How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?
The average cost of porcelain veneers is $7,325, according to real patient reviews on RealSelf.
Even one of these thin shells can be astonishingly expensive: the cost of a single dental veneer can range from $500 to $800 for composite resin veneers, and between $1,500 and $3,500 per tooth for custom-made porcelain veneers.
The most natural-looking, high-quality, and long-lasting veneers are hand-painted in ultra-thin layers by a master ceramist, which makes them more expensive.
As you’d imagine, the overall cost of this cosmetic procedure can add up quickly: a full mouth of custom-made porcelain veneers costs as much as $18,000.
Read on to find out what you might end up paying for your new smile.
Related: Everything You Need to Know About Porcelain Veneers
Are porcelain veneers covered by insurance?
Dental veneer procedures are considered elective cosmetic procedures, so most dental insurance plans won't cover any portion of your teeth veneers cost.
In the rare cases when veneers are deemed medically necessary, your insurance plan may cover a portion of the expense, after your deductible. Check with your dental insurance company to see if they'll approve coverage, and at what rate.
If you're denied, ask your dentist if they offer monthly payment plans. You could also consider financing options like CareCredit.
What does the price include?
During your initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist, as for an all-in cost quote that includes:
- the consultation fee
- impressions or 3D imaging of your teeth
- local anesthesia
- tooth enamel removal
- temporary veneer placement
- final placement of your custom-made veneers
- follow-up office visits
If you’re only getting dental veneers on your front teeth, your dentist may recommend teeth whitening for the rest of your teeth, to ensure that the colors match. They may also suggest additional dental treatment to ensure that your tooth structure is sound before the veneer placement.
Any medically necessary treatment should be at least partially covered by dental insurance, but you’d need to pay a few hundred dollars out of pocket for whitening.
Are porcelain veneers worth the money?
RealSelf members give dental veneers a 83% Worth It Rating, meaning that a solid majority of the hundreds of reviewers say it was worth the cost, time, and discomfort.
It's an expensive procedure, but teeth veneers are still a favorite among those looking for a stunning new smile. They can fix chipped, broken, short, or yellowed teeth, along with correcting small gaps and crooked teeth much faster than braces or clear aligners likeInvisalign, often eliminating the need for costly orthodontia.
Highly customizable and natural-looking when done well, porcelain veneers are a long-lasting solution: they typically last 15 years but can last as long as 30 years with proper dental care.
There are a few downsides you should consider, too. Dental veneers can’t hide a major underlying issue with teeth alignment or health. They're also vulnerable to pressure from grinding (invest in a mouth guard for nighttime), which can chip or crack the porcelain layers and ruin your smile makeover.
Regular cleanings, brushing, and flossing are essential to protect your investment.
It's important to understand that this procedure is considered permanent, because it involves shaving the tooth enamel. Even so-called “no-prep veneers” require some enamel removal, to prevent teeth from looking too boxy or thick.
Before you commit, discuss your options with an experienced provider, who can help you decide if porcelain veneers will be a better choice for you than less invasive cosmetic dentistry procedures.
What affects the cost of porcelain veneers?
The cost of porcelain veneers (which are typically more expensive and can last a decade or more longer than composite veneers) can vary widely, depending on:
1) The number of veneers you get.
As we mentioned above, a single veneer to replace one very visible natural tooth may cost up to $3,500, because of the time and expertise required for its creation. Porcelain veneers for less visible teeth typically cost about $1,500 per tooth.
The number of teeth you have done is one of the biggest factors in your total bill. Talk with your dentist about whether you really need a full mouth of veneers or could get away with just having them on your "smile zone" front teeth.
2) The condition of your natural teeth.
Before getting dental veneers, you’ll have a consultation with your cosmetic dentist so they can evaluate your oral health and take X-rays.
These thin shells are placed over your natural teeth, so before you get them, you'll need to address any oral hygiene issues and treat any tooth decay or gum disease.
This may include a root canal or other restoration procedures. If any of your teeth are compromised to the point that they can't be saved, you may even need a dental implant (a permanent false tooth), which could add between $1,000 and $3,000 to your total bill.
3) Which type of veneers you choose.
There are many different porcelain veneer brands, each manufactured differently, with varying levels of quality and longevity. For example, ultra-thin Lumineers (a no-prep porcelain option) can cost between $800 and $2,000 per tooth.
An experienced cosmetic dentist will be able to explain the benefits, drawbacks, and cost of each option before making a recommendation about what’s best for you, given your goals and budget.
You’ll pay much less for composite resin veneers, but the results are less natural-looking and may only last half as long.
4) Your cosmetic dentist's credentials and level of expertise.
The results of this dental procedure are very visible and highly dependent on the skill of the ceramist creating your veneers and your cosmetic dentist’s skill in placing them.
It's most cost-effective to have it done right the first time, and you'll get the best results from a highly rated, experienced cosmetic dentist who specializes in dental veneers.
5) Their practice location and level of competition.
You'll pay a premium for a dentist who practices in an area where the cost of living and demand for their services are both high.
Sometimes it comes down to whether their cosmetic dentistry practice is in an upscale neighborhood or has a more modest office. If your budget is tight, it can be worth it to consult with (and get cost quotes from) multiple providers, especially if any of them offer free consultations.
You'll also find more affordable veneer prices in an area that has several experienced providers, who may compete for patients by offering reasonable prices or seasonal specials. If your provider is the only experienced veneer specialist in town, they'll be able to charge a premium for their work.
Are veneers cheaper than dental bonding?
Dental bonding, a cosmetic dental procedure that uses composite resin to fill in or correct chipped, discolored, or broken teeth, costs significantly less than dental veneers.
Why is it so much cheaper? Dental bonding requires just one visit to a dental office, and it can be performed by the dentist or a skilled technician—nothing is fabricated off-site. It’s also a more comfortable procedure, so you won’t be paying for local anesthetic.
Bonding for tooth repair is typically covered by insurance, which can also help lower your bill.
Despite the cost savings, this option has drawbacks compared to veneers: it doesn't look as natural, isn’t stain-resistant (discoloration is possible), and doesn’t last nearly as long—only three to five years, vs. 15 to 30 years for porcelain veneers.