Veneers are a dental treatment option that conceals dental imperfections and enhances the appearance of your smile. They are thin shells custom-made to fit over the front surface of your teeth. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin materials, each offering benefits in terms of aesthetics, durability, and cost.
Explore the costs of porcelain veneers, factors influencing price, and financial tips for this popular dental procedure.
Average full-mouth porcelain veneers cost
The average cost of a full mouth of porcelain veneers can vary widely based on location, the experience and reputation of the dentist, the quality of the materials used, and the specific needs of the patient. Porcelain veneers cost can range from $925 to $2,500 per tooth, and a full set covering both the top and bottom teeth—typically involving 16 to 20 teeth—can result in a total cost ranging from approximately $14,800 to $50,000.
| Type of Veneer | Average Cost per Tooth | Durability | Pros | Cons |
| Composite Veneers | $250 – $1,500 | 5 – 7 years | Less tooth enamel removal, More affordable, Can be applied in a single visit | Less durable, More prone to staining, May not mimic tooth enamel as precisely |
| Porcelain Veneers | $1,200 – $2,500 | 10 – 15 years | Natural appearance, Stain resistant, Longer lasting | More expensive, Usually requires two visits, More tooth enamel removal |
Factors Affecting Cost of Veneers
The cost of dental veneers can vary significantly based on several factors. Understanding these can help you budget for the procedure and decide on the best option for your needs:
Type of Veneers: The material plays a crucial role in determining cost. Porcelain veneers are typically more expensive than composite resin veneers due to the material’s durability, aesthetic quality, and the complex process involved in their creation.
Number of Veneers: The more veneers you need, the higher the total cost. However, some dentists offer a discount for a full set or multiple veneers, so the cost per tooth may decrease as the number of veneers increases.
Dental Lab Quality: The cost can also be affected by the quality of the dental lab where the veneers are made. High-end labs that use advanced materials and technology may produce superior results but at a higher price.
Preparatory and Additional Procedures: If you require other dental work before getting veneers, such as teeth whitening, gum contouring, or orthodontics, this will add to the total cost. The condition of your oral health plays a significant role in determining these additional needs.
Customization: The level of customization can also affect the price. More complex or custom-designed veneers that require extra lab work or special materials may cost more.
Insurance Coverage: Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures like veneers. However, if veneers are deemed medically necessary, part of the cost might be covered.
Maintenance and Longevity: The long-term cost may also include maintenance or replacement of veneers. Porcelain veneers are expensive but generally last longer than composite ones, and despite the higher initial investment, they may be more cost-effective over time.
Purpose of Veneers
Correcting Tooth Discoloration: Veneers can cover stains that teeth whitening can’t resolve, including discoloration from medications, excessive fluoride, or large resin fillings.
Repairing Chips and Cracks: Minor damage, such as chips and cracks in the teeth, can be concealed, restoring a tooth’s appearance.
Improving Tooth Shape and Size: Veneers can alter the shape or size of teeth, making them more uniform and providing a more aesthetically pleasing look.
Closing Gaps: They can fill in spaces between teeth, offering an alternative to orthodontic procedures for correcting gaps.
Aligning Slightly Crooked Teeth: For minor misalignments, veneers can provide a quicker, cosmetic solution without the need for braces.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are thin shells crafted from high-quality ceramic designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They mimic the natural appearance of enamel, providing a durable and aesthetic solution for various dental imperfections.
Composite Veneers vs. Porcelain Veneers
Composite Veneers
- Material: Made from a composite resin that’s sculpted onto your teeth in one visit.
- Composite Veneer Cost: Less expensive, ranging from $250 to $1,500 per tooth.
- Durability: It lasts about 5-7 years before needing replacement or repair.
- Procedure Time: This can often be completed in a single dentist visit.
- Aesthetics: Provides a good aesthetic match but may not be as translucent or natural-looking as porcelain.
- Maintenance: Prone to staining and may require more maintenance.
- Reparability: Easily repaired if chipped or damaged.
Porcelain Veneers
- Material: Made from a high-quality ceramic that mimics the translucency of natural teeth.
- Porcelain Veneer Cost: More expensive, with prices ranging from $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
- Durability: Typically lasts 10-15 years or more with proper care.
- Procedure Time: Requires at least two visits: one for impressions and another to apply the veneers.
- Aesthetics: Offers a superior natural look and resistance to staining.
- Maintenance: Stain-resistant and generally require less maintenance.
- Reparability: More difficult to repair than composite; often, the entire veneer must be replaced.
Are Porcelain Veneers Permanent?
Are Veneers Permanent? Porcelain veneers are considered a permanent dental treatment due to the process involved in their application. Before placing veneers, a small amount of the original tooth enamel is removed to ensure a proper fit and natural look. This alteration to the tooth’s structure is irreversible, meaning the teeth will always need to be protected with veneers or crowns.
While the veneer itself is not “permanent” in the sense that it will never need replacement—it typically lasts 10 to 15 years or longer with proper care—the commitment to having veneers is permanent because of the changes made to your natural teeth.
Procedure:
Consultation: Discuss your goals with a Dentist Sherman Oaks, who will evaluate if veneers are suitable for you.
Preparation: For porcelain veneers, a small amount of enamel is removed from the front of the tooth to make room. For composite resin, less or no enamel removal is needed.
Impression: A mold of your teeth is taken and sent to a lab for porcelain veneers. Composite resin veneers can often be sculpted during your visit.
Bonding: Once ready, the veneer is bonded to the tooth with a special adhesive. For porcelain, this happens in a follow-up visit. Composite resin veneers might be completed in a single appointment.
Care and Maintenance
- Brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and protect gums.
- Visit your dentist every six months for check-ups and cleanings.
- Avoid biting hard objects like ice or hard candy to prevent chipping.
- Limit staining drinks and foods like coffee, tea, and wine. Rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth or play sports.
- Steer clear of whitening products on veneered teeth to avoid color mismatches.
- Promptly consult your dentist if you notice any issues with your veneers or oral health.
FAQs
Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining compared to natural teeth. The material used for porcelain veneers is smooth and waterproof, which means substances that typically stain teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, do not have the same effect on veneers.
The cost reflects factors like the material quality, the complexity of the procedure, and the expertise of the dental professional. Porcelain veneers are typically more expensive than composite resin veneers due to their durability, aesthetic qualities, and the labor-intensive process of customizing them for each patient.
Porcelain veneers cost can vary widely depending on several factors, including the dentist’s experience, the location of the practice, and the number of teeth being treated. On average, porcelain veneers can cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.
Most dental insurance plans do not cover porcelain veneers since they are considered a cosmetic procedure. However, if veneers are deemed necessary for reasons beyond cosmetics, such as to protect the surface of a damaged tooth, there might be partial coverage or exceptions.