Veneers

When you encounter someone, the first thing they notice is your smile- or lack thereof. If you are like most people, you’re probably not happy with your smile. This is what makes the cosmetic dental industry so popular. There are very few people who are perfectly happy with their smiles.

Cosmetic dental procedures are designed to improve the aesthetics of your smile. There are a few that are considered cosmetic restorative that improves both appearance and functionality. However, dental veneers only address cosmetic issues.

Dental veneers are just one of the cosmetic dental procedures offered by the professionals at Rainier Ave Dental in Seattle. In this article, we’ll explain more about what you need to know about veneers.

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that are placed on teeth to resolve aesthetic issues. The most common issues addressed are:

  • Small cracks/chips
  • Small gaps
  • Discoloration
  • Issues with size and shape

Types of Dental Veneers

There are several types of dental veneers, including:

  • Porcelain Veneers

    Porcelain veneers are thin, ceramic shells used to resolve aesthetic issues with your smile. They are more expensive than other options- but they also last much longer which means you don’t have to replace them as often. However, if they are damaged, you must replace them, they cannot be repaired.

  • Composite Veneers

    Composite resin veneers can be direct or indirect. Direct composite resin veneers are applied directly to the teeth. indirect composite resin veneers are created outside the mouth in a dental lab. Composite veneers cost less than porcelain, but they are not as durable and do not last as long. The good news is, if composite veneers are damaged, they can usually be repaired instead of replaced, which can save money.

  • Pop-on Veneers

    Pop-on Veneers are a type of no-prep veneer designed to quickly and temporarily resolve aesthetic issues. These veneers are pre-made, so they don’t necessarily offer the best fit in most cases. You can purchase pop-on veneers that can be molded to your teeth, but these still don’t offer the best fit because they are not custom-made.

  • Snap-on Veneers

    Snap-on veneers are also a type of no-prep veneer. However, these are custom-made in a dental lab based on impressions that you make at home and send back. These can be placed and removed as needed. They are not designed to be worn long-term.

Composite Veneers vs Porcelain Veneers

Composite Veneers Porcelain Veneers
Material Composite resin Ceramic/porcelain
Life expectancy Up to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance Up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance
Repairs/replacements If damage is minor, can usually be repaired If the veneers are damaged, replacement is necessary, they cannot be repaired
Cost $250 to $1,500 per tooth $925 to $2,500 per tooth
How long does it take Direct composite veneers can be completed in one appointment, and usually only takes a few hours Requires 2 to 3 appointments, lasting a few hours each

Material

Composite Veneers

Composite resin

Porcelain Veneers

Ceramic/porcelain

Life expectancy

Composite Veneers

Up to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance

Porcelain Veneers

Up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance

Repairs/replacements

Composite Veneers

If damage is minor, can usually be repaired

Porcelain Veneers

If the veneers are damaged, replacement is necessary, they cannot be repaired

Cost

Composite Veneers

$250 to $1,500 per tooth

Porcelain Veneers

$925 to $2,500 per tooth

How long does it take

Composite Veneers

Direct composite veneers can be completed in one appointment, and usually only takes a few hours

Porcelain Veneers

Requires 2 to 3 appointments, lasting a few hours each

How Much Do Dental Veneers Cost?

The cost of dental veneers depends on the type of veneer you choose. Both pop-on and snap-on veneers are removable. Pop-on veneers are the cheapest because they are pre-made. These cost as low as $10 per set and around $30 per set if you mold them to your teeth.

Customized snap-on veneers cost around $100 to $600 per set, depending on the material and brand you choose.

Professional veneers are a bit more expensive due to the work that goes into them. On average, composite dental veneers range from $250 to $1,500 per tooth. Porcelain veneers range from around $925 to $2,500 per tooth.

How are Teeth Prepped for Dental Veneers?

The first step in any dental procedure at Rainier Ave Dental is the consultation appointment. During this appointment, the dentist will examine your mouth and discuss your needs and expectations for treatment. This will help to determine if you are a candidate for veneers.

If it is determined that veneers are a good option, the dentist will remove some of the enamel to create space for the veneers. Once this is done, an impression will be taken of the teeth to send to the dental lab. The impression will be used to create your custom veneers.

Veneers Before and After


Nearly everyone has something about their teeth that they are unhappy with. The good news is that veneers offer an easy way to improve these issues with appearance. This is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. In fact, when you really start looking, it’s easy to see a celebrity with veneers– it’s rare to find one without.

Dental veneers are cemented to damaged teeth to resolve aesthetic issues such as discoloration, size/shape/length, and so much more. Before dental veneers, you may find yourself reluctant to smile because you are embarrassed. However, after dental veneers, you’ll find that your confidence is boosted, and you feel so much better about yourself.

Veneers vs Teeth Bonding

Teeth bonding is an alternative to dental veneers designed to resolve aesthetic issues with teeth. This is often a more affordable approach.

Dental Veneers Teeth Bonding
Cost $250 to $1,500 per tooth for composite resin $925 to $2,500 per tooth for porcelain $100 to $600 per tooth
Appearance Natural appearance can be made to blend with natural teeth Natural appearance can be made to blend with natural teeth
Longevity Composite resin: up to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance Porcelain: up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance Must be touched up or replaced every 3 to 10 years depending on care and maintenance
How long does it take Typically requires 2 to 3 visits and several hours Can be completed in one visit and under 2 hours
What is it used for Resolves issues with the appearance of teeth Resolves issues with the appearance of teeth

Cost

Dental Veneers

$250 to $1,500 per tooth for composite resin

$925 to $2,500 per tooth for porcelain

Teeth Bonding

$100 to $600 per tooth

Appearance

Dental Veneers

Natural appearance can be made to blend with natural teeth

Teeth Bonding

Natural appearance can be made to blend with natural teeth

Longevity

Dental Veneers

Composite resin: up to 10 years or more with proper care and maintenance

Porcelain: up to 20 years or more with proper care and maintenance

Teeth Bonding

Must be touched up or replaced every 3 to 10 years depending on care and maintenance

How long does it take

Dental Veneers

Typically requires 2 to 3 visits and several hours

Teeth Bonding

Can be completed in one visit and under 2 hours

What is it used for

Dental Veneers

Resolves issues with the appearance of teeth

Teeth Bonding

Resolves issues with the appearance of teeth

Schedule Your Smile Makeover Consultation with Rainier Ave Dental Today

If you have aesthetic concerns about your smile, schedule your consultation with the team at Rainier Ave Dental today. We offer a variety of cosmetic dental procedures including dental veneers designed to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Our office is located at 5425 Rainier Ave South in Seattle. Our office hours are Monday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Friday by appointment only. You can schedule your appointment by calling us at  (206) 222-5791 or by visiting our website.

In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we also offer general and family dental services, implant dentistry, and more. It is important to note that dental veneers and other cosmetic procedures are typically not covered by dental insurance. Therefore, you may want to speak with the office staff about our financing options.

Dental Veneers FAQs

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dental procedure designed to improve the appearance of teeth. If you have any questions or concerns about dental veneers or other cosmetic dental procedures used in smile makeovers, let the team at Rainier Ave Dental know. Below we’ve addressed some of the most common questions we get.

How much are veneers?

Dental veneers range in cost from $10 for the pre-made pop-on, removable veneers to   $2,500 per tooth for porcelain dental veneers.

  • Pop-on Veneers: $10 to $30+ per set
  • Snap-on Veneers: $100 to $600 per set
  • Composite Resin: $250 to $1,500 per tooth
  • Porcelain: $925 to $2,500 per tooth

How long do veneers last?

Typically, the pre-made pop-on dental veneers are designed to be removable, and depending on how often you wear them, they usually don’t last very long. Custom snap-on veneers usually last slightly longer, but still wear out fairly quickly.

Professional composite resin or porcelain veneers have a much longer life expectancy:

  • Composite Resin: 7 to 10 years or more, depending on care and maintenance
  • Porcelain: up to 20 years or more, depending on care and maintenance

Are veneers permanent?

Yes, professional dental veneers are a permanent, irreversible procedure because it involves removing some of the enamel to create space for the veneers.

How do veneers work?

The dentist will start by removing some of the enamel to create space for the veneer to be placed. Then, an impression will be taken of your teeth/bite. The impression will be sent to the dental lab for the fabrication of your veneers. The dentist will place temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent ones.

Once the lab has created your veneers, they will be sent back to the office. The dentist will remove the temporary veneers and clean your teeth. Then, the surface of your teeth will be etched to allow the dental cement to adhere. The dentist will check the fit of the veneers and make any necessary adjustments before cementing them in place. A special light will be used to activate the cement, making it harder.

In a few weeks, you’ll need to return for a check-up to make sure that the veneers still look good.

Do veneers hurt?

Patients are given local anesthesia prior to beginning the enamel removal process, which numbs the area. Therefore, you will not feel any pain, but you may have some minor discomfort as the anesthesia wears off. This should resolve once the anesthesia is fully worn off.

Are veneers worth it?

Dental veneers can be expensive, especially if you are having multiple teeth treated- but they can change your entire appearance. Veneers resolve aesthetic issues such as discoloration, small gaps, cracks/chips, and issues with the size/shape of the teeth. This can improve your smile, which boosts your confidence and has the potential to change your entire life. Most people agree that dental veneers are well worth the investment.