Porcelain veneers are an excellent cosmetic solution to a myriad of dental disasters. From stains that won’t lift to repairs of chipped teeth that just won’t hold, porcelain veneers can offer an attractive and durable solution to a whole range of problems. While cost can be a concern, porcelain veneers are not as costly as some veneer solutions, and particularly when it comes to placing a veneer on a single tooth, they won’t necessarily break the bank, either. Various factors can contribute to differences in price, though, so costs can vary somewhat.
Factors in Pricing of Porcelain Veneers
As in the price tag of most services, there are various factors that come into play when determining pricing for many dental procedures, and that includes porcelain veneers. One key factor in pricing variation is location. In most cases, the cost of a dental veneer (as well as other products and services) is higher in an urban center than it is in a small town.
The expertise of the dentist that you work with will also come into play when it comes to pricing. Dentists with more experience in this kind of work typically charge more for their services; while the higher price tag might seem a downside upon first consideration, it means that they are more likely to do high quality work that lasts, so don’t view this negatively. Just because someone else is willing to do a job for less doesn’t mean that they’ll do the job as well as their higher-priced competitor!
Finally, the material used will have an impact on the overall price. Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite resin veneers but less expensive than Lumineers, another form of ceramic veneers. If you find that the cost of porcelain veneers is simply too much for you to afford, you might want to have a conversation with your dentist about other materials that could be used to lessen the cost, such as composite resin.
Average Cost of Porcelain Veneers
Keeping the above in mind, porcelain veneers on average currently cost around $800 per tooth. Some may be able to have porcelain veneers placed for as little as $500 per tooth, and some may pay as much as $1,400; the factors outlined above will all come into play in determining where in this range your individual cost may fall.
In addition to the cost of the veneer itself, there are typically associated costs for procedures that must be done before and after the placement of a veneer. Some of these procedures include an initial dental exam, which might also include X-rays; a dental cleaning, usually performed by the dental hygienist; and any other procedures that your dentist may recommend before moving forward. While the cost of some of these procedures may be covered by your existing dental insurance, it is best to confirm that coverage with your insurance company before moving forward so that there aren’t any hidden costs to be discovered later.