In Canada, veneers typically cost about $484 per tooth. However, this average can vary widely, influenced by factors like the type of veneers chosen and your geographic location. Additionally, the overall cost might be affected by the experience level of your dentist and the need for any supplementary dental procedures.
Are you dreaming of a new smile but worried about the costs?
Many people seek to improve their teeth's appearance, whether it's due to enamel erosion, an uneven smile, discoloration, cracking, chipping, or just the natural wear and tear of aging. Dental veneers, which are thin shells designed to resemble real teeth and fit over your natural ones, could be the perfect solution for these concerns.
However, the cost of veneers can be a barrier, especially if you’re not sure what options you have or if you need to budget for additional expenses. In the upcoming sections, we'll explore the various types of veneers available, delve into the factors that influence their cost, and discuss different payment methods to help you plan your investment in a brighter smile.
How much do veneers cost in Canada?
The cost of veneers will vary depending on what type you get and where you get them. Typically, veneers are priced on a per-tooth basis, so the total cost depends on how many teeth you're treating.
Porcelain veneers are often the most expensive choice. Their higher cost reflects their durability and the long-lasting results they provide. On the other hand, composite resin veneers offer a more affordable initial investment. However, their shorter lifespan means you might incur higher costs over time due to more frequent replacements.
The location where you get your veneers also significantly impacts the cost. For example, the price for porcelain veneers in Toronto averages at $705 per tooth, while in Montreal, you can expect to pay around $583 per tooth for the same type of veneers.
| Application of veneers | Composite resin | Porcelain | |
| Alberta | $307-383 | $829 | $949 |
| British Columbia | $293-426 | $1001 | $1001 |
| Manitoba | $267-324 | Cost not listed | $703 |
| New Brunswick | $348-359 | $701 | $714 |
| Newfoundland | $342-367 | $693 | $640 |
| Nova Scotia | $322-331 | $620 | $656 |
| Ontario | $226-361 | $482 | $705 |
| Prince Edward Island | $217-348 | $421 | $626 |
| Quebec | $286-1087 | $572 | $583 |
| Saskatchewan | $296-301 | $739 | $739 |
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are among the most costly options, but they compensate with durability, lasting up to 20 years There are different types of porcelain veneers to choose from:
- Pressed: These veneers start with a porcelain base that’s melted and poured into a mould. Then, a hydraulic press applies pressure while the veneers cool and solidify.
- Stacked: This type of porcelain veneer isn’t as durable as pressed veneers, but they offer a more natural look. They’re made by shaping multiple layers of porcelain to create the desired custom look.
Applying porcelain veneers is a multi-step process, typically taking up to six weeks and requiring two to three dental visits. The steps include:
- Inspection and Enamel Removal: The dentist inspects your teeth and removes a thin enamel layer to make room for the veneers.
- Impressions: Impressions of your teeth are taken to create a custom mold for your veneers.
- Temporary Veneers: While awaiting your custom veneers, temporary ones are placed.
- Final Application: Once your porcelain veneers are ready, the temporary ones are removed, your teeth are prepped with a mild chemical, and each porcelain veneer is individually adhered to your teeth.
Composite resin veneers
Composite resin veneers are made from translucent resin that’s shaped and then hardened. These veneers are more affordable compared to porcelain veneers but have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting four to eight years. They are also more prone to staining over time, which might make them a less ideal choice for those seeking teeth-whitening solutions.
These veneers can be made in two ways: indirectly, (outside your mouth) either in a lab or “chairside” which means they’re made in the dentist's office using scans and milling equipment, or directly, where the dentist applies and shapes the resin right on your teeth.
Porcelain laminate (no-prep)
Porcelain laminate, otherwise known as no-prep veneers, are ultra-thin versions of porcelain veneers. They are considered a less invasive alternative to porcelain or composite veneers as they require little to no enamel filing.
Despite being thinner than traditional veneers, they offer durability and stain resistance, maintaining their appearance over time. Suitable for correcting minor dental imperfections like small gaps or slight misalignments, these veneers provide a natural-looking enhancement. Some of the well-known brands offering these types of veneers include Lumineers, DURAthin, and Vivaneers, each known for their quality and aesthetic properties. The cost of this type of veneer is determined by the brand. Consult with your dentist to learn more.
Zirconia and Emax Veneers: Advanced Options
Beyond traditional porcelain and composite resin veneers, advanced materials like Zirconia and Emax offer unique advantages:
- Zirconia Veneers: Zirconia stands out for its exceptional strength and durability, making it suitable for people who have habits like teeth grinding. These veneers are less bulky compared to traditional porcelain, offering a robust yet aesthetic solution.
- Emax (Lithium Disilicate) Veneers: Emax veneers are known for their high translucency, which allows them to mimic the natural appearance of tooth enamel very closely. Made from lithium disilicate, they strike a balance between strength and aesthetics, making them a popular choice for those seeking a natural look with durability.
Are veneers covered by insurance in Canada?
In Canada, veneers are generally not covered by dental insurance plans, as they are often classified as cosmetic procedures. However, there are exceptions. If veneers are required for restorative purposes — such as repairing teeth damaged by decay or trauma — some insurance policies might offer partial coverage. It’s important to note that insurance coverage can vary significantly. Patients are encouraged to consult with their insurance providers to understand their policy's specifics regarding cosmetic procedures like veneers.
Factors that affect the cost of veneers
The overall cost of veneers can change depending on the type of materials you choose, how many veneers you need, and more.
Materials
The cost of veneers is significantly influenced by the choice of material. Porcelain veneers are typically more expensive upfront but offer longer durability, whereas options like composite or porcelain laminate veneers may be less costly initially but require more frequent replacements.
Number of veneers
Since veneers are priced by the tooth, the total cost depends on how many teeth you're treating. A full transformation involving 10 to 20 veneers will naturally be more costly than treating just a few teeth.
| 4 veneers | 8 veneers | 10 veneers | 20 veneers | |
| Alberta | $3,766 | $7,591 | $8,489 | $18,978 |
| British Columbia | $4,0004 | $8,008 | $10,010 | $20,020 |
| Manitoba | $2,813 | $5,626 | $7,032 | $14,064 |
| New Brunswick | $2,854 | $5,709 | $7,136 | $14,272 |
| Newfoundland | $3,364 | $6,727 | $8,409 | $16,818 |
| Nova Scotia | $2,479 | $4,948 | $6,198 | $12,395 |
| Ontario | $2,820 | $5,640 | $7,050 | $14,100 |
| Prince Edward Island | $2,504 | $5,008 | $6,260 | $12,520 |
| Quebec | $2,332 | $4,663 | $5,829 | $11,658 |
| Saskatchewan | $2,956 | $5,912 | $7,390 | $14,780 |
| *Calculated with porcelain veneer costs | ||||
Dentist experience
The pricing of veneers can depend on your dentist’s qualifications and affiliations. For instance, a dentist may charge less than a prosthodontist specializing in replacing and restoring teeth.
For example, in Manitoba, general practitioners might charge $703 for porcelain veneers, while specialists like prosthodontists could charge over $1,800.
Location of practice
The cost also varies from province to and city-to-city, with British Columbia generally being the most expensive and Prince Edward Island the least.
Additional costs and procedures
When considering veneers, it’s important to factor in several potential additional expenses beyond the basic cost of the veneers themselves:
- Consultation: This initial assessment with your dentist involves discussing your aesthetic goals and evaluating your oral health to determine if veneers are the right choice for you. This consultation could come with its own cost, depending on the dental practice. X-rays: X-rays are often required to assess the underlying health of your teeth and jaw. This step is crucial for planning your treatment and ensuring that your teeth are suitable candidates for veneers.
- Scans: 3-D scans are typically used to create a precise mould for your custom veneers. These scans, essential for a perfect fit, may add to the overall cost.
- Application: The cost of applying veneers can vary significantly. It depends on the type of veneer you choose and the method of application — some composite veneers can be sculpted directly onto your teeth in the dental office, while others, such as porcelain veneers, are crafted in a dental lab and then bonded to your teeth.
- Sedation: Depending on the complexity of your veneer placement and your personal comfort levels, sedation may be required. It’s typically only needed if your veneers will go beyond your gumline. In that case, restorative services will include local anesthesia, and the cost of sedation will depend on whether local anesthesia suffices or if more comprehensive sedation techniques are needed.
- Prescription medications: After the procedure, your dentist may prescribe medications for pain management or to prevent infection.
- Follow-up appointment: To ensure the success of your veneer treatment and your satisfaction with the results, follow-up appointments are necessary. While the initial follow-up is often included in the treatment cost, additional visits for adjustments or issues might incur extra charges.
How to pay for veneers
When considering the cost of veneers, it’s important to explore various payment options that can make this cosmetic dental procedure more accessible. Here are some common ways to pay for veneers:
- Health Savings Account: If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA), you can use it toward covering the cost of veneers. HSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses — veneers can fall under this category. However, it's important to note that Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) typically don’t cover veneers.
- Payment plans: Many dental practices offer payment plans tailored for extensive procedures like veneers. These plans usually allow you to pay off the total cost in more manageable monthly installments, making it easier to budget for the procedure.
- Out-of-pocket: If you're in a position to do so, paying out-of-pocket using personal savings is a straightforward option. This approach avoids potential interest charges but requires having the total amount available upfront.
- Financing: If you’re in a situation where you need veneers but don’t have the immediate funds, financing with credit cards or a personal loan can be a solution. While it provides flexibility in spreading out payments over time, consider associated interest rates and repayment terms.
What to ask your dentist
Veneers are permanent and there are a lot of options. Here are some questions to ask your dentist to help you decide which veneer material is right for you.
- What’s your experience and expertise in performing veneer procedures?
- Am I a good candidate for veneers?
- What types of veneers do you offer, and which type is best for me?
- How many veneers will I need to achieve my goals?
- Will the veneers match the color of my natural teeth?
- What is the veneer placement process like?
- Can I see a mock-up or digital preview of how my smile will look with veneers?
- Can you show me before-and-after photos of previous veneer cases you’ve completed?
- How much will the veneers cost, and do you offer payment plans?
- How long will the veneers last?
- What maintenance is required for taking care of my veneers?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with veneers?
- What’s the expected recovery time, and are there any post-procedure restrictions?
FAQ
Still have questions about veneers? Here are answers to common questions to help you make your decision.
Crowns vs. veneers: What’s the difference?
Crowns and veneers are dental restorations, but they serve different purposes and come with distinct costs. Dental crowns repair and strengthen severely damaged or decayed teeth. They encase the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing structural support. As a result, they tend to be more expensive.
Veneers are mainly cosmetic and designed to improve the appearance of teeth by covering the front surface. People often choose them for aesthetic purposes like correcting minor chips, stains, or gaps. They’re generally less expensive than crowns.
How long do veneers last?
Veneers can last anywhere from three to 20 years, depending on what type you get. For example, porcelain veneers last much longer than composite or no-prep veneers.
How long does it take to get veneers?
Custom-made veneers, like porcelain veneers, can take up to six weeks and two to three visits to complete. Other types of veneers, like directly applied composite veneers, may only require one visit.
Is there a warranty on dental veneers?
Yes, there’s typically a warranty on dental veneers, but the specific terms and duration of the warranty can vary depending on the dentist, the dental lab that creates the veneers, and the materials used.
Warranties on dental veneers may cover issues like defects in materials or workmanship. For example, if a veneer chips or cracks within a certain period of time after placement due to a manufacturing defect, it may be replaced at no cost to the patient.
However, these warranties typically don’t cover issues from accidents, misuse, or neglect, and they may not cover the full cost of replacement. For these reasons, it’s important to clarify the terms of your warranty with your dentist before getting veneers.
Are dental veneers worth the money?
Veneers can undoubtedly transform your smile, boosting your self-confidence and overall quality of life. They’re a valuable investment for those seeking a lasting and aesthetically pleasing solution to dental imperfections.
Pros:
- Improved aesthetics: Veneers can significantly enhance the appearance of your teeth, covering up stains, discoloration, and minor imperfections.
- Stain-resistant: Depending on the type, veneers can be resistant to staining, so they maintain their whiteness over time.
- Quick results: The procedure is relatively quick and you can achieve a dramatically improved smile in just a couple of appointments.
- Minimally invasive: Unlike crowns, veneers require less removal of tooth enamel, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Durability: Veneers can last for a decade or more depending on the type and proper care.
- Customization: They can be customized in terms of color, shape, and size to meet your specific aesthetic preferences.
Cons:
- Cost: Veneers can be expensive and the cost may not be covered by dental insurance, as it’s often considered a cosmetic procedure.
- Irreversible: The process involves removing a small amount of enamel, which is irreversible. This means once you have veneers, you’ll always need them.
- Potential for damage: While durable, veneers can chip or crack, especially if subjected to excessive force like teeth grinding or biting on hard objects.
- Maintenance: Veneers require proper oral hygiene and care and will need replacement over time.
- Not suitable for severe issues: Veneers won’t work for severely damaged or misaligned teeth as they won’t be able to stick properly.
Are there alternatives to dental veneers?
A more affordable alternative to veneers is dental bonding. Unlike veneers, dental bonding isn’t a permanent solution. It uses a composite resin to fix minor imperfections and has a shorter lifespan than veneers.
Dental bonding is less invasive than veneers because it doesn’t require shaving enamel off your teeth. This means it isn’t a permanent solution, as the bonding will wear down over time, generally lasting three to 10 years. It’s also less expensive than veneers.
| Cost of dental bonding by province | |
| Alberta | $156-$324 |
| British Columbia | $166-$417 |
| Manitoba | $142-$324 |
| New Brunswick | $147-$353 |
| Newfoundland | $149-$324 |
| Nova Scotia | $164-$379 |
| Ontario | $190-$383 |
| Prince Edward Island | $146-$381 |
| Quebec | $103-$360 |
| Saskatchewan | $172-$402 |
| Source: Canadian provincial fee guides. Note: Values above offer average price range. Data not available for Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon. | |
Conclusion
While the cost of veneers can seem like a significant investment, the potential benefits in terms of a confident smile and improved self-esteem are invaluable. Remember that costs vary on factors like location, materials, and the expertise of your dentist.
Still not convinced? Learn more reasons to consider dental veneers.
Sources:
- Alberta Dental Association
- British Columbia Dental Association
- Manitoba Dental Association
- New Brunswick Dental Society
- Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association
- Nova Scotia Dental Association
- Ontario Dental Association
- The Dental Association Of Prince Edward Island
- Association Des Chirurgiens Dentistes Du Québec
- College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan
- Canadian Dental Association
- Healthline
- Dental Billing
- dentalcorp
The content provided in this article, including text, graphics, and referenced material, is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your dentist or another qualified oral health professional for questions regarding your dental condition. Never disregard professional dental advice or delay seeking it based on information from this article. If you believe you have a dental emergency, contact your dentist, or seek immediate assistance from an oral healthcare professional.
