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| Typical costs: | - Dental veneers or Lumineers® are $500-1,300 a tooth. Traditional porcelain veneers are about .5 millimeters thick, and cost around $500-$1,100 each; the Lumineers® brand is.2 to .3mm thin (like a contact lens) and runs $700-$1,300. Veneers are rarely covered by dental insurance.
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| What should be included: | - These custom-made, wafer-thin, tooth-colored shells are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their appearance by changing their size, color, shape or length. An overview is online at WebMD.
- Standard veneers require removing about .5mm of surface tooth enamel before the dentist uses light-activated cement to glue on the custom-made covers. This takes at least two appointments. If these veneers are removed, the tooth must be covered by some type of dental material.
- Ultra-thin Lumineers® are usually installed without shaving the enamel, and without needles or shots. It still takes at least two appointments, but if done this way the process is reversible; Lumineers® can be removed without having to re-cover the tooth.
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| Additional costs: | - If teeth are unsightly after being shaved, temporary veneers can be installed for an extra fee; let your dentist know you're interested in temporaries and ask for a quote in advance.
- There may be a fee for the initial consultation ($65-$102) and X-rays ($13-$135); price estimates are from BracesInfo.com.
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| Discounts: | - Get reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty at dental colleges; DentalSite.com lists locations.
- Although cosmetic veneers might not be covered, state dental societies sometimes provide financial assistance for low-income patients; the American Dental Association lists these groups.
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| Shopping for a dental veneer: | - To find a dentist, check the American Dental Association for members in your area. If you have dental insurance, the company will list approved dentists. AboutCosmeticDentistry.com lists dentists specializing in cosmetic procedures.
- If you choose the Lumineers® brand, search for local doctors at Lumineers.com.
- eHow.com gives tips for finding a good dentist, including questions to ask.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.
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Article updated November 2006 |
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