By Arthur Kezian

Porcelain veneers are thin wafers of porcelain, about half a millimeter thick (the thickness of a fingernail) that are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a smile makeover. They create a beautiful result. Porcelain mimics tooth structure better than any other restorative material.

Dental veneers can serve as a beautiful – albeit expensive – solution for worn tooth enamel, uneven tooth alignment, abnormal spacing, chips and cracks. Although veneers can be pricey, people often are more than happy with their results and feel the benefits far outweigh the cost.

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than their composite resin counterparts. Traditional porcelain veneers cost from $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers can last 10 to 15 years. Comparatively, composite veneers cost approximately $250 to $1500 per tooth and are expected to last five to seven years.

  • The cost of dental veneers depends on many factors, including:
  • The fees of the cosmetic dentist who performs the procedure.
  • The artistic and technical skill of the ceramist making the veneers and the cosmetic dentist who is applying the veneers.
  • The location where it is performed. Costs for dental veneers and all cosmetic dentistry procedures vary widely by region of the country, specifically from large metropolitan areas to smaller towns.
  • The type of dental insurance you have (dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic procedures).
  • The material used.
  • The number of teeth requiring veneers.

The dental veneer procedure can often be completed in two dental visits over the course of a six-week period. The visits are comprehensive and may require several hours of examination, and tooth preparation.
Veneers are durable and have been shown to last for many years before requiring replacement. Seeing your dentist and hygienist for regular examinations and dental cleanings is important for maintaining the health of your mouth and longevity of your veneers.
Dental veneers are the ideal solution for any patient suffering from oral health issues; not only restoring a brilliantly white smile, but to also give loads of confidence. It is, however, important to note that they can be expensive.