How Much Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are an increasingly popular way to improve the appearance of teeth that are stained, chipped, or misaligned. For many people considering porcelain veneers, one of the deciding factors is the price. So, how much do porcelain veneers cost? 

The cost of porcelain veneers can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of veneers needed, the type best suited to your unique needs,  where you live and the experience of the dentist. 

On average, in the UK porcelain veneers cost upwards of £995. However, it’s best to consult with an experienced and skilled aesthetic dentist, like those here at Smile Stories for an accurate cost estimate for your specific case.

If you’d like to know how much porcelain veneers will cost to transform your unique smile book a FREE consultation with one of our highly trained aesthetic dentists today!

Whilst we can’t give you an exact price for having veneers fitted without seeing your smile we can give you an insight into what the treatment involves, what the price includes and factors that affect the cost of veneers. 

Before Looking At The Cost Of Porcelain Veneers, Let’s See What A Porcelain Veneer Is

A porcelain veneer is a thin (0.5mm) or ultra-thin (approx 0.3mm) layer of tooth-coloured ceramic material that is custom-made in a specialist dental laboratory to fit over the front surface of your teeth. They’re bonded into place using special dental cement. With proper care, they can last for many years. 

If you’re looking for the price of porcelain veneers, be sure to ensure that the fees you see include the porcelain veneer and the procedure of bonding it to your teeth. 

What Does Getting Porcelain Veneers Fitted Involve?

The process of getting custom-made porcelain veneers fitted usually involves 2 to 3 appointments with the aesthetic dentist. It’s a good idea to be familiar with the process so you know what you are paying for.  

We provide a rough overview of the procedure below but you can find out more about how veneers are fitted here. 

1. Consultation – we discuss what your smile goals and expectations are, the procedure and any alternatives
2. Treatment Plan – If we’re all happy that porcelain veneers are the right treatment we create your individualised treatment plan 
3. Cost – The individualised treatment plan will include costs for your porcelain veneer
4. 3D Scans & Impressions – images, photos and moulds of your teeth will be made so that you can see what your new smile will look like. 
5. The Trial Run – We’ll design your smile according to your goals on a computer. We then 3D print this design and try it in your mouth to see if you like it. We can make amendments together before agreeing a finalised design. You wouldn’t buy a new car without a test drive so we wouldn’t expect you to wear a new smile.
6. Tooth Preparation – your teeth will be prepared so that the veneers fit.  This step may be omitted if ultra-thin veneers are being fitted. The more aligned your teeth are, the less preparation is required.
7. Fabrication – Scans, photos and/or impressions will be sent to a dental lab (we only work with the best ceramists in the UK) so they can custom-make your veneers.  
8. Try-In – Once the veneers are ready, the dentist will place them on the prepared teeth and check for proper fit and colour match.
9. Bonding – The veneers are then bonded to the teeth with special dental cement

Factors Affecting The Cost Of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth and your smile. It is not a one-size-fits-all kind of treatment. The price of porcelain veneers can be affected by a number of factors including

The Number Of Veneers Needed

You can expect the price to increase with the number of veneers fitted. The price of 

• a single veneer is upwards of £995  
• all your visible teeth covering (usually 6-8) you could expect to pay over £6,000.  
• a full set (16-20 teeth – all your teeth not just the visible ones) may cost you upwards of £14,320.

The Type Of Veneer Used

A range of materials can be used to make porcelain veneers. They all have different qualities. Some offer a more aesthetic result and others are more durable and suited to those who clench and grind. We will select the best veneer for your teeth, bite and habits. 

Other Factors That Affect The Cost

• Your dental health – e.g. if you require additional treatment for other dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease before veneers can be fitted.
• Unstable bite – if you have a bite that would cause damage to your veneers this would need correcting prior to treatment
• Clinic location – different dental clinics may have more expensive overheads such as rent based on where they are situated in the UK – this will be reflected in the price.  
• Dentists’ skill and training – the best aesthetic dentists spend time and money taking additional training courses to make sure they are trained in the latest and best techniques for getting porcelain veneers. This will be reflected in the cost.   

What Does The Veneer Price Include?

This may vary from clinic to clinic, but you must remember you’re not paying for an off-the-shelf item from a supermarket. A veneer from one dentist is not the same as a veneer from down the road.

Sure, you’re getting the final product of a new smile but you’re also receiving a service and crucially the time of the highly-skilled dentist doing the planning, both when you’re in the dental chair, but in the case of the dentists at Smile Stories there are hours that go into it behind the scenes.

Then there’s the quality of the ceramist involved in making the veneers and the collaboration between them and the dentist.

Can You Get Cheaper Porcelain Veneers?

Yes, if you go abroad for treatment. But we’ve heard plenty of stories of veneers being fitted by unregulated dentists abroad. The veneers are often lower quality and much thicker than the high-quality veneers used here at Smile Stories. 

In order to get these cheaper alternatives to adhere to the teeth, unregulated dentists remove the surface of the tooth damaging it forever.

We only use top-quality thin porcelain veneers that do not require the destruction of your original teeth. 

Are There Any Alternatives?

Depending on your reason for getting porcelain veneers there might be suitable alternative treatments such as 

• Tooth whitening
• Composite veneers 
• Invisalign 
• Crowns

Are Porcelain Veneers Covered By Insurance?

Many dental insurers do not include cosmetic treatments unless they are deemed clinically necessary. As porcelain veneers are considered a cosmetic treatment it’s unlikely that they would be covered by your insurance. 

However, insurance providers may offer you a discount on these optional treatments. At Smile Stories our membership scheme entitles you to discounted treatment.  

What Are The Financing Plans For Porcelain Veneers?

Most dental practices here in the UK offer options to spread the cost of treatment so that you can make your treatment more affordable. 

At Smile Stories Bournemouth, we offer 0% interest-free payment plans where you can spread the cost over 2 years. Ask for advice on what is going to work best for you.

Can I Get Porcelain Veneers On The NHS?

Just like with dental insurance, treatments such as porcelain veneers are only available on the NHS if there is a clinical need for them. If they are deemed clinically necessary they are currently chargeable under price band 3.   

If you are getting covers for the front or the back of your teeth for cosmetic reasons they are not available on the NHS. 

What Are The After-Costs Of Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are long-lasting and need very little aftercare, but here are a few that you may need to be aware of. 

• Dental and hygiene appointments – You need to look after your veneers, teeth and gums to ensure your dental veneers last. It’s recommended that you have regular checkups and a professional cleaning to help maintain them.
• Replacement Veneers – Porcelain veneers are a long-lasting and effective treatment. They can last 15-20 years after this you may need replacement veneers. 
• Damaged / Stained veneers – Porcelain veneers are hard-wearing and long-lasting but can still get broken if you use them incorrectly. If one gets stained, chipped, broken or cracked you may need to pay for a replacement fitting
• Bruxism? – If you grind and clench your teeth investing in a mouthguard can help you protect your veneers from damage

Know you know more about the cost of porcelain veneers if you’re eager to get Porcelain veneers fitted book a free consultation today with our award-winning, highly trained aesthetic dentists.