Getting a beautiful, bright smile is important to many people. However, not everyone can afford expensive dental treatments like veneers. Veneers are thin covers placed over teeth to improve their appearance. They can fix chips, gaps, stains and other issues. While porcelain veneers are the most popular, they are also the most expensive option. Luckily, there are more affordable types of veneers that can still transform your smile.

Types of Veneers

There are three main types of veneers available:

• Porcelain veneers
• Composite veneers
• Lumineers

Below is a comparison of the pros and cons of each type:

Type	Pros	Cons
Porcelain Veneers	Look very natural Stain and chip resistant Long lasting (10-15 years)	Expensive ($925-$2,500 per tooth) Require shaving down natural teeth 2+ dentist visits required
Composite Veneers	Less expensive ($250-$1,500 per tooth) Fewer visits required Don’t require shaving down teeth	Don’t last as long (5-7 years) More susceptible to stains and damage Not as natural looking
Lumineers	Very thin and transparent Require little preparation Can last 10-20 years	Expensive ($700-$1,200 per tooth) Only available from specific dentists

Cost Comparison

The costs of veneers can vary greatly depending on the material, your location, and your dentist’s fees. Below is an overview of the average cost per tooth for each type of veneers:

Veneer Type	Average Cost Per Tooth
Porcelain Veneers	$925 – $2,500
Composite Veneers	$250 – $1,500
Lumineers	$700 – $1,200

As you can see, porcelain veneers are by far the most expensive option. Composite veneers are the most budget friendly. Lumineers fall somewhere in between.

Considerations for Cheaper Veneers

There are a few things to keep in mind if you want affordable veneers:

• Location – Veneers will be cheaper in less populated areas where dentists have lower overhead costs.
• Material – Go with composite resin or lumineers instead of porcelain.
• Coverage – Getting veneers on just your front 6-8 teeth will be cheaper than doing your whole top row.
• Clinic deals – Some dental clinics offer periodic deals on veneers. It pays to shop around.
• Dental tourism – You may want to consider getting veneers done abroad at significant cost savings.

Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are the most affordable type, making them a great option if you’re on a tight budget. Here’s a closer look at what they are and their pros and cons:

What Are Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers are made of resin, plastic and filler materials. The dentist sculpts them onto each tooth individually. This material is the same as standard dental composite fillings, just shaped differently. Composite veneers are also sometimes called resin veneers or plastic veneers.

Pros of Composite Veneers

• Cost effective – Approximately $250-$1500 per tooth
• Conservative preparation – Usually require minimal shaving of natural tooth
• Can be done quickly – Applied in 1-2 dental visits
• Good for minor issues – Small chips, gaps, stains, misshapen teeth
• Natural appearance – Come in many shaded colors

Cons of Composite Veneers

• Less durable – Last 5-7 years vs. 10-15 years for porcelain
• More prone to staining
• More likely to need repairs or replacement
• Not ideal for severely damaged teeth
• May not give the most natural “bright white” smile

Should I Choose Composite Veneers?

Composite veneers offer a more affordable way to improve your teeth’s appearance. They work best for minor flaws, not major reconstruction. While they won’t give you the “Hollywood smile” look of porcelain veneers, composites can still greatly boost your confidence.

You may want to select composite veneers if:

• Your budget is limited
• You have small gaps, chips, stains or slightly crooked teeth
• You want to avoid shaving down healthy tooth structure
• You are looking for a temporary improvement before getting porcelain veneers

However, keep in mind that composite veneers may not last as long or look quite as natural. Be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your dentist.

Preparing for Composite Veneers

Getting composite veneers requires little preparation compared to porcelain. Here’s what to expect:

• Consultation – The dentist will evaluate your teeth’s condition and desired results.
• Tooth cleaning – Any decay or old fillings will be removed.
• Tooth reshaping – Subtle reshaping may be done to align edges.
• Etching – Teeth will be etched to help the composite bond.
• Applying veneers – The dentist sculpts and bonds the resin material.
• Finishing – Excess resin is removed and veneers polished.

You’ll likely need a follow up visit 1-2 weeks later to check your bite and make any adjustments. The whole process usually takes just 2 dental visits.

Cost of Composite Veneers

As mentioned earlier, composite veneers are the most economical type, costing approximately $250-$1,500 per tooth. Exact pricing depends on these factors:

• Number of teeth being treated – Cost is per tooth
• Extent of reshaping needed – More involved cases cost more
• Artistry and technique – Highly skilled dentists charge more
• Office location – Overhead costs vary
• Additional procedures – Stains, cavities etc. add cost

Many dentists allow you to pay for composite veneers in installments over several months, which helps with budgeting.

Is Dental Insurance Accepted?

Composite veneers are often partially covered by dental insurance. On average, insurance pays 50% of the total fees, up to the plan’s annual maximum. But policies vary greatly, so check your plan details.

Caring for Composite Veneers

While durable, composite resin veneers do require proper care. Here are some tips for making them last:

• Brush gently with a soft brush and non-abrasive toothpaste
• Floss daily to avoid plaque buildup
• See your dentist twice yearly for cleanings and checkups
• Avoid biting nails or other hard objects
• Wear a mouthguard for contact sports to prevent fractures
• Touch up small chips right away to prevent worsening

With good oral hygiene at home and professional care, composite veneers can give you 5 years or more of improved smile confidence.

Alternatives to Composite Veneers

Composite veneers are not the only option for getting an affordable enhanced smile. Two other alternatives to consider include:

Teeth Whitening

Whitening is an easy, conservative way to make your smile brighter. Professional whitening costs around $500-$1,000 and can lighten your natural shade by several levels. However, it doesn’t fix gaps, chips, crookedness or other flaws.

Dental Bonding

Bonding applies composite material similar to veneers, but only to the front of teeth. It costs around $100-$400 per tooth. Bonding improves small flaws but isn’t as comprehensive a smile makeover as veneers.

Discuss all your choices for achieving the smile you want with an affordable price tag.

Should I Get Composite Veneers?

If you’re unhappy with subtle imperfections in your smile but can’t afford porcelain veneers, composite veneers offer an affordable solution. They provide a dramatic improvement in the appearance of small gaps, chips, stains, and more. However, be realistic about achievable results and proper dental care will be required.

Weigh the benefits and drawbacks of composite veneers with your dentist. They can advise you if composites are a good choice for the flaws you want to fix. Your smile goals and budget will help determine if these budget-friendly veneers are right for you.

Conclusion

Composite veneers are the most economical type of veneers available. At approximately $250-$1,500 per tooth, they offer a cost-effective way to improve minor imperfections. While not as durable or natural-looking as porcelain veneers, composites can still give you a beautiful confidence boosting smile. Considering your smile goals and budget limitations can help determine if lower cost composite veneers are the right choice for you.