Veneers are a great option for individuals who wish to make subtle cosmetic changes to their smile. However, the cost of veneers can be prohibitive for some patients. To help mitigate the cost of veneers dental, many practices offer treatment package options and third-party financing. Additionally, patients can use their Health Savings or Flexible Spending Account to cover a portion of the expense.
Cost of the Veneers
The cost of veneers depends on your dentist and the type you choose. The most expensive are porcelain veneers, which look the most like your natural teeth and resist stains. They can last for more than a decade and are considered semi-permanent, though your dentist will likely advise you to avoid staining foods and drinks in order to extend the life of your new veneers.
Cheaper veneers are also available, but they don’t last as long and are less durable. They may even damage your natural tooth enamel, requiring more costly treatments in the future.
Cosmetic veneers can cover up a wide range of imperfections, including chipped, discolored, and misaligned teeth. They are a good option for patients who have poor oral hygiene or are not happy with the results of teeth whitening treatment.
Preparatory Work
In order to create a good base for the veneers, the dentist will need to remove a bit of enamel from each tooth. This will allow the veneers to adhere properly and not impede the bite. After the preparation, a putty mould will be made of the teeth, and this will be sent to the lab for the creation of the veneers.
Once the veneers are ready, a mock up will be provided to show to the patient. This will give the dentist a chance to make any changes before the veneers are permanently attached. It is much easier to change the look of a veneer before it is glued in place than after. Drilling off veneers because of a change of mind would be destructive to the teeth and very expensive.
Dental Lab Fees
Aside from the cosmetic improvement that veneers provide, they also correct dental imperfections. These include chips, cracks, discoloration, gaps, and misalignment. The amount of work involved in the procedure can significantly affect the cost. Moreover, the material used can impact the overall price of the veneers. Porcelain veneers, on average, cost more than composite ones.
Because veneers are a cosmetic procedure, they are not covered by health insurance. However, some dentists offer financing options that can help patients manage out-of-pocket costs. These can range from third-party financing plans to in-house payment arrangements that feature low or no interest rates. It is important to discuss all of these options with the dentist prior to beginning treatment. This allows patients to make informed decisions about their desired outcome and budget.
Insurance
The cost of veneers can be high, but it is well worth the investment. In addition, the process is much faster when a patient chooses a dentist who has experience working with this procedure. Many dentists can even offer video consultations to help patients explore their options before making a final decision.
Generally speaking, dental insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures like veneers. Instead, most insurance policies consider them a type of preventative treatment and only provide coverage if the dentist deems it necessary for your oral health.
There are some cases, however, where veneers may be considered medically necessary. For example, if you have cracked teeth that are at risk for further damage, the veneers might be covered by insurance. Other alternative options for managing the costs of veneers are dental financing plans and third-party payment services.
Payment Options
Many dental practices offer payment plans and financing options to make veneers more affordable. These options include credit cards and dental financing plans, which are a great option for those who don’t have the money to pay upfront.
Porcelain veneers can transform crooked, chipped or discolored teeth into a perfectly even and natural-looking smile. The procedure is not covered by insurance, but it’s a worthwhile investment for those who want to improve their smile.
Cheaper types of veneers are available, but they lack the durability and beauty of porcelain and can cause damage to the underlying tooth. These veneers also have a shorter lifespan than their more expensive counterparts. They can also be more prone to chipping or falling off, which can lead to costly repairs and replacements.