Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry – Cosmetic Dentistry Costs

Information About Cosmetic Dentistry Costs

The cost of cosmetic dentistry can sometimes be a deterrent for patients who would like a more aesthetically pleasing smile. Cosmetic dentistry costs can quickly add up, sometimes even up to $100,000. Fortunately, these occurrences are rare and can often be prevented with proper dental hygiene practices.

Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are small changes to the mouth to correct for crooked teeth, gaps, missing teeth and discoloration. Dental veneers are widely requested to fix chipped or cracked teeth and discoloration. Patients can receive veneers made from composite or porcelain, depending on their preference. Although porcelain veneers are more expensive, both types of veneers offer beautiful results. The cost of veneers per tooth ranges from $250 to $1500 for composite veneers and $900 to $2500 for porcelain veneers. In some instances, dental insurance will cover the cost of veneers if the procedure is considered to be for restorative purposes.

Another highly requested cosmetic dentistry procedure is teeth whitening. Patients have a variety of teeth whitening treatments to choose from, including in-office whitening, professionally dispensed take-home treatments and over-the-counter kits. In-office teeth whitening offers the most dramatic results in a short period of time, however, patients achieve results with all methods. Over-the-counter kits are the least expensive teeth whitening treatments, costing anywhere from $20 to $100. The cost of teeth whitening by a cosmetic dentist can range from $100 to $400 for a professionally dispensed take-home kit to $650 a visit for in-office whitening. The prices of teeth whitening are dependent on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel and the sophistication of laser technologies utilized.

Many patients seek the services of a cosmetic dentist to correct crooked teeth, underbites or overbites that cause them insecurity and discomfort. Many general and cosmetic dentists practice orthodontics and are able to treat patients' needs. Dental braces are one of the most common orthodontic correction methods, which involve adhering metal brackets to the facial fronts of teeth which are slowly aligned over time. Dental braces often provide dramatic, stunning results. Thanks to advanced dental technologies, patients can receive tooth-colored braces to blend seamlessly within their mouths. Advanced dental braces also require less treatment time and promote higher levels of comfort. Orthodontic dentists also offer Invisalign, a set of clear, removable retainers that aligns teeth. Dental braces and Invisalign teeth aligners are similar in price, with dental braces cost and Invisalign cost ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.

As a result of severe tooth decay, genetics or trauma, patients who experience tooth loss become dissatisfied with their appearance and wish to transform their mouths into beautiful smiles. Missing teeth can also cause functionality problems for patients, often shifting teeth and changing occlusion (bite). Dental implants and dental bridges can replace missing teeth to give patients radiant smiles and improve their self-esteem. Depending on the extent of work needed, dental bridges and dental implants can be more expensive than other cosmetic dentistry procedures. The cost of dental bridges ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth, while dental implants cost $1,000 to $5,000 per tooth. The cost of dental implants for a full mouth restoration can range anywhere from $25,000 to $105,000, depending on the dentist and the extent of the work. Dental insurance may cover restorative treatments for a full mouth restoration, including bite adjustments and root canals, if needed.

Patients who need extensive amounts of cosmetic dentistry work are encouraged to speak to their cosmetic dentist about their financial concerns. Cosmetic dentists and their staff are often more familiar with dental insurance policies and may be able to file for reimbursement for a percentage of the procedure cost.

Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are paid out-of-pocket by consumers, since these purely aesthetic procedures are not covered by insurance. To learn about cost of other aesthetic procedures, such as cost of breast implants, visit our other informational portals.