Why Do Dental Veneer Prices Seem So High? Are They Worth It?
Why do dental veneer prices seem so high? This is a question you're likely to ask yourself or your dentist if you're thinking of having veneers applied to your teeth. Many patients believe that covering their chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth with porcelain or composite veneers is a convenient way to improve their appearance, but when they see the price tag for such a service, they begin to think twice. There is, however, several good reasons why veneers are so costly. In the end, whether or not the cost of veneers is worth it to you will depend on what problems you're trying to solve, whether or not there are other alternative solutions, and what you hope to get out of your veneers.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
Veneer prices vary by region. Depending on the cost of living in your area, your dentist's skill and experience, and how difficult your teeth are to fit with veneers, you can expect to pay between $925 and $2,500 per tooth for traditional porcelain veneers. If you're a typical patient who needs veneers for four or more front teeth, the cost can really add up quickly.
There is a less costly veneer option to consider: composite veneers. Made from a composite resin that is similar to the composite used to make dental fillings, composite veneers cost about $250 to $1500 per tooth, once again depending on location, dentist's skill, and your mouth. Composite veneers do not last as long as porcelain, they require more frequent repairs (they chip), and are more prone to staining than porcelain. For some patients, however, the lower price is worth these trade-offs.
What Contributes to The High Cost of Veneers?
The simple, one-sentence explanation of why dental veneer prices are so high is this: The materials used to make them are expensive, and making them is a very time and skill-intensive process. Each porcelain veneer needs to be made specifically for the tooth it will be placed on. Each little groove and intricacy of your tooth needs to be taken into account. Simply measuring and modeling your teeth to determine what shape and size to make the veneer takes time and patience. Then, the dental lab needs to mold a piece of porcelain into that perfect size and shape.
The high-quality porcelain used to make today's veneers is specially formulated to resist chipping and staining, so it stays looking its best for years. This material was not cheap to develop, and it is not cheap for your dentist to purchase. Further, your dentist needs specialized equipment to measure your teeth and prepare them for the veneers, not to mention fixing them to your teeth. The veneer process involves several appointments and a lot of your dentist's time.
When considering the high cost of veneers, it's important to remember what you are getting. In the case of porcelain veneers, you are getting 10 - 15 years, and perhaps even a lifetime, of perfect-looking teeth. Porcelain veneers are more or less considered a permanent solution to dental woes like staining and chipping. They'll boost your self-confidence and change your life.
Should you opt for composite veneers, the cost is a little lower because the veneers can typically be applied to your teeth in one appointment, and because you dentist does not need to have them special-made in the lab. For the lower price, however, you are getting a less durable product that last only 5 - 7 years and will probably chip at some point.
Are There Less Costly Alternatives to Veneers?
If dental veneer prices have you questioning whether veneers are an affordable option for you, then consider talking about other alternatives with your dentist.
If you are trying to cover up stained teeth, perhaps a professional whitening procedure will get your teeth to the point of being at least presentable. If it's a chipped tooth you're trying to cover, your dentist may be able to fill the tooth with composite or apply a crown for less than the cost of veneers. Further, if you are applying veneers to cover crooked teeth, consider undergoing orthodontic treatments to actually straighten your teeth. While veneers cover up crooked teeth, orthodontic treatments actually fix them, which will help keep your teeth healthier as you age.
For answers to more questions like "Why do dental veneer prices seem so high?" speak with the experts at Mann Dental Center. We'll be happy to explain the breakdown of out costs, explore less costly alternatives to veneers, and help you find a financing option, if needed.
