Dental Veneers: Are They Worth the Cost?

Porcelain veneers are a beautiful and natural-looking solution that can significantly enhance your smile. These ultra-thin ceramic shells, when applied to the front surface of the teeth, can correct imperfections such as chips, cracks, pitting, and discoloration. With proper oral care, a dental veneer can last 10-15 years or even longer, making it a long-term investment in your smile’s beauty and health. However, it’s important to consider that they come with a significant price tag.

How much do veneers cost?

The cost of veneers varies depending on the size of the tooth being restored, the process, and the type of veneer used. Dr. Snyder uses high-quality porcelain veneers, which are stain-resistant and more durable than composite veneers, which wear quickly and must be replaced more frequently. The average cost of a single dental veneer ranges from $1,200 to $1,600.

Most patients get a “full smile,” or about eight teeth, cosmetically restored with porcelain veneers. In these cases, veneers are applied only to the teeth seen when the patient smiles. This keeps the cost under $10,000 for a Hollywood smile. For most patients, a full smile averages about $9,600. However, scheduling an appointment with Dr. Snyder is the only way to get an accurate estimate of the cost of veneers for your situation.

Are veneers worth the cost?

The answer lies in your aesthetic goals and your value on the results.

If a brighter, whiter, and straighter smile is important to your career, social life, or confidence, then porcelain veneers are worth the investment. The one-time cost gives you noticeable, immediate results lasting 10-25 years. This means you can enjoy your new smile when the veneers are applied without waiting for the results to show. No other cosmetic dental option offers such immediate and long-lasting benefits.

Veneers also protect teeth against enamel erosion and restore teeth damaged by acid erosion. They are applied over two or three visits to our office. If you want beautiful results for an upcoming special event, porcelain veneers are an excellent option.

Does insurance cover the cost of veneers?

In most cases, the answer is no. Many insurance plans still consider porcelain veneers to be cosmetic procedures, which means they may not be covered. However, it’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider to confirm what is or is not covered. We understand that the cost of veneers can be a concern, which is why we offer an in-house dental plan that can reduce the cost of veneers and financing options through CareCredit and Cherry Financing.

What are the alternatives to veneers?

Patients seeking to improve the appearance of their teeth can find less expensive alternatives to veneers. Although they may not last as long as porcelain veneers, each offers advantages with a lower price tag.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are applied over the entire tooth rather than just the front. They are more restorative than cosmetic, often repairing deep cracks or breaks that interfere with the tooth’s function or lead to infection. However, more of the tooth must be shaved down to accept a dental crown, which is a more invasive procedure. Dental crowns are more expensive than veneers but may be your only option if the tooth needs structural repair instead of just cosmetic correction.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure using composite resin applied to the tooth and sculpted into a shape to mimic the contours of a natural tooth. Dental bonding can cover chips, stains, cracks, and minor flaws like veneers. However, the bonding resin is more prone to staining, so if you are primarily looking for a whiter smile, bonding may not be your best option, especially if you enjoy coffee, tea, or staining foods such as red sauces. Dental bonding costs less than half the price of porcelain veneers but typically lasts only 3-10 years.

Teeth Whitening

Dr. Snyder offers professional teeth whitening kits with custom-made bleaching trays for patients interested in whitening their teeth. This option improves your smile by removing stains but cannot correct other imperfections such as gaps in the teeth, chips, cracks, or crooked teeth. If a whiter smile is your only goal, teeth whitening may be an inexpensive option that can last 2-3 years with proper care.

Porcelain veneers are the most natural, longest-lasting cosmetic dental treatment available. To learn more about how veneers can transform your smile and get a personalized cost estimate, don’t hesitate to contact our office at Brian H. Snyder, D.D.S. Phone Number 954-753-4101. We’re here to answer any questions and help you decide if veneers are the right choice for you.