Porcelain Veneers Cost With Insurance: What You Can Expect

BY Dr. McDowell  |  
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Dr. McDowell
Dr. McDowell has always been focused on using the latest technology to improve the patient experience. From radiation-free imaging to laser dentistry, he has always been ahead of the curve and is dedicated to improving the practice of dentistry one ..

Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular modern options for improving the appearance of your smile. They’re often used to correct discolored teeth; however, they’re also a long-term solution for issues beyond discoloration, such as:

Suffice it to say, veneers are also expensive. Luckily, your dental insurance may be able to mitigate the costs — if you’re a good candidate, that is. However, veneers are often considered a cosmetic procedure, which affects insurance coverage. Keep reading to learn more about how much porcelain veneers cost with insurance and in which instances your insurance will provide coverage for them.

 

before and after of getting veneers put on

Understanding Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a popular choice in cosmetic dentistry for enhancing the appearance of teeth. These thin, custom-made shells are crafted from high-quality porcelain and are bonded to the front of your natural teeth. One of the standout features of porcelain veneers is their durability and resistance to staining, making them an excellent option for those seeking a long-lasting, natural-looking smile.

Porcelain veneers can address a variety of cosmetic dental issues, including:

  • Discolored teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Crooked teeth

The process of getting porcelain veneers typically involves two to three visits to your cosmetic dentist. During the initial consultation, your dentist will examine your teeth and determine if porcelain veneers are the right choice for you. The second visit involves preparing your teeth for the veneers, which may include removing a small amount of tooth enamel to ensure a proper fit. Finally, during the last visit, the veneers are carefully bonded to your teeth, resulting in a beautifully enhanced smile.

Types of Veneers

When it comes to dental veneers, there are several types to choose from, each with its own unique benefits:

  • Porcelain Veneers: The most common type, made from a thin layer of porcelain. They are known for their natural appearance and durability.
  • Composite Resin Veneers: Made from a tooth-colored composite resin material, these veneers are a more affordable option and can be applied in a single visit.
  • Lumineers: A type of porcelain veneer that is thinner and lighter than traditional veneers, often requiring little to no removal of tooth enamel.
  • Palatal Veneers: Used on the inside surfaces of the upper teeth, these veneers are typically employed to treat tooth wear caused by grinding or clenching.
  • No-Prep Veneers: As the name suggests, these veneers do not require the removal of tooth enamel, making the procedure less invasive.
  • Temporary Veneers: Also known as snap-on veneers or removable veneers, these are a great option for those looking to enhance their smile quickly and without a permanent commitment.

Each type of veneer has its own set of advantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific dental needs and the recommendation of your cosmetic dentist.

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost?

A dentist with blue gloves holds two dental mold trays with tooth replicas, explaining the porcelain veneers cost with insurance to a patient. The patient, with brown hair, is sitting in a dental chair, attentively observing the molds.

The cost of porcelain veneers varies based on a variety of factors, including your dentist’s pricing. According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, however, porcelain veneers will cost you anywhere between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.

Of course, it’s important to note that porcelain veneers are not your only option. Composite-resin veneers are the less expensive alternative to porcelain, costing between $250 and $1,500 per tooth.

Both porcelain and composite-resin veneers have their advantages and disadvantages, but choosing between the two comes down to your dental professional’s recommendation. Aside from the cost, the greatest difference between porcelain and composite veneers is how long they’ll last — which is important for you to consider for your immediate and long-term budget.

Porcelain veneers will last between 15 and 20 years with proper care and maintenance while resin veneers typically only last between five and seven years. Considering the cost of both porcelain veneers and resin veneers without insurance, it’s essential to consider how far your investment will go.

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Financing Options for Cosmetic Dental Procedures

While dental insurance may not always cover the cost of veneers, there are several financing options available to help make cosmetic dental procedures more affordable:

  • In-House Financing: Many dental practices offer in-house financing options, allowing you to spread out the cost of your cosmetic procedures over several months.
  • Dental Savings Plans: These plans involve paying a monthly fee in exchange for discounted rates on various dental procedures, including veneers.
  • Outside Financing: You can also explore financing options from banks and credit unions, which may offer loans specifically for healthcare expenses.
  • CareCredit: This is a healthcare credit card designed to cover medical expenses, including cosmetic dentistry treatments. It offers flexible payment plans to suit different budgets.

It’s always a good idea to discuss your financing options with your dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedure. They can help you determine the best option for your budget and needs, ensuring that you can achieve the smile you desire without financial stress.

When Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Veneers?

A person with curly hair smiles while holding a set of dental shade guides in front of their mouth, showcasing various tooth colors. Their teeth are bright and white, providing a comparison to the shade samples, hinting at the potential benefits and affordability of porcelain veneers with insurance.

The reasons people have for wanting or needing porcelain veneers vary. When it comes to dental insurance, however, your reasoning for needing porcelain veneers will make all the difference regarding what your policy will and won’t cover. 

Typically dental insurance won’t cover veneers as they are considered cosmetic — just like regular health insurance won’t cover elective cosmetic procedures. However, some insurance providers offer what is known as a rider plan (or, add-on) that extends to cosmetic dentistry. In certain cases, insurance might cover veneers if they are deemed necessary for structural or restorative reasons.

Ultimately, it all comes down to:

Therefore, there’s no single answer, especially because each insurance provider is different. 

First, let’s take a look at the difference between medically necessary and cosmetic:

Medically necessary:

Depending on your situation, you may need to have your dentist write a letter of medical necessity to support your need for veneers if you need to restore tooth enamel damaged by an accident, prescription drugs, or an illness.

Cosmetic preference:

If you’re simply looking to enhance the aesthetics of your smile rather than correct an injury, decay, or have a medical need, then the procedure will be considered cosmetic only — which means you’ll be paying out of pocket.

close up of veneers to choose from

What You Can Expect From Different Insurance Providers

Medical necessities for veneers aside, the type of coverage you can get for veneers will depend entirely on your insurance provider. We’ve broken it down by the three main insurance categories to give you an idea of who covers what in the dental world:

Medicaid

Medicaid may cover porcelain veneers depending on where you live — as in, which state and their rules for the coverage. Each state determines the benefits offered, and essentially, two sets of rules apply:

This means that Medicaid may pay for your veneers if you have Celiacs Disease country-wide, but in 33 states, they’ll only cover your veneers after a biting accident or injury.

Dental Insurance

Your regular dental insurance is most likely willing to cover your veneers as they offer plans specifically focused on oral health issues. Generally speaking, your dental insurance provider will likely include two types of benefits, such as:

As mentioned above, it all depends on your insurance provider, so it’s important to read through your policy carefully. Keep in mind that cosmetic dental plans are technically not considered insurance as they aren’t designed to protect you financially from unforeseen events such as accidents, tooth decay, or tooth loss due to a medical condition.

Regular Health Insurance

Your regular health insurance policy may also cover dental veneers — but only if it deems the procedure as medically necessary and under a very strict definition of that. This would include:

The standard for regular health insurance is much higher compared to dental insurance because health insurance coverage tends to stop at the inside of the mouth. It doesn’t matter that the teeth and gums are a critical part of the body; your veneers would have to be connected to another covered service in the eyes of your insurance provider for the coverage. 

For example, if you break your jaw in an accident that results in broken teeth, you’ll likely get veneer coverage. However, broken teeth caused by decay will not be covered.

selection of veneers for a patient

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost With Insurance?

How much coverage you get for your porcelain veneers will depend entirely on your insurance provider, the type of insurance you’re trying to use for coverage, your deductible, and how many teeth you need them for.

On average, the cost of veneers — per tooth — with dental insurance is roughly $1,000. However, you can end up paying more (or less) depending on the type of veneers you get. 

Porcelain veneers with insurance can cost you anywhere between $800 and $1,312 as they’re the more expensive option. However, you can expect them to cost around $1,500 per tooth on average with regular dental coverage.

In the Market For Porcelain Veneers?

There’s no way around it — porcelain veneers are considerably expensive. However, they’re a worthwhile long-term investment if you need to correct more than just discoloration. If you have a medical reason for needing veneers but have gaps in your insurance coverage, it’s a good idea to speak with your dental professional about special financing plans to help you afford what your insurance won’t cover.

At Wayzata Dental, we’re adding more and more insurance companies to our roster every day to help our patients. We’ll also work with you to find alternative solutions or create a payment plan to make life easier for you. Give us a call today!

Dr. McDowell
Dr. McDowell has always been focused on using the latest technology to improve the patient experience. From radiation-free imaging to laser dentistry, he has always been ahead of the curve and is dedicated to improving the practice of dentistry one ..