In recent years, more and more people have opted to choose veneers over maintenance of their natural teeth since not only have prices gone up for tooth restoration, but doing healthier things for your teeth may not be cutting it for them. Plus, they look so natural that some people couldn’t distinguish them from your real teeth. There’s also the fact that getting veneers has become more affordable and requires a few short visits to the dentist, making it a more convenient alternative.
However, it doesn’t take away from the fact that veneers, especially porcelain veneers, fetch a hefty price for some. So let’s take a look at the factors that influence the price of porcelain veneers.
What are the key factors that affect the price of porcelain veneers?
It’s no joke how expensive veneers are, and their steep prices are the effects of these factors below:
The type of veneer. There are five different types of veneers that you can choose from but do keep in mind that the dentist would have to see first if the veneer of your choosing applies to your teeth.
- Porcelain. The most natural-looking out of all the options, it’s designed to last more than 10 years as long as it’s maintained properly, which is also why the cost of porcelain veneers is the steepest among other types.
- Composite. Used for cosmetic bonding and tooth fillings, this is the second-best option after porcelain veneers since it’s much cheaper than the former and it can reduce the appearance of minor cracks and the discoloration of your teeth.
- Lumineers. Otherwise called no-prep veneers, this type of veneer takes less time to apply than the other two, and it also offers a less invasive solution to your teeth since the dentist will only remove a small portion of your enamel.
- Palatal veneers. A type of specialized veneer made up of either porcelain, composite, or gold, palatal veneers, or onlays, is applied to the inside of your upper teeth and typically lasts for 5–15 years, depending on your maintenance.
- Same-day veneers. From the name itself, same-day veneers can be applied within the day and are less invasive, which makes them ideal for covering up minor imperfections in one or two teeth.
Location of your dentist. Continuing with the list, another contributing factor that affects the price of dental veneers is the location of your dentist’s office. Generally speaking, dentists practicing in large cities often have a higher rate compared to those who are located in the suburbs or smaller towns.
The number of teeth. Another factor that will affect the overall cost of veneers is the number of teeth you plan to apply. The more teeth you need to get fixed, the more it will cost you. However, you don’t necessarily have to get all of your teeth fixed with veneers and opt for the damaged or discolored ones, so you won’t have to break the bank.
Cosmetic dentist’s fees. Compared to regular dentists, cosmetic dentists are usually more expensive, but at the same time, they’re also more skilled at enhancing the state of your teeth, especially if they’re skilled and experienced in the industry.
Preparation process. Each person’s set of teeth is unique, so you can’t expect everybody to have their veneers ready in one sitting. With that said, your dentist may take more time to process your veneers, thus affecting the cost, so it’s better to discuss this with your dentist beforehand.
Insurance. Since veneers are considered cosmetic dental enhancements, they aren’t usually covered by regular insurance policies, so you may have to pay out of pocket to avail of them.
Should I take the risk and switch to porcelain veneers?
By now, you should know that veneers cost a lot, but at the same time, they could also save you a lot of trips to the dentist over the years to get your teeth fixed. When it all comes down to it, it’s all about personal preference. Some dental clinics offer a full set of veneers at a cheaper price, plus there are also different payment options when availing of them.
Lastly, even though veneers improve the appearance of your teeth, it’s also important to maintain them, so keep in mind the aftercare treatment of your teeth as well, which includes regular visits to the dentist apart from continuous oral and dental care. With a bit of planning and research, you can find veneers that fit your needs and budget.
