A good smile gives patients a great deal of confidence. It is priceless to have an aesthetically pleasing smile which contains straight, white teeth. For some patients, it may be difficult to achieve a beautiful smile. Dentists often use porcelain veneers to improve the appearance of teeth which are otherwise healthy. Veneers can be an excellent option for concealing minor issues such as discoloration, cracks, and chips. In order to use a veneer, the patient must have a healthy natural tooth. There are two different types of veneers which can be used, composite resin and porcelain. The type of veneer selected often depends on the patient’s budget.
The cost for composite veneers start at $500. Porcelain veneers, in comparison, cost about $1,500. This article will review the average cost for veneers and the various factors which can impact the overall price. The factors which can largely impact the price for veneers include the type of material used, the background and experience of the dentist performing the procedure, and the patient’s geographical location.
Because the actual procedure is relatively complicated, placing a single veneer on a tooth can be quite expensive. Below is a summary of the cost associated with various types of veneers. The below estimates are based on the placement of a single veneer.
Composite (chairside)
$500-$1,400
Composite (laboratory)
$800-$2,300
Porcelain
$900-$2,500
Lumineers
$800-$2,000
Procedure Costs
In some cases, more than two or three visits with the dentist may be necessary. Patients who need additional work performed on their natural teeth prior to beginning the procedure will incur additional costs. Additional procedures may include a dental examination, diagnostic wax-up or impression, dental x-rays, and dental cleaning. The following is a summary of these additional costs which may be necessary.
Dental examination
$50-$250
Diagnostic wax-up
$50-$300
Bitewing X-ray
$25-$50
Periapical X-ray
$25-$50
Panoramic X-ray
$100-$250
Dental cleaning
$70-$250
Insurance Coverage
While insurance coverage will vary based on the individual’s specific plan, insurance coverage can only be used on procedures which are classified as medically necessary. Veneers are unfortunately not necessary and are considered elective. They are classified as cosmetic dentistry. While this can be discouraging, individual plans might still cover some of the additional costs. For example, insurance may cover the costs of a dental exam, x-rays, or scaling and root planing. Most policies require a significant amount of paperwork, an annual maximum, and strict rules regarding their coverages.
Some dentists encourage patients use a different solution. Patients may qualify for a dental discount plan which could save patients a significant amount on their dental procedures. These types of discounts do not require patients to collect documentation to prove that a treatment is medically necessary. Even procedures which are considered cosmetic can be included. There are also no annual limits or waiting periods. Dentists who offer a discount plan may require patients to pay a fee and use a dentist within the network for the procedure. Some dentists may also offer financing or a cash discount when the procedure is paid for in full.
Schedule an appointment with your dentist to determine if you are a good candidate for veneers. During the initial appointment, the dentist can also provide a cost estimate for the procedure.