What to Expect When Paying for Dental Veneers

Are you thinking of getting dental veneers in Lakewood, Colorado? It’s understandable to be curious about costs when having restorative and cosmetic dental work done. In fact, the cost for a full set of veneers is often the first thing patients want to know after being given a recommendation for this option for correcting their smiles.

The most important thing to know is that the cost for veneers can vary based on a wide variety of circumstances. This can include:

• The type of veneer chosen.
• The number of veneers needed for full coverage.
• Any corrective work that needs to be done prior to applying veneers.
• Any cavities that need to be filled before applying veneers.

Rest assured that you’ll be provided with a custom cost assessment prior to the veneer application when you have your veneers done by Dr. Stephanie Paswaters here at Emerald Dental in Lakewood, Colorado. Are you looking for a dental office offering veneers near Denver? Take a look at what you should know about veneers as you make your decision about the best way to correct your smile.

Are Veneers Right for Me?

Veneers provide a popular option for cosmetic dentistry if you’re currently unhappy with your smile. In fact, many people consider this choice to be an instant “smile makeover” due to the fact that it drastically improves the appearance of your teeth without the need for invasive restorative work. It can also be a much more affordable option than other cosmetic treatments.

A dental veneer can be thought of as a “shell” that is fitted to the front of your tooth. It can dramatically transform the appearance of your teeth even though you are keeping your natural teeth. Veneers can be used to change:

• The color of your teeth.
• The shape of your teeth.
• The size of your teeth.
• The spaces between your teeth.

A perfect candidate for veneers is someone with discolored, chipped, misshapen, crooked, or gapped teeth that are in good condition aside from any cosmetic concerns that a person might have. Ideally, you should have all of your permanent teeth intact. Your teeth and gums should also be relatively healthy. Veneers cannot be placed if you have gum disease, untreated cavities, or other oral health conditions. However, underlying issues preventing veneers can often be addressed to still make this a possibility.

In cases where there is significant damage to a tooth structure, it may be more advantageous to consider an option like a crown. While a veneer can greatly improve the appearance of a tooth, it does not provide any structural support. It’s essential to have a detailed consultation and examination prior to making the decision to get veneers to confirm that you’re a good candidate for this option. If veneers aren’t appropriate in your situation, Dr. Paswaters can certainly make recommendations for other options that may help you to achieve your cosmetic goals for your smile.

The Different Types of Veneers Available

The type of veneer you choose will impact your total cost for veneers. There are actually several different options to choose from. However, porcelain veneers are considered the gold standard when searching for a long-lasting, durable, and natural-looking way to correct your smile. Here’s a rundown of the different options for veneers:

• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are made custom to transform your smile. This is a very biocompatible option that works beautifully with your surrounding gum tissue. Porcelain veneers are very unlikely to cause any irritation or injury to your gums and soft tissue. What’s more, they simply look natural and beautiful. Another perk of porcelain veneers is that they are highly resistant to staining. With proper treatment, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
• Composite Veneers: This is another popular option. While not as highly regarded as porcelain veneers, composite veneers are still very aesthetically pleasing. Made of composite resin customized to fit your smile, they are designed to blend in naturally with your tooth coloration. The average composite veneer is designed to last between five and 10 years. Composite is slightly more prone to staining than porcelain.
• Removable Veneers: Snap-on veneers are sometimes used as temporary fixes for damaged teeth.

“Porcelain veneers show excellent aesthetic results and predictable longevity of the treatment, while composite veneers can be considered as a good conservative option, but with less durability,” according to a 2018 analysis on the success of dental veneers according to preparation design and material type. At Emerald Dental, we often recommend porcelain veneers over other options due to the durability and superior aesthetic quality of this option. Patients often appreciate the ease of caring for porcelain veneers because they can be cared for just like your natural teeth. Maintenance includes daily brushing, regular flossing, and routine dental cleanings and examinations.

How Much Does It Cost for a Full Set of Veneers

The cost for porcelain veneers ranges between $900 and $2,500 per tooth. A patient can generally expect to pay $10,000 to $20,000 for a full set of veneers. Placing a full set of veneers involves fitting veneers to between six and eight teeth. Back teeth that are not visible when talking and smiling are generally excluded from veneers. During the process of applying porcelain veneers, the teeth are actually shaved to help create a natural, long-lasting fit for the new veneers. This can add to the cost of having veneers placed. The process of having porcelain veneers made also takes longer than having resin veneers made due to the fact that imprints of the teeth are taken. These imprints are then sent away to a lab where the custom veneers are created.

Composite resin veneers typically cost between $800 and $1,500 per tooth. Like porcelain veneers, composite veneers are only placed on between six to eight teeth due to the fact that coverage isn’t necessary for back teeth that aren’t visible. Unlike porcelain veneers, composite resin veneers do not typically require extensive shaving of the teeth. Composite veneers often take less time because the dentist creates them for you in the office instead of having imprints of your teeth sent to a lab.

Finally, there is the option of removable veneers. Temporary veneers can cost between $400 and $600 per tooth. Keep in mind that this is only a temporary solution that will need to be replaced.

When doing a cost comparison between porcelain and composite veneers, it’s important to compare the longevity of both options for an accurate price assessment. While porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, they may last anywhere from double to three times the lifespan of composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are also less likely to need replacements due to staining or damage. This makes it important to factor in lifetime costs.

What Are Some Alternatives to Veneers?

While dental veneers are often the best choice for someone looking to cosmetically correct their smile, there are some other options that may be considered more affordable for you. Don’t be afraid to ask your dentist about alternatives to dental veneers if you have apprehensions about going forward with this option due to cost. However, it is important to say that payment plans can often make veneers affordable because they provide a way to cover the costs of your treatment over time instead of making a single lump payment.

Teeth Whitening

If you’re considering veneers because your teeth are discolored, it may be possible to use professional teeth whitening to reverse staining. This is a fairly easy, affordable option that is open to people with teeth in nearly all conditions. However, the results of tooth whitening do fade over time.

Bonding

If you’re unhappy with your teeth due to irregularities, dental bonding may be more affordable compared to full veneers. Dental bonding uses a combination of an adhesive and tooth-colored composite resin to correct tooth irregularities. This is a simple process that is often completed in a single visit. Unlike most veneers, dental bonding is reversible due to the fact that the tooth is not shaved in preparation for bonding work.

Cosmetic Orthodontic Treatments

If you’re looking at veneers because you’d like to correct the appearance of your teeth, there may actually be better options available. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, getting braces may provide better results than veneers. Clear aligners make it easy to straighten your teeth without the cost and hassle of traditional metal braces. They can also allow you to feel confident while wearing “braces” because they are nearly invisible.

Corrective Orthodontic Treatments

If your teeth are in need of serious restorative work, skipping veneers in favor of dental implants or dentures may be the best option. Of course, making this decision requires the expertise of a dentist specializing in corrective orthodontic treatments. Addressing decay is far more important than simply covering up the appearance of your teeth if there is an underlying issue that is likely to create further tooth decay, tooth loss, or bone loss.

Why Are Veneers So Expensive?

It’s true that getting veneers can be an investment. In the case of porcelain veneers, the high cost is due to the quality and durability of this option. These veneers are made custom for your teeth to provide a natural-looking result that can potentially last for decades. In addition, porcelain veneers offer the benefit of performing just like your own teeth. That means that you never have to worry about any special maintenance steps to keep them in top condition.

Does Insurance Cover Veneers?

Veneers are usually considered cosmetic treatments. As a result, most insurance plans do not cover veneers. However, there are exceptions. It’s always wise to go over your policy to see if any portion of the process of getting veneers may be covered. In some cases, discount dental plans will help to cover the cost of veneers. Many patients also use payment plans that they arrange with their dental offices to pay for their veneers over time.

Get Dental Veneers Near Denver, Colorado

At Emerald Dental in Lakewood, Colorado, we’re passionate about helping our patients to enjoy the benefits of dental veneers because we understand the way that having a smile you aren’t ashamed of helps to boost confidence. In fact, millions of Americans currently feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. Research shows that dental work can boost self-esteem. Dental veneers can offer a fast, relatively affordable way to correct the look of your smile to erase any apprehensions you may currently be battling when it comes to smiling, laughing, or eating in public.

Why should you choose Emerald Dental in Lakewood for dental veneers near Denver, Colorado? Dr. Stephanie Paswaters has been practicing dentistry in Colorado since 1995. A graduate of the University of Colorado School of Dentistry with a doctorate degree in dental surgery, Dr. Paswaters opened Emerald Dental in 1999. In addition to providing high-quality dental veneers for patients throughout the Lakewood area, Dr. Stephanie Paswaters and her staff offer teeth whitening, fillings, crowns, root canals, extractions, full dentures, partial dentures, periodontal cleanings, and more. Our office also specializes in gentle dentistry, nitrous oxide dentistry, and sedation dentistry in Colorado. Dr. Paswaters is especially proud of our office’s reputation for providing specialized dentistry services tailored for the needs of children and adults with autism and special needs.

It’s a great time to learn more about getting veneers in Lakewood, Colorado if you’re unhappy with your smile. Dr. Paswaters and the Emerald Dental team are here to help you get the information you need to make your decision. Our office provides a positive, encouraging setting where you can explore your options without pressure. Please contact Emerald Dental today to set up a consultation.