So how much do veneers really
cost? The cost for porcelain veneers varies widely. They can run anywhere from
$925 to $2,500 per tooth. There are several reasons
for the difference in cost and it also varies widely across the United States. And yes, veneers can be quite expensive but
they do offer several benefits. One of
the benefits is a distinctly improved smile.
First, lets discuss what porcelain veneers are.
Porcelain veneers
are extremely thin custom made covers for the front surface of the teeth. They
can be made from porcelain or direct composite resin. Although porcelain veneers are more expensive
than composite, they last much longer and are more stain resistant. Traditional composite veneers last on average
between five and seven years while porcelain veneers last between 10 and 18
years.
Veneers are used for a variety of purposes.
They can be used to fix chipped or broken teeth or teeth that have become
discolored by root canal work, excessive fluoride, or drugs such as
tetracycline. Porcelain veneers can also be used to correct misaligned teeth or
teeth with gaps between them. But the
most common reason for veneers is cosmetic. They can be used to change the
length, shape, size and color of teeth. In effect, they can be used to create a
designer smile.
There is also a difference in cost
between having the procedure done in a metropolitan area versus a small town.
Another cost variation is the difference in cost from one ceramics lab to the
next. The number of veneers done also affects cost. A single veneer usually is
more expensive per tooth than a set of veneers.
Because veneers are considered a cosmetic
procedure, they generally are not covered by insurance. In some cases,
depending on the insurance company and the policy coverage they may be eligible
for a dental discount. Again, the amount and availability of this discount
varies widely. In special circumstances
some insurance may pay up to 50% depending on the type of policy. To offset the
high cost of veneers, most dentists offer special payment plans.
Getting dental veneers is a multi-step process.
The initial visit usually consists of a consultation and depending on the
dentist and the amount of work to be done, x-rays and/or impressions of the
teeth may be done at this time. On the
first working visit the dentist will remove approximately 1/2 millimeter of
enamel from the tooth or teeth to be veneered and make a model to send to the
lab that will make the veneer. This is
most often done with a local anesthetic. Normally it takes one to two weeks to
construct the veneers. During the next
visit, the veneer is temporarily placed to check for proper color and fit.
The tooth that is to receive the
veneer is then cleaned, polished, and etched. The etching roughens the surface
of the tooth for better adhesion of the veneer. The veneer is cemented into
place and a follow up visit to check placement and adhesion may be required.
How long do
porcelain veneers last?
They can last between five and ten years
or more, depending on how you take care of them. But at some point they
probably will need to be replaced. Just like real teeth, porcelain veneers need
to be thoroughly brushed and flossed daily.
Your smile is the first things
that people notice about you which is the primary reason people want porcelain
veneers. If we can be of service or you have
any questions, please feel free to contact us.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
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