Porcelain veneers have become incredibly popular in cosmetic dentistry. They look and feel just like natural teeth. They’re durable. They’re stain resistant. They cover up chipped, misaligned, or discolored teeth so just about anyone can achieve a beautiful, healthy smile. Yet, a lot of people think they can’t afford them. Not only that, people have a hard time understanding the cost associated with different types of veneers and the dentists who offer such procedures.
Rates for porcelain veneers depend on a wide array of factors. For example, in the downtown New York area it’s not uncommon to see veneers offered for as low as $300 to $400. However, it’s important to be careful, because you get what you pay for. The cheaper alternatives can cause major problems, which is why it’s so important to gather as much information as you can to make an educated decision before you decide to get any procedure.
This post will help you become more informed so that you’ll know how much money you can expect to spend on quality porcelain veneers.
In my practice here at Tribeca Advanced Dentistry, I often see patients who are looking for a second opinion. I think that’s great – it’s important to question your prospective dentist, not only about the particular type of porcelain veneers they are using but also about their credentials and experience.
Because porcelain veneers have a high aesthetic value, make sure to ask your dentist for before and after pics of patients, they’ve treated previously.
BEFORE
AFTER
Another important factor to take into account is the balance between cost and value. You want to make sure you’re getting the correct level of care and service to match the amount of money you’re paying. you not only want your veneers to look great now, you want them to look amazing years down the road.
Cheaper porcelain veneers are available, but you are essentially compromising on quality and longevity, which means you may end up having to pay more in the near future. Not only that, they can cause damage to the underlying tooth structure, which can actually require more expensive treatments in the future, such as a root canal. Some have even lost their tooth because of this. Another downside to cheaper veneers is that they look “bulky” and less life-like.
Types of veneers and average costs
- Porcelain Veneers – This is the most popular type of veneer and the one we recommend at Tribeca Advanced Dentistry’s downtown New York office. They are comprised of thin, ceramic/porcelain covers that are attached to the top layer of a tooth. Unlike dental crowns, these prosthetics have no metal and require less tooth reduction. They can cost anywhere from $1,300 to $2,600 depending on the number of veneers you require and other individual circumstances.
- Composite Veneers – There are some people who prefer this over porcelain veneers because it only requires a single dental visit. These veneers consist of composite resin that is then dried and polished. Although it looks aesthetically pleasing at first, because they are not as strong as porcelain veneers they can easily chip and stain. Composite veneers are used primarily as a temporary solution and are sometimes done on teenagers whose oral structures are still developing or when finances are a concern. These typically cost between $200 and $400 per veneer.
- Lumineers – This option requires little to no tooth reshaping and are also known as “prepless porcelain veneers.” The term “Lumineer” is the brand name that has been most often associated with prepless veneers. This veneer option can be made by many different laboratories. The downside to this option is that it may not provide suitable coverage for heavily stained teeth. However, for patients with small teeth or spaces between their teeth, this is a great option to make teeth larger and fill in gaps. They may appear abnormally bulky and thin on average-sized teeth, however. Lumineers are typically at or slightly below the cost of regular porcelain veneers.
Because the cost of veneers varies widely, the best thing to do is contact Tribeca Advanced Dentistry’s downtown New York office and setup of a free consultation to determine the cost and the type of veneers you would require. Click here to contact us and set an appointment.