The secret behind many of the dazzling smiles on our screens, big and small, are veneers, custom-fitted shells that cover the front of your teeth. Giving your teeth a dazzling new look isn’t cheap, but many celebs say the cost is worth it.
When 20-year-old Jojo Siwa was asked about the most expensive item she wore at the 2024 GLAAD Media Awards, she revealed it was her teeth. She later shared on TikTok that the veneers in question “cost me $50,000.”
Many other celebrities, including Hilary Duff and Doja Cat, have also revealed details about the cosmetic procedures they have had done on their teeth.
Veneers have been around in one form or another since the 1920s, but recent material developments have made them more durable and less invasive to apply.
“As technology advances in the dental industry, cosmetic dentistry is more accessible than ever, making it easier for patients to maintain the aesthetics of their teeth,” says Rozenberg. “The reality TV boom in the 2000s also brought more attention to these procedures, as shows like Extreme makeover showed the dramatic transformations previously reserved for Hollywood.”
Dr. Arun Narang, a cosmetic dentist and CEO of Smile by Design in Ontario, Canada, points out that people of all ages want this treatment, but it is especially popular among older people. “Their teeth are often discolored, uneven, chipped, worn or weak,” he explains. “With veneers, they can keep their teeth and still have a beautiful, functional smile.”
“Veneers can be thin shells of lab-made composite or porcelain used to improve aesthetics,” says Fatima Khan, a dentist and co-founder of Riven Oral Care in Houston. “They are recommended for people who are unhappy with the color, spacing, shape, misalignment or size of their teeth.”
The cheapest option is a direct composite veneer: a resin that is molded onto your teeth. “Direct composite veneers can be done in one day,” she says. “However, compared to indirect composite veneers or indirect porcelain veneers, this material tends to be weaker and teeth can discolor more quickly.”
Although this option lacks the natural look and translucency of other methods, breaks can be easily repaired by adding more resin.
Indirect composite veneers, on the other hand, are made in a lab. “They are similar to porcelain veneers and require multiple visits,” says Khan. While the material is not as high quality as porcelain, being made in a lab ensures better color match and transparency compared to direct composite veneers.
In general, composite veneers are more likely to cause gum infections and usually have a shorter lifespan. But unlike their porcelain counterparts, they are reversible as they do not require reshaping of the natural tooth.
Porcelain veneers are preferred because of their natural-looking light-reflective properties and stain resistance.
Budgets and treatment times for veneers vary, but as Dr. Andrew Healy, senior dentist at Pall Mall Dental in Liverpool, England, points out, the process is usually painless thanks to the anesthesia and precision work.
“The process begins with an initial consultation where the dentist will assess your oral health, discuss your wishes for your smile and determine if veneers are right for you,” he explains. After the teeth are prepared, impressions are taken and sent to a laboratory where the veneers are made.
“Once the permanent veneers are ready, they are carefully placed on your teeth and secured with dental cement,” says Dr. Healy.
The lifespan and care of veneers largely depend on their type. “Veneers do not last forever. Over time, they can chip or discolor, and changes in the gum line can cause your natural teeth to show,” notes Rozenberg. She also mentions that not everyone is a good candidate for veneers. “Someone may not be a good candidate for veneers if they have existing restorations that need replacing or if there is minimal remaining tooth structure that would require a full-coverage restoration, such as a crown. People with active periodontal disease are not candidates for veneers because they would be placed on an unstable foundation,” she adds, stressing the importance of having healthy gums before veneers are placed.
Khan points out that daily habits significantly affect the lifespan of veneers. “If you drink with a straw, don’t bite your nails, avoid hard candy, don’t smoke and maintain hygiene, they can last longer,” she notes. However, negligence can lead to stains, chips and overall poor aesthetics. “Direct composite lasts about five to seven years. Generally, you can expect indirect composite to last seven to 10 years. Porcelain veneers can last 15 to 20 years,” she says.
For many people – even Jojo Siwa, it seems – the biggest obstacle remains cost. This varies depending on the dentist’s expertise and location, as well as the type of veneer. Porcelain veneers cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth, thanks to their better appearance and durability, while composite veneers are more affordable at $250 to $1,500 per tooth. Either way, it’s a significant sum, but for many people, the permanent improvement in their appearance and self-confidence is worth every penny.
