Minimally Invasive Veneers Cost and Procedure Guide

If you’ve ever wished for a brighter, more even smile without the hassle of a major dental procedure, then minimally invasive veneers might be the answer. They’re gentler on your teeth than traditional veneers, and take just a few appointments to cover chips, stains and small gaps in your teeth.¹

If you’re considering these ultra-thin veneers, here’s what you may want to know about how they work, what they cost and whether they’re right for you.

What Are Minimally Invasive Veneers?

Veneers are custom-made shells that fit over your natural teeth to cover cosmetic issues like discoloration, chips or gaps. Traditionally, the process of getting veneers involves removing a small amount of enamel so they can fit properly.²

Minimally invasive veneers, in contrast, are much thinner and require little to no enamel removal. They’re sometimes called no-prep or prepless veneers.

These veneers are best suited for minor cosmetic concerns like:³

• Mild misalignment or crowding
• Mild staining
• Slightly chipped or irregularly shaped teeth
• Small gaps between teeth

Types

The cost of minimally invasive veneers will depend on the type of material they’re made of. The two most common types are:⁴

• Composite veneers. These are made of a natural, tooth-colored resin.⁵ Some dental offices use the term composite veneers interchangeably with minimally invasive.⁶
• Porcelain. This material tends to be a little more durable than composite, but costs somewhat more.⁵

Traditional vs. minimally invasive veneers

Both traditional and minimally invasive veneers can dramatically improve your smile, but they differ in how much tooth preparation they require. Here’s a closer look at how they compare:

How Much Do Minimally Invasive Veneers Cost?

Minimally invasive veneers generally cost less than traditional veneers. The national average cost* for a single traditional veneer is $1,455. In contrast, the average cost* for a single composite, lab-manufactured veneer (also known as a minimally invasive veneer) is $1,068, with a typical range of $783 to $1,760. If the composite veneer is made in your dentist’s office, the average cost* drops to about $751, with a range of $541 to $1,220.⁸

Porcelain no-prep veneers tend to cost a little more than composite ones, but are often more durable.

Calculate the cost of veneers near you*

Average cost of minimally invasive veneers by state/district

Where you live can make a significant difference in how much you’ll pay. Below is a look at the average cost* in each state and the District of Columbia for a single composite, lab-manufactured veneer.⁸

The number of veneers you need and the expertise of your dentist can also impact your final price.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Minimally Invasive Veneers?

Unfortunately, veneers — whether traditional or minimally invasive — are generally considered cosmetic procedures, so they’re not typically covered by health insurance or dental insurance. In rare cases where your veneers are deemed medically necessary, you might get an exception.

Unfortunately, Medicare also doesn’t cover veneers, since they’re considered cosmetic. In some rare cases, Medicare Advantage (Part C) might offer partial coverage, but this can vary.⁹

It’s always best to talk to your insurance representative to determine exactly what your policy does and does not cover.

Getting Minimally Invasive Veneers

Getting minimally invasive veneers is typically faster and more comfortable than getting traditional veneers. Here’s things to know at each step:

Preparation

You’ll start with a consultation and full dental exam, including X-rays, to see if you’re a good candidate. You and your dentist will discuss your goals for tooth shape, shade, size and material. You may be shown a mock-up of what a veneer would look like.

Your dentist will then take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to send to a lab, so your veneers can be custom-made. It usually takes about one to two weeks for the lab to make your veneers.⁷

Procedure

There is typically no discomfort with the procedure. First, your dentist will clean your teeth and may give each tooth a superficial etching to help the bond adhere better. Each veneer is then secured with a special adhesive and cured with a light to create a strong, lasting bond.⁴

Finally, your dentist will then check your teeth to ensure you have a comfortable bite and the veneers fit just right.

Recovery

There’s no downtime after getting minimally invasive veneers. You can resume normal activities right away. The biggest side effect you might feel is a little sensitivity in your teeth. But it’s typically less than with traditional veneers, since little to no enamel was removed.

Other possible side effects include:⁷

• Rarely, a veneer may detach if the bond didn’t set properly. If this happens, you’ll need to return to your dentist to get your veneer put back on.
• You may feel a slight bulkiness as you adjust to the thin veneer layer. This typically resolves in a couple of days.
• Your speech might briefly change as you adapt to the veneers. If speech issues persist, you may need to have your veneers adjusted.

After getting your veneers, consider these precautions so they last as long as possible. This includes:

• Avoiding biting on hard foods or chewing on objects like pens or fingernails
• Brushing with non-abrasive toothpaste¹
• Visiting your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups
• Wearing a night guard when you sleep if you grind your teeth⁴

Are Minimally Invasive Veneers Right for You?

Minimally invasive veneers offer a more subtle way to enhance your smile without needing major enamel removal. They can deliver natural-looking results with less discomfort than traditional veneers. For many people, they strike a great balance between convenience and long-lasting improvement. If you’re interested, talk to your dentist to see whether no-prep veneers are a good choice for you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minimally Invasive Veneers?

Still want to know more about minimally invasive veneers? Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about them.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Minimally Invasive Veneers

Whether you’re investing in minimally invasive veneers or you’re simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or orthodontist near you that accepts CareCredit to help get you on track to your perfect smile. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to orthodontics, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.