Dental veneers are thin, strong shells that attach to the fronts of your natural teeth.
They can be placed on one or more teeth.
Theyre not considered fake teeth likeimplantsor dentures are.
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Because they are not deemed medically necessary, most insurance policies will not cover them.
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What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin coverings that go over the front (facial) surface of your teeth.
Theyre made of a strong, high-quality, tooth-colored material.
In those cases, its more likely that your insurance will cover some or all of the cost.
Types of Dental Veneers
Several types of veneers are available.
Most of them are permanently affixed to your teeth and require the dentist to remove varying amounts oftooth enamel.
Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers
There are pros and cons to each key in of veneer.
How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?
In addition to pop in, the cost of veneers varies by region and dentist.
Examples ofper-toothprice ranges from 2024 for veneers are:
Take note that the price is per tooth.
Its common for the per-tooth average to drop as you get more teeth done.
Your dental office should be able to give you a firm price on the charges.
Coverage will depend on whether the veneers are cosmetic or recommended for fixing a dental problem.
How Long Do Dental Veneers Last?
In general:
Proper care can add a few years to the life of your veneers.
Who Should Get Dental Veneers?
What Is the Difference Between Dental Veneers, Implants, and Crowns?
Dental veneers are just a covering of the front of your tooth.
Theyre very thin and not intended to repair dental problems such as cavities, tooth decay, or cracks.
Crowns cover the entire tooth, not just one surface.
Crowns are a treatment for:
Crowns are also used as a part of an implant.
Implants are a way to permanently replace missing teeth.
Implants and crowns usually are medically necessary and not just for cosmetic purposes.
While general dentists may also provide some of these services, prosthodontists are the experts.
During this appointment, expect the dental team to take an X-ray to see how healthy your teeth are.
Theyll review whether you need any restorative work (fillings, crowns, etc.)
or treatment for gum disease or other problems before getting veneers.
Theyll likely review other factors to see if veneers are a good option for you.
This is when youll want to ask about the costs and time involved.
If your policy covers veneers, ask them to submit a treatment estimate to your dental insurance company.
If youre concerned about pain, ask about anesthesia options.
Thats what the lab will use to create the veneers, which are then sent to your dental provider.
Typical lab turn-around time is one to two weeks.
The final step is polishing the veneer so it looks and feels like your natural teeth.
What If You Dont Like How They Look?
Its important to understand that porcelain and composite veneers are not reversible.
If youre dissatisfied with their color or shape, tell your dentist.
They may be able to work with you to improve the veneers appearance.
No-prep veneers are generally reversible because so little enamel is removed.
Summary
Dental veneers can cover a range of imperfections and improve the appearance of your smile.
Veneers can be a significant expense.
Permanent veneers generally require at least some enamel removal and are bonded to your teeth.
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