A veneer is a thin layer of hard material that is used to protect and/or enhance the appearance of a tooth. It can be done with dental crowns, porcelain laminate veneers, or resin composite veneers. It is usually used for teeth that have chipped, broken, discolored or misshapen and may also be used to improve the appearance of severely worn or misaligned teeth. It is one of the most preferred way to treat damaged or decayed tooth, to improve the appearance of severely worn or misaligned teeth.
The cost of veneers vary especially with what your insurance covers. To understand how much do veneers cost with insurance, we should consider first the type of dental veneer you need.
Types of dental veneers
Facial Veneers
Facial Veneers cover only the front surfaces of teeth. For cosmetic reasons, this type of veneer is often used on the front two-thirds of the teeth. This type of veneer can be made out of enamel, dentin or a combination of both. When you think about it, the veneer is actually a very thin layer of enamel, like a piece of paper, which has been shaped and bonded to your tooth. This is why most veneers are bonded to your teeth by using adhesive, which keeps the veneer in place. This type of veneer is less expensive than a porcelain or resin composite veneer, ranging from $250 to $1200 and can last 10 to 15 tears.
Porcelain Laminate Veneers
Porcelain Laminate is the most common type of veneers that are used to correct teeth discoloration, chips, cracks and other surface defects. This type of veneer is also called composite veneers. This type of veneer is made of a mixture of porcelain or high-strength ceramic. The veneer is shaped using an abrasive paper to mimic the natural shape of your teeth. The veneer is then hardened by baking at high temperatures. The end result is a beautiful, durable, and natural-looking restoration. Porcelain veneers are generally stronger and are more durable than facial veneers and will last longer. They are also more resistant to staining. When these veneers are placed on the front surfaces of teeth, they may blend with the color of the enamel or dentin. For this reason, they are typically placed on only one surface of the tooth. The cost of porcelain veneers can be higher than other types of veneers, ranging from $925 to $2500.
Resin composite veneers
Resin composite veneers cover the entire tooth. They are a bit more expensive than porcelain veneers. In the first visit the dentist will make a mold of the tooth. In the second visit, they will take the mold and pour resin composite over the tooth to cover the entire tooth. It is more durable than porcelain veneers.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns cover the entire surface of the tooth. They are used when the tooth has some structural defects, such as large or small cracks. They are usually made of a metal, porcelain or resin. Most dentists will recommend a crown instead of a veneer because the veneer is not as durable and is more susceptible to discoloration.
What You Should Expect
If you need a new smile, dental veneers can make your smile shine again. A veneer may be used on any type of tooth – from molars to premolars or even incisors.
The procedure takes around an hour and does not require anesthesia. The dentist will take a mold of your teeth and send it to a laboratory where they will create a mold for a custom made porcelain veneer.
After the veneer is fabricated, it is carefully applied over your existing teeth and cured with an ultra-violet light.
The process is painless and takes only around an hour. Dental veneers are not permanent but if you choose to have them, the veneers will last for at least 10 years.
Most dental insurance companies cover the cost of veneers. Some will even pay the full cost of the procedure as long as you are enrolled in the plan.
Dental veneers can be expensive because they are custom made. But, they can change your smile for the better and help you feel better about yourself.
How long do Veneers Last
A dental veneer should last at least 10 years. If you want to know how long they last, let’s look at some facts. The first fact is that dental veneers can wear down if they are not bonded properly. When the veneer is not bonded properly, it can chip off. This means that your veneer may become loose. This can happen because you bite on hard things, like apples or ice cream sticks, or because you grind your teeth. This will result in your veneer breaking. It may be replaced or repaired with a new one.
The second factor that will shorten the life of a veneer is the type of material used to make them. For example, a composite resin veneer lasts 10 to 15 years. A porcelain veneer has a longer lifespan of 15 to 25 years. As a general rule, porcelain veneers have a longer lifespan than composite veneers. Resin composite veneers can last from ten to fifteen years. The cost of a composite veneer will depend on the color of the tooth. Depending on the type of resin composite you choose, it can last between three and ten years. Dental crowns will last from five to ten years. Some patients may not be as concerned with the durability of a dental crown as they are with the appearance of their teeth. The cost of dental crowns vary, depending on what type of crown they are.
The third and final factor that determines the life expectancy of your veneers is your brushing and flossing habits. If you brush and floss properly, your veneers should last 10 to 15 years.
Preventive Care of Veneers
Prevention is key to maintaining your veneers. To help prevent chipping, chewing food should be done slowly and gently. Avoid biting or grinding on foods or toys that may cause damage to the veneer. Try not to bite down on hard candy or chewing gum as these may cause the veneer to break. If you notice that your veneer is chipped, try to keep it dry so it can heal.