The Primary Factors That Determine the Cost of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells made from porcelain or composites. They're cemented on the teeth to fix issues such as worn tooth enamel, space between teeth, tooth discolouration and chipped or broken teeth.
When performed by a professional, it makes for an improved dental appearance and dazzling smile, as it is difficult to discern the veneers from the natural teeth. This comes at a cost.
Here's a look at some of the major cost determinants.
Veneer Material
The choice of material is a significant cost determinant. The primary veneer materials are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain is more expensive comparative to composite resin since it requires more craftsmanship and is more discreet and durable. While resin can still be costly, it is possible to get it at a reasonable cost, especially if the design is not complicated.
However, veneers made of composite resin are prone to staining and require regular replacement, meaning the cost might escalate over time.
Financing Options
As veneers are a type of cosmetic dentistry treatment, they're not usually covered by standard dental insurance. Generally, insurers consider these cosmetic dental appliances to be elective rather than medically necessary. In this case, you might have to cover the cost in full.
However, various third-party financiers exist that cover the full cost or part of it. You are then required to pay the loan in instalments. This might come in handy for those who need comprehensive procedures such as porcelain veneers but are unable to pay up front.
Your dentist should have a list of viable financing options.
Expertise
Designing and shaping veneer requires a high level of craftsmanship. Though this depends on the ceramist and the cosmetic dentist who places them, generally the rule of the thumb is that the more intricate the design, the higher the cost.
The intricacy depends on the material used (porcelain is much harder to work with) and the severity of the case.
Location
The location of the dentist also counts. Highly-sought-after dentists, especially in big cities, will typically charge you higher than their counterparts in rural areas for the same procedure. There are dentists who serve a specific set of clientele like celebrities — these ones definitely charge much higher prices.
Research prices in your location before committing to enlist the services of a particular dentist.
Complementary services
Most patients seek extra services when pursuing veneers. Do note that veneers can neither be stained nor whitened; therefore, extra procedures such as teeth whitening might be necessary to match the remaining teeth with the veneers.
Other than the above points, the number of teeth to be fixed also determines the final cost of the procedure. This, together with the above factors, will determine how much you will need to pay for dental veneers. Consult your dentist on the treatment options and the financing options available, if any.
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