Veneers Cost

How much do veneers cost with dental insurance?  

One of the modern options for improving the appearance of your smile is veneers. While typically more costly when compared to tooth whitening, veneers may be a good option for teeth that resist whitening or other reasons like altering tooth shape, size, and color. 

However, veneers aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. There are different common factors to consider, such as if you’re a good candidate for veneers based on your medical history, and if the financial cost fits within your budget. This article will help explain what veneers are, how much you can expect to pay for them, and who are the best candidates for veneers. 

How much do veneers cost? 

Veneers are not typically covered by most dental insurance because they are considered cosmetic. According to Consumer Guide to Dentistry, porcelain veneers cost between $925 to $2,500 per tooth, while composite-resin veneers cost between $250 to $1,500 per tooth.¹ 

There are a lot of factors that can impact the cost of the veneers that you might not even think about. Where you live can impact the cost of the veneers because if you live in an area where there aren’t a lot of dentists trained to work with veneers or if you live in a large city the cost can be higher than it would be in other places. The teeth that you want to have the veneers put on also typically impact the price. The average cost of a veneer for a tooth that isn’t highly visible is around $500-$1000 but the cost of veneers for your front teeth can be as high as $4000 per tooth.² 

Veneers aren’t permanent, so time is also a factor when weighing the cost of veneers. Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance and care, while composite-resin veneers only last five to seven years.³ 

Average cost of veneers 

The average cost of veneers incorporates a lot of different things. When you’re trying to figure out the cost of veneers one major factor will be how many you need. If you are getting veneers on all of your front teeth the cost will be substantial. But if you are only getting veneers on or two teeth the cost will be more manageable. The dentist will match the veneers to the shade of your existing teeth. Another big factor is the material that you choose for the veneers. Porcelain veneers are more expensive, but they typically last longer and need less maintenance. Resin veneers are cheaper but typically don’t last as long.  

The average cost of a porcelain veneer is $1500,³ while the average cost of a resin veneer is around $500.⁴ On the high end, a porcelain veneer can cost up to $4000 per tooth and a resin veneer can cost around $1500.⁵

Even though veneers are usually considered cosmetic dentistry and so are not typically covered by insurance if the veneers are considered to be necessary to save or strengthen your teeth insurance may pay for them. The Guardian Direct top-tier plan will pay up to 50% of the cost of orthodontics for members under 19 years old up to the maximum benefit amount after a 12 month waiting period.  

What are dental veneers? 

Dental veneers are thin coverings that are placed over the front part of the tooth. There are two common types of veneers that are used in dentist offices today: porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers.  

Types of Veneers  

Veneers are typically made from either porcelain or resin. Each type has positives and negatives, so choosing between them really depends on what your dentist recommends, what your budget is, and how long you want them to last.  

The biggest difference between porcelain veneers and resin veneers is that porcelain veneers will typically last anywhere from 10-20 years with proper care and maintenance while resin veneers will usually last from 5-7 years.⁶ If you want to make sure that your smile looks great for the longest possible time, then you should invest in porcelain veneers and make sure that you take good care of them.  

Porcelain veneers are strong and durable, and they are stain-resistant which is one of the reasons why they can last for up to two decades.⁷ Many people choose porcelain veneers because of the many advantages porcelain has over resin.  

Porcelain veneers 

Porcelain veneers are shells that are attached to the teeth. The shells are wafer-thin and are custom-made to fit over each individual tooth so that they can look natural once they are affixed. Some benefits of porcelain veneers include: 

• Strong and long-lasting 

• Natural-looking surface 

• More stain resistant 

Porcelain veneers cost  

How much does it cost to get veneers? Porcelain veneers are typically the more expensive option when choosing veneers. But many people consider the higher cost worth it in the long run because it means they won’t need to replace their veneers soon. A set of six porcelain veneers will typically cost around $10,800 - $15,000.⁸ A set of eight full mouth veneers can cost up to $20,000.⁹

Composite-resin veneers 

Composite-resin veneers are different from porcelain veneers because instead of a shell that covers the tooth, the composite resin is made from a tooth-colored filling material that is bonded to the tooth. Like porcelain veneers, composite-resin veneers have several benefits including: 

• Less tooth enamel needs to be removed when compared to porcelain veneers to place them on the teeth 

• Cost less than porcelain veneers on average 

• While not as strong as porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers can be quickly and easily repaired 

There’s a lot to consider when thinking of getting veneers, and your dentist can help you decide which type is best for you. 

Composite veneers cost  

A full set of composite veneers can cost less than you might think. Veneers made from composite resin are more affordable, but keep in mind that you will likely need to replace them in less than 10 years. But, if you need a full set of veneers and the full mouth veneers cost is something you’re concerned about then composite resin veneers may be the right choice for you.  

A set of six resin teeth veneers costs about the same as one porcelain veneer at around $1,500. And a full set of veneers meaning eight veneers made from resin usually don’t cost more than $12,000.¹⁰ 

How are veneers placed? 

The process of placing veneers is different for each type of veneer. Porcelain veneers are custom-made for each individual. The process starts by removing enamel from the front and sides of the teeth. Then the dentist will take impressions of the prepared teeth. These impressions are then sent to a dental laboratory, where the veneer is made to fit the tooth.  

The process is similar for composite-resin veneers. First, the teeth are reshaped and prepared. Then the dentist will bond and sculpt the filling-like material to each tooth. A special light is then used to harden the composite and bond it to the tooth. Finally, the composite-resin veneers are polished and smoothed to look like natural teeth. This is usually done in one visit.¹ 

Who should get dental veneers? 

Dental veneers are a good option for those looking to improve their appearance and help correct cosmetic problems such as: 

• Stained or discolored teeth that can’t be whitened by bleaching 

• Chipped or broken teeth 

• Worn-down teeth 

• Misaligned, irregularly shaped, or uneven teeth 

• Gapped teeth  

However, dental veneers are not for everyone.  First, you’ll need a good amount of healthy tooth enamel, since a layer of that will have to be removed to allow placement of the veneers, and your gums should be healthy. In addition, you’ll need to have good general oral health and be committed to a strict oral hygiene routine. Veneers may not be a good option for people who clench or grind their teeth, as this can cause the thin veneers to chip or break.  

Work with your dentist to decide whether dental veneers are the best solution for the cosmetic issue that’s bothering you. If veneers aren’t right for you, other cosmetic dentistry options could help fix the cosmetic issues you’re looking to solve. For example, professional teeth whitening could get rid of unsightly stains, while metal or clear braces could help with crooked and misaligned teeth.²

Veneers cost per tooth & insights  

Guardian Direct can help you save money on veneers and other dental procedures. Find out more about how long veneers can last and how you can keep them in good shape. Or read more about what procedures are considered cosmetic and how some types of dental plans and our large Guardian Direct network of dentists can help make cosmetic procedures more affordable from our large library of dental articles with insights, tips, and advice about dental insurance.