How Much Do Veneers Cost?

Last Updated on January 25, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can completely transform your smile. But how much do veneers cost exactly? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the factors influencing veneer pricing so you can make an informed decision about this smile makeover option.

Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that bond to the front of teeth. By masking tooth imperfections like stains, chips, gaps, and misalignment, veneers create a naturally beautiful smile. However, enhancing your smile doesn’t come cheap.

Veneer costs vary based on the materials used, required prep work, the dentist’s fees, and other factors. The average cost of porcelain veneers ranges from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. While less expensive, composite veneers run $250 to $1,500 per tooth.

Aspen Dental notes that the cost of veneers is per tooth and can range between $583 – $1351 per tooth, with prices varying from state to state and among offices within the same community.

At Advanced Dental, porcelain veneers can range from $500 to $2,500 per tooth, while composite veneers range from $250 to $1,500 per tooth.

According to Smile Generation, without insurance, the cost of veneers can range between $500-$2500 per tooth, depending on the type of veneer. With insurance, the cost can range between $550-$850 per tooth.

Shiny Smile Veneers offers removable veneers at $570 for a full set of top and bottom veneers and $370 for a single arch.

Below we go over the most important factors that impact the cost of veneers so you can determine an estimated price range and budget for your unique smile goals.

What are Dental Veneers?

Before getting into the costs, let’s quickly review what veneers are and why people get them.

Dental veneers are ultra-thin covers placed over the front surface of teeth. Most veneers are 0.3 – 0.5 mm thick.

There are two main types of veneers:

Porcelain veneers – Made of ceramic, these are the most natural-looking and durable veneers. However, they’re also the most expensive.
Composite veneers – Made of plastic resin, these are less expensive but don’t last as long or look quite as natural.

People choose veneers to:

Mask stained, discolored, or decayed teeth
Close small gaps between teeth
Correct chips or uneven teeth
Improve the shape and symmetry of teeth
Generally improve the esthetic appearance of their smile

The venees require minimally shaping the underlying teeth before bonding the thin shells to teeth surfaces. It’s a quick way to get a transformative smile makeover that can last a decade or longer with proper care.

Now let’s look at why some people pay more for their veneers than others.

You might also like our articles about the cost of porcelain veneers, dentures, or dental bonding.

Cost Factors for Dental Veneers

Many variables impact the total price you’ll pay for veneers. These include:

Dentist Fees

Like other medical procedures, dentist fees account for a significant portion of veneer costs. Experienced cosmetic dentists can charge $1,200 – $3,000 per veneer. General dentists normally charge slightly less.

The dentist’s location, reputation, and materials used also influence per veneer fees.

Type of Veneers

As mentioned, porcelain veneers cost more than composite. Porcelain materials and fabrication methods are more complex and time-consuming.

Composite veneers range from $250 – $1500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers run $925 – $2500 per tooth.

Number of Teeth

Whether you get one veneer or a full set of 10 upper and 10 lower veneers impacts the total price.

Some dentists charge less per tooth when doing a full-mouth treatment. A full upper or lower arch of veneers may cost $5,000 – $15,000 or more.

Location and Complexity

Front teeth with greater visibility cost more to veneer. Incisors and canines that most impact your smile carry a higher fee.

Veneering crooked, damaged, or complex cases also increases the price. More prep work equals more time in the dentist’s chair.

Porcelain vs. Composite Veneers

The two veneer options compare as follows:

Porcelain

Look more natural
Resist stains better
Range from $925 – $2,500 per tooth
Last 10-15 years or longer

Composite

Appear more fake
Stain and chip easier
Range from $250 – $1,500 per tooth
Last 5-7 years

Porcelain veneers are preferable for most people despite the extra cost. Their durability and aesthetics are superior.

However, composites work well for teens and patients on a tight budget. Just plan on replacing them sooner.

Insurance Coverage and Veneer Costs

Since veneers are a cosmetic procedure rather than medically necessary one, insurance rarely covers them.

However, if you have orthodontic coverage and veneers are part of an overall orthodontic treatment, you may get partial coverage. This depends on your specific plan.

Some dental insurance providers help cover veneers needed to restore broken or injured teeth. Coverage may range from 20% – 50% of costs in this scenario.

Otherwise, expect to pay the full cost for veneers out-of-pocket. Providers can sometimes offer payment plans over 6-24 months to ease the burden.

Comparing Costs at Different Dental Clinics

When researching veneer costs, don’t assume all dentists charge the same prices. Fees often vary dramatically.

Corporate dental chains and practices in small towns or rural areas tend to offer veneers for $750 – $1,500 per tooth.

Urban and suburban practices may charge $1,200 – $3,000 per veneer depending on the dentist’s qualifications and chairside manner.

Leading cosmetic dental clinics with extensive veneer experience and accreditations charge premium rates of $3,000+ per veneer.

Doing your homework pays. Get veneer price quotes from a few reputable providers before making your decision.

Additional Costs Associated with Veneers

Beyond the actual veneers, additional expenses to consider include:

Initial consultation – $100-$250 to evaluate your case
Tooth extractions – $150-$400 per tooth if needed
Dental impressions – $50-$200 to create molds of your teeth
Temporary veneers – $100-$350 for temporary covers during fabrication
Follow-up visits – $50-$200 for cementing veneers and making adjustments

You’ll also need ongoing veneer maintenance that requires an annual dental cleaning ($50-$200) and periodic replacement as they wear down.

Financing Options for Veneer Patients

Coming up with thousands of dollars for a beautiful new smile can feel overwhelming. Luckily, you have options to pay for veneers over an extended period.

Popular financing choices include:

Dental credit cards – Allow you to pay over 6, 12, or 24 months interest-free as an alternative to high-interest general credit cards.
Medical loans – Unsecured patient loans through medical lending companies with fixed monthly payments and competitive rates.
Dentist payment plans – Structured monthly payments directly to your dentist. However, missed payments may incur fees.
401k/HSA withdrawals – Penalty-free distribution if veneers are considered deductible by your plan administrator.

Shop around to find the most affordable financing plan for your budget.

Maintenance and Care of Veneers

While durable, veneers do require proper care and maintenance to achieve their longest lifespan. Be diligent about:

Brushing twice daily
Flossing once daily
Seeing your dentist twice annually
Avoiding chewing hard foods like ice or hard candy
Wearing a night guard to prevent grinding
Touch up polishing every few years

Neglecting veneer care risks damage that shortens their longevity or requires expensive replacement earlier than needed.

Final Words

There’s no getting around the fact that veneers are a significant investment in your smile. For the highest quality porcelain veneers placed by a top specialist, you could spend $50,000 or more for a complete upper and lower treatment.

However, when you consider that veneers can last 15 years or longer, the cost gets divided over more years than many other cosmetic treatments. And considering their incredible smile-enhancing power, most patients find veneers well worth the investment.

The key is doing your research to find an experienced cosmetic dentist who offers the best veneers at a fair price. Be sure to get an itemized treatment plan outlining all anticipated costs and financing options.

With some forethought and smart planning, veneers can help you put your best smile forward with the boost in self-confidence that comes with it. Your perfect smile is priceless.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a full set of veneers cost in the USA?

A full set of veneers in the USA, meaning 20 individual veneers (10 upper arch and 10 lower arch), typically costs between $15,000 – $30,000 from a top cosmetic dentist. This range accounts for high-quality porcelain veneers.

The cost increases for more complex cases requiring extra prep work or teeth extractions. It also depends on the dentist’s fees and credentials. In a large metropolitan city, a full set could cost $30,000 – $50,000 from an accredited dentist.

In smaller towns, the same treatment may run $15,000 – $25,000. The majority of full mouth veneer patients pay between $20,000 – $30,000 for a complete smile makeover with porcelain dental veneers.

How long do veneers last?

With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer before needing replacement. Composite veneers generally last 5-7 years. The longevity of veneers depends on a few factors:

Materials – Porcelain lasts longer than composite resin
Oral hygiene – Brushing, flossing, regular dental cleanings
Avoiding tooth grinding and chewing on hard items
Minor repair of small fractures versus full replacement
Quality application by the cosmetic dentist

Following good oral hygiene and avoiding damaging habits allows veneers to achieve maximal lifespan. See your dentist promptly if you notice any cracks, chips, or damage to repair small issues before necessitating a full redo. With meticulous maintenance, it’s possible to keep porcelain veneers intact for 15 years or more before replacement is needed.

Are veneers worth the money?

For most patients who want to improve the appearance of their smile, veneers are usually worth the investment. Considering their transformative impact on your smile and self-confidence in social and professional settings, veneers deliver significant value that outweighs their cost for many.

The merits that make veneers worth considering include:

Dramatic improvement in smile aesthetics
Ability to correct flaws in shape, color, spacing, alignment
More affordable and less time intensive than orthodontics or dental implants
Treatment time measured in weeks versus months or years
Veneers last 10-15 years, making them a semi-permanent solution
Chance to stop hiding your smile and boost self-esteem

Provided you get quality veneers from an experienced cosmetic dentist and care for them properly, they are likely to be worth the money in terms of satisfaction. Veneers can be life-changing for someone who feels self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth.

How Much Do Veneers Cost?