Chicago Veneer Costs, Financing and Care Guide 2023

The Cost of Getting Veneers in Chicago

Veneers can be a great way to improve the look of your smile. These thin shells of porcelain or composite material are bonded to the front of teeth to cover stains, chips, gaps, and other imperfections. If you're considering veneers in the Chicago area, one of your biggest questions is likely to be: how much do veneers cost?

What Are Veneers?

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain laminates) are custom-made shells that cover the front side of teeth. Two common types of veneers are:

• Porcelain veneers - Made of ceramic, these are the most popular option. Porcelain looks natural and resists stains well.
• Composite veneers - Made of plastic and resin materials. These are thinner and require removing less natural tooth. Composite stains more easily than porcelain.

Veneers provide an instant smile transformation. Beyond aesthetics, they protect damaged tooth enamel. While not considered permanent, high-quality veneers can last 10-15 years or longer before needing replacement.

Veneer Procedure Overview

Getting veneers is a multi-step process involving more than one dental visit. It begins with a consultation to discuss your goals. Next, the tooth enamel is slightly shaped to allow room for veneers to be bonded onto the teeth. Impressions are taken of your teeth to fabricate the veneer shells in a lab. At fitting appointments, the dentist places the veneers on your teeth to achieve your desired look. Multiple fittings may be required before permanent bonding.

Cost Factors

Many variables impact the total cost of veneers in Chicago. These include:

• Type of material - Porcelain is more expensive than composite.
• Specialist vs. general dentist - Cosmetic dentistry specialists often charge more.
• Extent of tooth preparation needed - More involved pre-procedure shaping costs more.
• Number of veneers - Each additional unit adds cost.
• Dental office location - Cost of living differences across Chicago suburbs.

Chicago Veneer Cost Estimates

The cost of porcelain veneers from a general dentist in Chicago ranges from approximately $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Most people pay between $1,100 and $1,800 per veneer. Meanwhile, composite veneers typically range from $250 to $1,500 per tooth. Let's breakdown the average costs:

• Porcelain veneers: $1,100 - $1,800 per tooth
• Composite veneers: $500 - $1,200 per tooth

Patients needing 10 or more veneers usually qualify for volume discounts. Additional factors like tooth extraction before placement can also drive prices higher for treatment cases needing more work.

Porcelain Veneers Cost Details

Porcelain veneers are the most realistic-looking option as they reflect light similar to natural teeth enamel. Made of layered ceramic, they require excellent craftsmanship to create. Along with higher material expenses, experienced cosmetic dentists invest in top-notch dental labs to produce veneers that perfectly suit each patient. This drives their increased cost over composite veneers. Over the long run, porcelain pays for itself in extended longevity and stain resistance compared to other materials.

What Impacts Veneer Costs?

Are premium porcelain veneers worth the extra investment? Key factors include:

• Prep time needed - Teeth requiring less removal of enamel are best suited for porcelain.
• Staining tendencies - Smokers and coffee/tea drinkers often do better with porcelain veneers.
• Longevity desired - Porcelain veneers can last decades with proper maintenance.
• Aesthetic goals - Those wanting the most seamless natural look prefer porcelain.

For patients with concerns about healthy tooth structure or affordability, dentists may suggest composite veneers as an alternative. While staining more readily, composite veneers cost significantly less.

What Affects Composite Veneer Pricing?

Composite veneers range more widely in price. Basic composite veneers from general dentists may start under $250, with more intricate cases with cosmetic specialists ranging over $1,000 per tooth. Some considerations around composite veneer costs include:

• Specialty practice - Cosmetic dentists charge more for precision layering.
• Custom shade matching - Needs skilled color matching technique.
• Extent of tooth preparation - Less removal of enamel equals lower cost.
• Technician model fabrication - Adds lab expense before placement.

While enticing for their affordability, the tradeoff with composite veneers is higher maintenance and reduced longevity compared to porcelain. Still an excellent option for temporary improvements or conservative treatment cases.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Veneers in Chicago?

Veneers fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry rather than basic dental care. This means dental insurance does not provide coverage for veneers in most cases. Exceptions may include veneers placed after injury or congenital defects. Talk to your dentist and insurance provider to see if you qualify for partial coverage. Be prepared to pay out-of-pocket if you move forward with veneers to enhance your smile’s aesthetics.

Financing Chicago Veneers

Chicago veneer patients can expect to invest anywhere from around $5,000 to $30,000 for a complete smile makeover. For those unable to pay this sizable treatment cost upfront, many dental offices offer third-party financing options. Payment plans allow you to move forward with veneers, then budget monthly payments over 6 months, 12 months, or longer.

Using Flexible Spending for Veneers

Another way to afford veneers involves flexible spending accounts (FSAs). If your workplace offers a healthcare FSA, you can allocate pre-tax dollars to pay for uncovered medical and dental expenses. As an FSA debit card holder, you’ll be able to deduct your veneer bill directly from your tax-advantaged savings account. Just be sure to time your treatment before your annual FSA funds expire.

Caring for Veneers

Veneers deliver transformative aesthetic results in the hands of a skilled cosmetic dentist. Yet despite their thin durability, veneers can chip or dislodge under excessive force. By practicing proper care and hygiene, your investment can continue improving your smile for over a decade.

Tips for protecting veneers include:

• Avoid nail, pen or other tooth-biting habits
• Prevent trauma to the mouth during sports or accidents
• Be gentle brushing with a soft-bristle brush
• Floss once daily
• Visit your dentist twice yearly

Use common sense and take precautions in your daily life. With proper care, your Chicago veneers can last for many years before replacement is needed. Priority one is keeping your natural tooth structure healthy underneath.

The Takeaway

Improving your smile with veneers in Chicago costs anywhere from around $1,100 to $1,800 per tooth depending on material and dentist qualifications. Luxury upgrades with porcelain veneers and premier cosmetic dentists may reach $2,500 per unit. While not inexpensive, when properly maintained, veneers offer enduring aesthetic results that bolster confidence. Financing options exist to help Chicago patients budget for transformative smile makeovers over time through leading area dentistry practices.

FAQs

How much do porcelain veneers cost in Chicago?

The typical cost for porcelain veneers from a Chicago dentist ranges from about $1,100 to $1,800 per tooth. More complex cases from cosmetic dental specialists can reach $2,500 per veneer.

What is the average price range for composite veneers in Chicago?

Composite veneers cost between $500 and $1,200 per tooth on average in the Chicago area. Simple cases may start around $250 per tooth while higher-end composite veneers with cosmetic dentists can exceed $1,500 per unit.

Should I choose porcelain or composite veneers in Chicago?

Porcelain veneers have a more natural look and resist staining better. But composite costs less and requires less enamel removal. Discuss your budget, smile goals and lifestyle habits with your dentist to decide which is best.

How do people afford the high cost of veneers in Chicago?

If unable to pay for veneers in full, many dentists offer payment plans that allow you to finance veneers over a 6-12 month period. Healthcare FSAs are another option that let you spend pre-tax dollars on uncovered treatments.

How long will my veneers last in Chicago?

With good oral care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer in Chicago. Composite veneers last 5-7 years typically before needing replacement. Longevity varies based on material, oral habits and dentist skill.