Porcelain veneers cost more than composite resin veneers.
The main reason for this is that porcelain looks much more like natural teeth than composite resin does.
It is also more durable. Composite resin veneers have an expected life span of 5 to 7 years while porcelain veneers are estimated to last twice as long.
Porcelain Veneers Cost – Determining Factors
Porcelain veneers cost will range depending on different factors such as location, dentist experience, laboratory fees, amount of dental work involved in fixing the veneers and other factors.
Another factor that will affect the porcelain veneers cost is the grade of porcelain used for the veneers.
Porcelain comes in different grades meaning it is of different qualities.
Higher quality porcelain will definitely translate to higher cost of the veneers.
Porcelain Veneers Cost Depends On Type of Porcelain Used
There are 3 main types of porcelain materials.
These are feldspathic porcelain, leucite reinforced porcelain and lithium disilicate glass ceramic.
Feldspathic porcelain is the oldest grade of porcelain used in cosmetic dentistry.
Dentists begun to use it in 1983 and it is still widely in use today due to the fact it greatly resembles natural tooth enamel.
While it is the most aesthetically pleasing grade of porcelain, it is not the strongest and must rely on the underlying tooth for strength.
Feldspathic porcelain is however stronger than natural enamel.
Leucite reinforced porcelain is the next grade of dental porcelain which has been in use since the early 1990s.
Leucite is a natural mineral that is used to reinforce feldspathic porcelain.
Leucite is said to increase the strength of feldspathic porcelain by up to 60%.
This type of reinforced porcelain is quite commonly used when extra strength is required for veneers.
A final layer of feldspathic porcelain is applied to luecite reinforced porcelain veneers for more life-like looking teeth.
The Strongest Grade of Porcelain
The strongest grade of dental porcelain is lithium disilicate glass ceramic.
They are said to be twice as strong as leucite reinforced porcelain veneers.
This man-made material is said to make extra strong veneers which are less likely to chip.
Because of its strength, this material makes extra thin veneers that are easier to sculpt. Many times, lithium disilicate glass ceramic veneers are layered with feldspathic porcelain to achieve a more natural look.
The porcelain veneers cost will vary depending on the grade of porcelain with lithium disilicate glass ceramic veneers been the most expensive and the feldspathic porcelain veneers being the cheapest.
Despite the varying grades of porcelain veneers cost, the price range is from $700 to $2000 for each tooth.
