The Cost of Veneers: Ways to Finance Them And Whether They Are Worth Investing
By Dr. Cheng Eng Wah on 29 March 2023
Veneers are thin shells that can be customised and placed on the front surface of your teeth to improve the look of your smile. They’re a cosmetic treatment designed to conceal a variety of aesthetic dental issues such as chips, gaps and stains.
If you’re considering getting veneers, it’s important to understand the costs involved. We provide a breakdown of the costs of veneers and the financing options available. We’ll also discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks to help you decide if veneers are worth your investment.
Types of Veneers
At i.Dental, we offer 2 types of veneers: composite and porcelain. Composite veneers are made of a tooth-coloured resin material while porcelain veneers are made of thin ceramic shells. Both types of veneers can be used to fix minor imperfections but there are differences between them.
Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers
Here are some factors to consider when choosing which type of veneers to go for.
| Composite Veneers | Porcelain Veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Cheaper | More expensive |
| Durability | About 4 to 8 years | About 10 to 15 years |
| Appearance | Slightly less natural-looking than porcelain | Provides a more natural look |
| Time | Can be completed in 1 appointment | Requires at least 2 appointments |
| Resistance to stain | Less resistant | Resistant to stain |
| Preparation of teeth | May not require shaving | May require shaving |
| Can be repaired | Can be repaired if damaged | Cannot be repaired if damaged; replacement is required |
Deciding between porcelain and composite veneers can be a difficult decision as there are many factors to consider. At i.Dental, our dentists can recommend you the most suitable option after assessing your teeth. Schedule an appointment with us to find out more.
Advantages of Veneers
There are several reasons why veneers are a popular option for individuals looking to attain a beautiful smile.
Fast and Easy to Maintain
Veneers can be completed with 3 or fewer dental appointments depending on the material. Composite veneers can often be completed in a single appointment, while porcelain veneers typically require 2 to 3 appointments.
Furthermore, veneers don’t require special maintenance and can last for decades with proper dental hygiene. Simply continue brushing and flossing regularly, and visit your dentist for check-ups and cleanings as recommended.
Improves Your Self-confidence
Veneers help to improve the shape, size, and alignment of your teeth, giving you a more symmetrical smile. With a brighter, more even smile, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident in social situations and professional settings.
Matches the Colour of Your Natural Teeth
Veneers can be customised to match the colour of your teeth. They’re available in different shades and your dentist will select one that matches your natural teeth. Your veneers will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, making them hardly noticeable!
Minimally Invasive
Compared to other procedures such as dental crowns or implants which can also be used to correct imperfections with your teeth, veneers are minimally invasive and require less removal of your natural tooth structure.
Requires Only a Small Amount of Enamel Removal
The enamel acts as a protective barrier for your teeth, and removing too much of it can leave your teeth vulnerable. If you wish to preserve your natural enamel, composite veneers may be a better option as the material can bond directly with your tooth and typically does not require any shaving.
Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, require teeth shaving in order for them to bond to the surface of your teeth. Generally, the process only requires a small amount of enamel to be removed, which means you won’t lose too much of your natural teeth.
However, significant shaving may be necessary if more work is needed to mask the underlying shade or align the crooked tooth.
Strengthens Existing Teeth
Veneers can provide additional support for existing teeth, especially for cracked or chipped teeth which are more prone to further damage. They act as a barrier against external factors such as acids, sugars, and bacteria and improve the overall strength of your teeth.
Disadvantages of Veneers
These are some potential drawbacks you should also consider before deciding whether veneers are suitable for you.
Irreversible
Veneers are irreversible. Once your teeth have been reshaped to fit the veneers, there’s no going back and you can’t reverse the process if you’re dissatisfied with the final look.
May Cause Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity may arise in the days following your procedure but this usually subsides within a few weeks. These are some steps you can take to reduce sensitivity:
- Avoiding hard foods that can put undue pressure on your teeth. If you need some suggestions on what to eat after getting veneers, check out these soft food recipes.
- Avoiding food and drinks that are excessively sweet and spicy
- Refraining from compulsive chewing on things like your pencils and fingernails
- Performing a saltwater rinse up to 3 times a day
- Using a mouthguard if you have the habit of grinding your teeth at night
- Using a desensitising toothpaste
Not Suitable for Everyone
Not everyone’s a suitable candidate for veneers! You may be suitable for veneers if you are looking to address the following issues:
- Diastema (space between your teeth)
- Minor cosmetic dental issues such as cracks, chips, and misshapen teeth
- Severely stained teeth which don’t respond well to teeth whitening
- Slightly misaligned teeth
- Teeth that are oddly shaped or worn down
Children with primary teeth are not suitable for veneers. And if you belong to the following groups of individuals, you’ll need to go through certain dental treatments before you can get veneers:
- People with bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching)
- People with teeth that are severely misaligned
- People with existing dental conditions like tooth decay or gum disease
Unsure if you’re suitable for veneers? Schedule an appointment with our dentists who can determine if they’re right for you.
Cost of Veneers at i.Dental
Here’s a breakdown of the costs of getting veneers at i.Dental to help you understand how much you can expect to pay (prices are inclusive of GST).
| Initial consultation | $21.60 - $54 |
| Cost of veneers | Composite: $162 - $594 per tooth Porcelain: $972 - $1,944 per tooth |
| Other potential costs | Depending on the condition of your teeth, you may need to pay additional costs* for: |
| Cost of repairs | Composite: $75.60 to $324, depending on the complexity of the repair Porcelain: Cannot be repaired, can only be replaced |
*Your dentist will advise you on the costs required for these procedures
Kindly note that the prices above are not final. Our dentists can provide you with a more accurate quotation after examining your teeth.
Factors Affecting the Costs of Veneers
The cost of veneers is influenced by several factors, including the following.
Condition of Your Teeth
If you have good oral health and fulfil the criteria of getting veneers, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to undergo any other dental procedures to prepare your teeth.
Your dentist may need to carry out some pre-treatment procedures if your teeth can’t be fitted with veneers right away. For instance, if you have decayed teeth or gum disease, you may require dental fillings or gum treatment prior to applying veneers. These would incur additional costs.
Type of Veneers
Porcelain veneers cost more than composite veneers. The quality of the material and the level of expertise required to place them contributes to the higher cost. They’re also more durable and stain-resistant compared to composite veneers.
Number of Veneers Required
The cost will vary depending on the number of veneers you need. As each veneer is custom-made to fit your tooth, the more veneers you require means more time and materials will be needed to complete the procedure.
Some dental clinics may offer a preferential rate if you get multiple veneers. You can always check with the clinic to find out if they offer this option.
Reputation of the Dentist
Dentists who specialise in veneers and are known for their exceptional skills may charge a premium for their services. Additionally, they may offer personalised attention and care tailored to the individual needs of the patient, which can contribute to a higher cost.
If you’re considering getting veneers, make a visit to one of our clinics for a consultation. Our experienced dentists can address your concerns and provide you with a more precise quotation.
Cost of Alternative Treatments to Veneers
Wondering if there are alternative treatments to getting your desired smile? We’ve listed some alternative options and the costs involved below. You can also visit our dental price list to get a more detailed breakdown of the cost of each treatment.
| Dental crown | $756 - $1,404 per tooth |
| Invisalign | $3,499 - $9,180 |
| Teeth bonding | $162 - $270 per tooth |
| Teeth whitening | $486 - $1,067.04 |
Unsure about which treatment can help you achieve the perfect smile? Consult one of our dentists who can advise which is the most suitable option for you.
Methods to Finance the Cost of Veneers
There are various methods available to finance the cost of veneers, allowing you to better manage the expense of the procedure.
Dental Loans
Some third-party lenders offer dental loans but it’s crucial to consider the interest rate and any additional fees associated with the loan. Other financing options, such as personal loans or instalment plans, may also be worth considering to determine which option is the most feasible for you.
Instalments Plans
If you have trouble paying the full cost upfront, look for dental clinics that offer instalment plans or accept interest-free instalment plans by credit card issuers. This allows you to pay for the procedure over a set period of time.
Dental Insurance
Generally, dental insurance doesn’t cover the cost of veneers as they’re considered cosmetic procedures. However, some plans may cover part of the cost if the veneers are needed for functional reasons, such as to repair a cracked or broken tooth. If you have purchased dental insurance, check with your insurance provider whether the costs of veneers are covered.
FAQs About Veneers and Their Cost
FAQs
Veneers are typically a pain-free procedure, but you should discuss any concerns you may have with your dentist to ensure you are well informed and comfortable throughout the process.
Yes. Though veneers offer some protection to the front of your teeth, the sides and backs remain exposed. This means that plaque and cavities can still develop in these areas, and proper oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing are essential to prevent decay.
In general, veneers are more affordable than dental crowns. Crowns tend to be more expensive because they not only enhance the appearance of your tooth but also improve its function. Also, crowns provide better coverage and protection as they encase the entire tooth. Veneers, on the other hand, only cover the front surface of the tooth.
Subsidies are available for various dental treatments but not for veneers. Learn more about what types of treatments are eligible for dental subsidies.
No. You cannot use Medisave to pay for veneers as it’s regarded as a cosmetic treatment. Medisave claims are only allowed for surgical procedures. Find out more about Medisave for dental treatments.
It’s important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible if your veneers have fallen out. Place your veneers in a small container and bring them to the clinic.