Considering dental veneers? You’re not alone. Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments.1 Even so, it’s normal to have questions before booking a consultation, from “How expensive are veneers?” to “How long will my veneers last?”
Understanding the basics of this dental procedure can help you decide if veneers are the right solution for your smile. Read on to learn the answers to some of the most common dental veneer questions.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth. Dentists often use them to address cosmetic concerns like:
- Stains
- Discoloration
- Chips
- Cracks
- Small gaps between teeth
- Minor misalignments
- Uneven tooth shape
What Are Dental Veneers Made Of?
Most veneers are made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain tends to be more durable and stain resistant, while composite resin is often more affordable.2
What Steps Are Involved in The Veneer Placement Process?
You may be able to get your veneers in just a few appointments with your dentist. Here’s what you can may expect during each visit:
- Initial consultation: During your first appointment, your dentist will likely examine your teeth and discuss your cosmetic goals to determine if you’re a good candidate for veneers.
- Tooth preparation: At your next appointment, your dentist may prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. This step can help ensure that your veneers fit naturally and won’t look too bulky. Your dentist may also take impressions or digital scans of your teeth if they plan to create your custom veneers in a lab.
- Veneer placement: Once your veneers are ready, your dentist can bond them to your teeth and make any final adjustments.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Veneers work best for people with healthy teeth and gums. If you have untreated tooth decay, gum disease or severe grinding habits, your dentist may want to address those issues before moving forward.
Can You Eat Normally with Veneers?
Yes, you can eat most foods with dental veneers. However, it’s a good idea to avoid very hard or sticky foods, since they can chip or damage your veneers. You may also want to limit dark food and beverages, like coffee, tea and red wine, as they may discolor your veneers and natural teeth over time.
Do Veneers Stain?
Porcelain veneers are more stain resistant than natural teeth. However, they aren’t completely stain proof. That’s why dark beverages may affect their appearance over time. You can maintain your veneers’ brightness by practicing good oral hygiene and getting professional cleanings every six months.
Can You Still Get Cavities with Veneers?
Dental veneers can’t develop cavities, but your natural tooth underneath them can.3 That’s why it’s important to stay consistent with daily brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental cleanings.
How Do You Care for Veneers?
Caring for veneers is similar to caring for your natural teeth. You can keep them clean and extend their lifespan by:
- Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle toothbrush
- Flossing daily
- Visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups
- Wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
Veneers typically cost between $500 and $2,895 per tooth,4 depending on the following factors:
- Your location
- Your dentist
- The materials
The number of teeth you treat can also impact the total price. A full set of veneers will cost much more than treating one or two teeth.
Since pricing can vary, you may want to request a personalized quote from your dentist to get a clearer picture of what to expect.
How Long Do Veneers Last?
Veneers are quite durable, but they don’t last forever. Porcelain veneers may last 10 to 20 years, while composite veneers typically last around five years.5 Good oral care and regular dental visits can help your veneers last longer.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Veneers?
Dental veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure. Since most dental insurance plans only cover medically necessary treatments, they will likely not cover veneers.
However, dental insurance can still play an important role in protecting your veneers. Many plans help cover routine care, including dental cleanings, exams and X-rays. Dental insurance can also help cover more complex treatments that support your oral health and can help maintain your veneers after placement.
Sources:
1. Research and Markets. Dental Veneers Market Report 2026. Updated February 2026. https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5948544/dental-veneers-market-report? Accessed on May 1, 2026.
2. Healthline. What to Know Before You Get Dental Veneers. Updated on February 10, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-veneers. Accessed on March 30, 2026.
3. Mercier Dental. Can You Get Cavities with Dental Veneers? Updated on November 25, 2025. https://www.mercierdental.com/post/do-veneers-get-cavities/. Accessed on ,May 1, 2026.
4. CareCredit. How Much Do Veneers Cost? Pricing and Coverage Guide. Updated on January 30, 2025. https://www.carecredit.com/well-u/health-wellness/dental-veneers-cost-dental-veneers-financing/. Accessed. May 1, 2026.
5. Healthline. How Long Can You Expect Veneers to Last? Updated on November 23, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-do-veneers-last. Accessed May 1, 2026..
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent/producer.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
Dental: In Delaware, Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available in Virginia. Dental claims are administered by SKYGEN USA, LLC. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing.
NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage/plan levels may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM or NY. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on plan selected. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
