Cost of Porcelain Veneers

Damage to a tooth can be extremely annoying, unattractive and even dangerous to your oral health. Because of this, when you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged, you’ll want to make sure it is properly repaired. One excellent, durable repair option is a dental veneer.

What Are Veneers?

A veneer is a dental restoration that replaces a portion of the crown of a tooth that has been damaged. This creates the appearance of a natural tooth, while also providing additional support.

Why Veneers?

There are a variety of different issues that veneers can help to resolve. Some of these problems include:

  • Cracked Teeth
  • Chipped Teeth
  • Tooth Discoloration
  • Spacing Issues
  • Teeth Crowding
  • Broken Teeth

A damaged tooth is often noticeable, which can make you feel more self-conscious when smiling. Beyond appearance, a damaged tooth can also be dangerous to your oral health. A cracked, broken or chipped tooth can make you more susceptible to tooth decay and infection. Once the damage becomes too severe, the damaged tooth may need to have a crown placed, or it may need to be extracted entirely.

Typical Cost of Porcelain Veneers?

When your dentist decides that a veneer will be the best treatment option for your needs, they will likely give you a couple of different options—porcelain and composite veneers. They both have their advantages and disadvantages—which include durability, longevity and cost. While composite veneers generally cost less (often around $300 to $800), they also only last around five to seven years. This means they will need to be replaced more often. The composite material also is less durable and more porous—contributing to increased staining probability and a shorter longevity.

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, will often last ten to fifteen years. If the tooth is properly cared for, they may even last longer. The materials used for porcelain veneers are more durable and less porous, while still closely resembling the appearance of natural teeth. The main disadvantage of porcelain veneers is their cost, which is generally $1,200 to $1,800 per tooth.

While this may seem like a lot upfront, it’s important to consider the fact that they will likely last a lot longer. This makes them a better long-term investment than composite veneers.

Are Porcelain Veneers Right for Me?

Ultimately, a cosmetic dentist will make the decision as to whether or not you are a good candidate for a veneer. If the damage is minimal, they may suggest dental bonding instead. If the damage is more severe, a dental crown may be your only option. If they do decide that you are a candidate for a dental veneer, they will likely give you the option of a porcelain or composite veneer. Speak with your dentist about the costs of porcelain and composite veneers and speak with your insurance company about whether or not they will cover the procedure. From there, you can choose the best tooth repair option that fits within your budget.

No matter what material you choose, make sure to get your damaged tooth fixed as soon as possible, before the damage becomes worse.

More Information About Porcelain Veneers : What are Dental Veneers?