Cosmetic Dentistry Cost: Understanding the True Price of a Beautiful Smile
We are fortunate to live in a world where achieving that perfect smile is completely within reach. With the advent of cosmetic dentistry, everyone can get the chance to improve how their mouth, teeth, and smile appear. And although the world generally regards cosmetic dentistry as a set of elective rather than necessary dental and oral procedures, some of its treatments and procedures also offer restorative and functional benefits.
For people interested in benefiting from cosmetic dental procedures, the foremost question in their minds would be, “How much is cosmetic dentistry?” Cosmetic dentistry procedures costs depend on the type of procedure you are interested in and the complexity of the work required. The actual financial cost of dental cosmetic surgery and other procedures may also vary from cosmetic dentist to cosmetic dentist. What we are providing here would be the approximate costs of cosmetic treatment for teeth.
Overview of How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost
Here’s a price table for common cosmetic dental costs in the United States. Please note that these cosmetic dentistry prices are estimates and can vary depending on location, dental office, and other factors.
| Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure | Average Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Teeth Whitening | $300 – $1,800 |
| Cosmetic Fillings | $90 – $250 per tooth |
| Tooth Bonding | $100 – $500 per tooth |
| Dental Crowns | $500 – $3,000 per tooth |
| Porcelain Veneers | $925 – $2,500 per tooth |
| Dental Implants | $1,500 – $2,000 per implant |
| All-on-4 Implants | $30,000 – $48,000 per arch |
| Invisalign | $1,800 – $10,000 |
| Full Mouth Reconstruction | $20,000 – $80,000 |
Teeth Whitening Cost
The easiest and generally least costly way to improve your smile would be to undergo teeth whitening. Having a dentist perform your teeth whitening in-office will cost you $650 on average.
Meanwhile, buying specialized teeth whitening products like molds and gels from your dentist so you can whiten your teeth at home would set you back by about $250 to $400. If you’re going for over-the-counter products (OTC) like toothpaste and rinses, whitening strips, whitening chewing gum, and whitening paint-on gel, expect to spend about $3 – $100.
Cosmetic Fillings Cost
Also known as tooth-colored fillings, cosmetic fillings are made from composite resin, which costs more and is better-looking than your traditional amalgam fillings. Cosmetic fillings cost around $90 to $250 per tooth.
Tooth Bonding Cost
Decaying, chipped, and cracked teeth can be fixed by tooth binding. This procedure involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth. The cosmetic dentist will then use ultraviolet or laser light to bond the material to the tooth. Once the resin has hardened and fully bonded, the cosmetic dentist will trim, shape, and polish it to desired results. Tooth bonding costs from $100 to $500 per tooth.
Dental Crowns Cost
You have four options for dental crowns or caps designed to restore damaged or decayed teeth. After a thorough examination of the tooth that needs restoring, the dentist will recommend the type of crown that would be most appropriate for your case. The crowns are usually made from resin, metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or porcelain. Each cap costs roughly between $500 & $3,000.
Porcelain Veneers Cost
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made, and tooth-colored materials that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They are made from resin composite materials or porcelain, but veneers made from the latter are a more popular choice because they resist stains better and are more natural-looking than resin veneers. There can also be a $925 to $2,500 additional cost for a diagnostic wax-up smile design.
Cosmetic Dental Implants Cost
Cosmetic dental implants allow those with missing or seriously damaged teeth to have essentially new, amazing-looking, and permanent teeth once again. A dental implant is a small, screw-shaped post surgically inserted into the jawbone. Usually made of titanium, the post will be topped by a crown once fully fused to the bone, and the patient will have a brand-new and fully-functional tooth.
Dental implants have revolutionized modern dentistry, costing around $1,500 per implant. However, several factors, like the need for a bone graft or other procedures to facilitate the implantation, can push the cost higher.
All-on-4 Implants
When missing or losing most, if not all your teeth, a conventional dental implant may not be the best course of action. A better alternative would be All-on-4 Implants, a procedure involving precise and strategic placement of titanium implants, which will serve as anchors for a full and permanent denture. The method gets its name from the fact that it usually requires only four dental implants to support an entire dental bridge.
Considering the surgical component and the anesthesiologist, All-On-4 implants often range from $30k-$48k per arch.
Invisalign Cost
Invisalign is an increasingly popular way of closing gaps between teeth or straightening misaligned or crooked ones. This advanced system uses custom-made, clear plastic aligners that are virtually unnoticeable, which earned them the nickname “invisible braces.” Naturally, they are more expensive than regular braces. Depending on your specific requirements, Invisalign can cost between $1,800 and $10,000.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
There are many reasons why some people opt for full mouth reconstruction. They may need it to recover from severe periodontal disease. They could have also been involved in an accident and sustained serious injuries to the teeth and gums. Multiple dental and oral issues may also prompt a person to go for a full mouth reconstruction.
Considering that it may involve several dental and oral specialists as well as various procedures, a full mouth reconstruction can get very expensive. The cosmetic teeth surgery cost could reach upwards of $20,000 or more.
Insurance and Cosmetic Dentistry Costs
As a general rule, most dental insurance providers do not cover cosmetic dentistry procedures. They focus more on oral health and preventive services. However, some choose to include elective procedures that aim to improve smiles. As to which cosmetic dental surgery cost is covered will depend largely on the insurance provider and the type of policy that you have purchased from them.
Factors Affecting Cosmetic Dentistry Costs
Cosmetic dentistry generally includes a range of procedures such as teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and orthodontics. Its cost can vary depending on several factors, such as the following:
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Location of the Cosmetic Dental Clinic
The cosmetic dental clinic location is one of the primary factors affecting the cost of cosmetic dentistry. Dental offices in metropolitan areas and affluent neighborhoods may charge higher fees due to the high demand for their services and the higher cost of living in those areas.
Experience and Expertise of the Dentist
Dentists with extensive experience and training in cosmetic procedures may charge more for their services than those without. This is because they have developed specialized skills and knowledge that enable them to deliver superior results.
The Complexity of the Procedure
The complexity of the cosmetic dental procedure is another factor that can affect the cost. More complex procedures, such as full mouth reconstruction, may require more time, materials and expertise and, therefore, may cost more than simpler procedures like cosmetic teeth whitening.
Materials Used
High-quality materials such as porcelain veneers or dental implants are more expensive than lower-quality materials. However, they can also offer better results and last longer, making them a better long-term investment.
Technology Used
Advancements in dental technology have led to the development of new tools and techniques that can improve the accuracy and efficiency of cosmetic dentistry procedures. Dentists who invest in the latest technology may charge higher fees to cover the cost of the equipment and training required to use it.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth the Cost?
The decision to invest in cosmetic dentistry is a personal one, and it ultimately depends on your goals and priorities. While the cost of cosmetic dentistry can be a significant investment, it is worth considering the long-term benefits and improvements to your oral health, self-confidence, and quality of life. Research cosmetic dental costs, consider your options, and consult a qualified dentist before making any decisions.
Ready to achieve the smile of your dreams? Schedule a consultation with Dental Studio 101 now. Our team of experienced cosmetic dentists in Scottsdale, AZ, will work with you to understand your unique goals and create a customized treatment plan that fits your budget.
