Dental veneer prices in Switzerland

Dental veneers are thin shells of ceramic or composite resin bonded to the visible surface of the teeth to change their shape, colour or length. They correct teeth that are stained, worn, chipped, irregularly shaped or slightly spaced. Their price is calculated per tooth, and the total budget depends on the number of teeth and the material: ceramic, more durable and more aesthetic, costs considerably more than composite. Veneers are not reimbursed. For the technique, see our page on dental veneers.

Veneers are paid for per tooth: ceramic costs considerably more than composite, but lasts longer and keeps its colour. A full smile often requires six to ten veneers. The smile design, preliminary treatment, whitening of the other teeth and a protective night guard come on top. Veneers are not reimbursed.

Ceramic veneers are made in a laboratory and are very thin, strong and colour-stable. They generally require slight preparation of the enamel. Composite veneers are shaped directly in the mouth or in a laboratory and are less expensive, often with little or no preparation, but they wear and discolour more and do not last as long.

For a harmonious smile, the teeth visible when smiling are generally treated: often six teeth, from canine to canine, or eight to ten if the smile is wide. Treating a single tooth is possible, but matching the shade is trickier. The number of teeth is the main factor in the budget.

A ceramic veneer on an incisor costs slightly less outside the major cities; the tables show these differences.

Treatment begins with an assessment, photos and often a smile design with a temporary mock-up placed in the mouth. Once approved, the teeth are prepared, impressions or a scan are taken, and temporary veneers are fitted. The laboratory makes the final veneers, which are bonded at a last appointment.

Veneers require careful hygiene, regular check-ups and, for people who clench or grind their teeth, a night guard. Avoiding biting hard objects prolongs their lifespan. These precautions protect a significant investment.

Compare the material, the number of teeth, the laboratory, the smile design, the temporaries, preliminary treatment and the guarantee. A very low price per tooth may hide a lower-quality material or laboratory.

Someone with a chipped incisor: one veneer or composite. Someone with stained, worn front teeth: six ceramic veneers. A limited budget: composite veneers, with more frequent maintenance.

Whitening of the other teeth, night guard, check-ups and hygiene.

When veneers cover all the visible teeth of both arches, this is often called a Hollywood smile. See the price of a Hollywood smile.

The quality of a ceramic veneer depends heavily on the dental technician who makes it: thinness, translucency, shape, and reproduction of the natural texture of enamel. Renowned laboratories charge more, which is reflected in the price per tooth. Some dentists work closely with their technician, who sometimes helps choose the shade. Saving on the laboratory can result in opaque or overly uniform veneers that look unnatural.

For ceramic veneers, the dentist generally removes a thin layer of enamel, a few tenths of a millimetre, so that the veneer does not look bulky. This preparation is irreversible: a prepared tooth will always need a veneer or a crown. Minimal-prep or no-prep techniques preserve the enamel, but are not suitable for every situation. This technical choice is discussed before committing.

A ceramic veneer costs more at the outset than a composite veneer, but it generally lasts twice as long and keeps its colour. Over fifteen years, the cost of composite veneers, which need to be touched up or redone several times, can approach that of ceramic. Composite nevertheless remains attractive for a limited budget, a one-off correction or a young person who wishes to preserve their enamel.

For teeth that are simply yellowed, whitening is often enough, at a much lower cost. For misaligned teeth, invisible orthodontics corrects the position without removing enamel. For a badly damaged tooth, a crown is more suitable than a veneer. The dentist recommends the most conservative solution suited to the problem. See the price of teeth whitening.

Men often prefer slightly squarer teeth in a natural shade, without excessive whiteness. The dentist adapts the shape and shade to the face.

The technique, recovery and risks are explained in detail on our page Dental veneers in Switzerland.

Other prices to consult

• Dental implantology: prices in Switzerland
• Hollywood smile: prices in Switzerland
• Teeth whitening: prices in Switzerland

Our guides

• Guide to dental care in Switzerland
• Cosmetic surgery in Switzerland

Quotes, payment, insurance: the essentials in short answers.

Veneers: your questions

Are veneers sensitive to hot and cold? Temporary sensitivity is possible after fitting.

Can you bite into an apple? Yes, with a little caution with very hard foods.

Do veneers change your pronunciation? Rarely, and only temporarily.

Do you need a specialist dentist? A dentist experienced in cosmetic work is recommended.

Is the result guaranteed? Some practices offer a limited guarantee; ask for it.

Can whitening replace veneers? If the teeth are only yellowed, often.

Is composite cost-effective over time? Less so than ceramic over fifteen years, but cheaper at the outset.

Is the shade chosen with me? Yes, with the dentist and sometimes the dental technician.

Are temporary veneers charged? Often included; worth checking.

Are veneers suitable for smokers? Yes, ceramic resists staining better.

Can composite be repolished? Yes, which prolongs its appearance.

Can veneers close a gap between teeth? Yes, if the gap is moderate.

How is the price of veneers calculated? Per tooth, depending on the material.

Ceramic or composite: what is the price difference? Ceramic costs considerably more, for a longer lifespan and a better finish.

How many teeth need to be treated? Often six to ten teeth visible when smiling.

Is a single veneer possible? Yes, but matching the shade is trickier.

Are the teeth prepared (filed down)? Slightly for ceramic, little or not at all for some composites.

Do no-prep veneers exist? Yes in some cases, with specific indications.

How long do ceramic veneers last? Often ten to fifteen years or more.

And composite veneers? Often five to seven years, with maintenance.

Can veneers come off? Rarely; they can be rebonded or remade.

Do veneers stain? Ceramic resists well; composite can discolour.

Should the other teeth be whitened first? Often, to match the shade.

Is a smile design done beforehand? Often, with a temporary mock-up.

Are veneers reimbursed? No.

Do the teeth need to be healthy? Yes, decay and gum problems are treated first.

Is a night guard necessary? Often, if you clench or grind your teeth.

Do prices vary between Geneva and Sion? Slightly, according to our tables.

Should a very low price raise concerns? Yes, check the material and the laboratory.

Does the laboratory affect the price? Yes, the quality of the dental technician matters a great deal.

How many appointments are needed? Often two to four.

Are veneers reversible? Prepared ceramic is not; a new veneer will be needed.

Do veneers correct misaligned teeth? Slightly; orthodontics is sometimes preferable.

Can a crown replace a veneer? For a badly damaged tooth, yes.

Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to a dentist specialising in cosmetic dentistry who will give you a costed treatment plan.