Understanding veneers costs and insurance coverage
Veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those looking to improve their smile. These custom-made “shells” of tooth-colored materials are designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Veneers can enhance the appearance of teeth by hiding discoloration, masking chips, or filling in gaps.
There are different types of veneers, including porcelain and composite, each with its own benefits and cost considerations. Costs vary by material and provider, though there are options that can help manage out-of-pocket expenses.
How much do veneers cost?
The cost of veneers varies depending on your personal health needs and dental benefits. For example, the average cost without insurance for porcelain laminate veneers may range from $1,180 to $2,185 per tooth.1
Use our cost estimator tool to get a personalized estimate for your area.
What does the price of veneers include?
The cost of veneers can vary depending on factors like the material used, the location of the practice, and your dental insurance coverage. Generally, price includes the materials used in the veneers and your dentist’s time to complete the procedure.
Before committing to dental veneer treatment, ask your dentist for a detailed breakdown of costs, so there are no surprises. Some clinics offer financing options to help manage expenses and make the overall process more affordable.
Are there alternatives to veneers?
If veneers are not the right option for you, there are alternative treatments that can enhance your smile, including:
- Teeth whitening: A cost-effective way to brighten your natural teeth.
- Crowns: A full-coverage restoration for teeth that are significantly damaged or weakened.
- Tooth filling: When a decayed or damaged tooth structure is removed and replaced, typically with a tooth-colored, resin-based composite material.
- Dental Bonding: A procedure in which a tooth-colored material is applied to the entire front of the tooth to improve appearance and fill in gaps.
Are veneers covered by insurance?
Veneers are commonly considered a cosmetic procedure and are often not covered by employer, family, or individual dental insurance plans. However, there are some plans that include coverage for veneers, so it’s best to double-check your benefit details.
You can also ask your dentist for a pre-treatment estimate to see how much your plan covers and how much you will owe.
Does Delta Dental offer insurance that covers veneers?
Yes. If you already have access to group dental coverage through an employer or a program such as Medicaid, speak with your group benefit administrator to learn more about what your plan covers.
How can I pay for the remaining costs not covered by dental insurance?
If veneers are not fully covered by your dental plan, you may be able to use some of these options to budget for the remaining costs:
- Health Savings Account (HSA): An HSA allows you to set aside pre-tax funds specifically for eligible medical expenses, which may include veneers. Any unused funds roll over each year, ensuring your savings continue to grow. Check with your employer to see if their health benefits include an HSA.
- Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA): This is a health plan fully funded by your employer, providing tax-free reimbursements for approved medical expenses.
- Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Like an HSA, an FSA lets you use pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, but with some key differences. FSAs are employer-provided, have lower contribution limits, and typically require you to use the funds within the plan year, as they do not usually roll over.
- Payment plan: Your dentist may offer a payment plan to help you spread out the costs for treatment over time.
It’s important to mention that veneers are not always covered by an HSA, HRA, or FSA, so check with your provider to see if your procedure qualifies.
Also be aware that Medicare and Medicaid usually do not provide coverage for veneers, but certain Medicare Advantage plans might.
Find a dentist for veneers
Veneers can be an excellent way to correct your smile, but it is important to understand the costs involved and what insurance options are available. Find an in-network dentist in your area with our dentist finder tool to discuss veneers and your personal options.
1Based on 2024 Delta Dental internal data.