In the United States, the average cost of a veneer is approximately $1,121. On the low end, the cost of a veneer may be around $806 while on the high-end veneers cost as much as $1,417. This article breaks down data from over 1,000 dentists from across the United States, and details the cost of veneers, to help patients make an informed decision about their oral health. It will also discuss the different factors that can affect the final veneer cost so that patients never receive surprise bills in the mail.
What is a Veneer?
A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell of tooth-colored porcelain or resin. Veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped, misaligned, or have gaps between them.
Veneers are often confused with dental crowns, but there are some key differences. Crowns are used to restore a tooth that is fractured, severely decayed, or otherwise structurally unsound. Veneers are placed on teeth that are structurally sound but simply in need of some cosmetic enhancement.
What Factors Affect Veneer Costs?
Skills of the Dentist and Lab Technician
The skills of the dentist and lab technician are the first and most important factor in determining veneer costs. Veneers are a very delicate procedure and require an experienced and skilled dentist to ensure that they are placed correctly. In addition, the veneers must be custom-made by a skilled lab technician. The cost of veneers will be higher if the dentist and lab technician are more experienced and have a good reputation.
Materials Used
The type of veneer material used will have a big impact on the final cost. Porcelain veneers are generally more expensive than their resin counterparts, but they are also more durable and natural-looking.
Location of the Dentist
The location of the dentist also affects veneer costs. Dentists in rural areas typically charge less for veneers than dentists in urban areas. This is because the cost of living is typically lower in rural areas, which means that dentists can charge less for their services.
Number of Teeth
The number of teeth that are getting veneers also affects the final cost. Getting veneers on just a few teeth will typically cost less than getting veneers on all of your teeth.
How Much are Veneers Based on These Factors?
Although there are various factors affecting the cost of veneers, we can take a look at the average costs of current dentists to help inform our decision-making. The following data is from a survey completed by over 1,000 dentists from across the United States for the cost of a veneer on a SINGLE tooth:
| Veneer Type | Average Veneer Cost ($) | Low-End Veneer Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Veneer Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resin Laminate Veneer | 1,013.10 | 659 | 1328 |
| Porcelain Laminate Veneer | 1,230.66 | 953 | 1506 |
| Average Costs | 1,121 | 806 | 1,417 |
For a full breakdown of all dental procedure costs click here.
How can I get a Low-Cost Veneers?
At the end of the day, veneers can be expensive. To help, there are a few ways that patients can get low-cost veneers.
Dental Schools
One way to get low-cost veneers is to go to a dental school. Dental schools are educational institutions that train students to become dentists. They typically have clinics where students can gain hands-on experience treating patients. The treatments provided at these clinics are usually very cheap or even free. However, the downside is that students typically are much slower and less experienced than practicing dentists.
Community Dental Clinics
Another option for getting cheap veneers is to go to a community dental clinic. Community dental clinics are non-profit organizations that provide dental care to underserved communities. They typically offer their services at a reduced cost or even for free. However, the downside is that these clinics are often very busy and have long waitlists.
There are a few organizations that provide free veneers to low-income individuals. One such organization is the Dental Lifeline Network. The Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit organization that provides free dental care to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Another organization that provides low-cost veneers is the Give a Kid a Smile Program from the American Dental Association. The Give a Kid a Smile Program is a non-profit organization that provides free dental health education, screenings, preventive care, and/or treatment for kids.
HMOs
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their members. Many HMOs have dental plans that cover part or all of the cost of veneers. However, the downside is that HMOs often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Dental Discount Plans
Another option for getting low-cost veneers is to sign up for a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans are not insurance plans, but rather membership plans that offer discounts on dental services from a network of dentists. These plans typically have an annual fee that entitles the member to a certain percentage off of dental services. The downside is that dental discount plans often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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