re made of a hard resin material and typically are not permanently bonded to the mouth, so they can be removed and cleaned with ease.
Are veneers really worth it?
After you’ve assessed the cost of veneers, you’re bound to wonder, “Are veneers worth it?” That’s not a simple question to answer since it largely depends on your individual needs, expectations, and finances.
A full set of veneers look marvelous and can truly transform your face, especially when they’re grafted on by a skilled, experienced dentist. You’re paying for the quality of the product and the procedure. Dental veneers aren’t something you want to skimp on with a dentist willing to cut corners to get you the cheapest price.
There are many benefits of dental veneers that can justify the price you’re paying. Having a dazzling smile is about more than just looking attractive; it’s a core component of a healthy self-image and improving your confidence.
You won’t truly know until you witness the difference before and after getting veneers.
We invite you to contact Rejuvenation Dentistry® to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in New York City. An in-person consultation allows us to assess the type, quantity, and cost of dental veneers that fit your needs.
