How Much Are Veneers?

Before you ask that question, you may be wondering, “What are veneers?” A veneer a cosmetic dental solution to chipped, discolored or cracked teeth, a thin covering generally made of a porcelain, ceramic or composite material that is bonded to the outside of the natural tooth.

The process sometimes requires a filing down of the outside of your natural tooth in order for the bonding to be successful, which can be a drawback. The enamel filed off will never return, and the veneer bonding is meant to be permanent. If your veneer is later cracked or damaged, there is not much that can be done to save or repair the tooth.

However, veneers are meant to look, feel, and function completely naturally while improving the aesthetics of your smile. As for the cost, they depend greatly on the size and shape of the tooth they are being bonded to, as well as the material used.

Common Veneer Materials

Porcelain Veneers

“How much are veneers?” If you are looking into porcelain veneers, the cost will range from $700 to $2,000, mostly dependent upon where you live and the dentist you use. Porcelain is commonly used for this procedure because of their durability and their resistance to stains. The drawback is, however, the need for filing. These types of veneers require the most filing of your natural teeth in order to bond. The dentist will normally take no more than .5mm off of the front of your tooth surface, but some are known to remove more. The result, however, is a brilliant, natural looking smile.

Composite Veneers

The price range for these is much lower, ranging between $400 and $1,500, but the cheaper price is matched with a cheaper quality. Composite veneers are very difficult to place and are far less durable than porcelain. The upside is that the process is quite a bit faster, doable in just one appointment, and it doesn’t require the teeth to be filed, which preserves the health of your natural tooth. However, because of the major drawbacks of composite veneers, many dentists no longer offer composite services.

CEREC Veneers

Ceramic reconstruction (CEREC) is a more recent technology that makes the manufacturing of veneers far quicker and easier, making the price one of the lowest at $400-$1,100. This 3D technology allows the dentist to easily procure a veneer of the exact size, shape, and color in only 4 hours.

Lumineers

Lumineers are another recent development in cosmetic dentistry, their biggest selling point being that their process doesn’t require any tooth filing. These bond to the natural tooth easily, making the appointment quicker and the price cheaper, between $550 and $1,500.

“How much are veneers?” Talk to your dentist to see what types of veneers would be best for you, and be sure to ask about the clinic’s prices.