According to the American Dental Association, 33.6% of US adults have no dental benefits. Without insurance, these individuals must pay for dental care out of pocket.
But even if you have insurance, providers do not cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry refers to any procedures deemed not medically necessary. Often, they improve the look, not the health, of your smile.
Without insurance coverage, seeing a cosmetic dentist may feel out of reach. That’s why we’re bringing you this guide to cosmetic dentist costs. Keep reading to find out how much you’ll pay for common cosmetic procedures.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Before we discuss the costs of cosmetic dentistry, we want to talk about the most common types of procedures available. Then, we will break down the cost for each one in a moment.
Whitening
57% of Americans say they prefer to smile without showing their teeth or cover their mouths when they laugh. The top reason these people feel insecure about their smiles is a lack of white teeth.
Maybe that’s why teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures patients request.
Professional teeth whitening is different from buying over-the-counter whitening products. It is stronger and more effective, offering results in as little as one session. The results last for at least a year.
Bonding
Bonding is required when someone chips their tooth. Dentists also use this procedure to close unsightly gaps and reshape too-small teeth.
During a dental bonding procedure, dentists apply an enamel-colored resin to the target area. Next, they cure the resin with a special UV light. The result is a semi-permanent correction that will last up to a decade.
Unfortunately, insurance does not always cover this service. Your insurer will only cover bonding if it is medically necessary to save one or more teeth.
Veneers
Veneers are one of the priciest cosmetic dental procedures around. That’s because getting veneers is a multi-step process, requiring dentists to sand down your natural teeth.
People get veneers for stained, chipped, crooked, or gapped teeth. They consist of caps made of porcelain or resin that adhere over the natural tooth.
The good news is that you can lower the cost of veneers with the right materials. However, cheaper veneers also come with a shorter lifespan than more expensive materials.
Implants
People get implants for many reasons. They may lose a tooth due to decay or mouth trauma. Or they may have a missing spot where an adult tooth never erupted.
Regardless of the reason for getting them, implants are the best replacement for permanent teeth. They consist of a titanium screw dentists implant into the gums and jawbone.
The second component of the implant is the crown. The crown is an enamel-colored cap that dentists screw onto the root-like post.
Bridges
Another less favorable way to replace missing teeth is with dental bridges. The only time dentists prefer bridges to implants is when someone has multiple missing teeth, as this option can be more affordable.
Like implants, bridges are relatively permanent. Dentists add crowns or implants on either side of a missing tooth or a group of missing teeth. Then, a false tooth sits in the middle.
Bridges are comparable to dentures and may be covered by some insurers. However, other insurance providers will not chip in for this cosmetic procedure.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
Professional teeth whitening costs anywhere from $300 to more than $1,000, depending on the method. There are two methods of teeth whitening a cosmetic dentist may offer: laser teeth whitening and tooth bleaching.
Bleaching is on the lower end of the cost spectrum. Expect to pay at least $300 for this service. However, some dentists offer complimentary bleaching, so check with your local cosmetic dentist office.
Laser teeth whitening is the gold standard, but it will cost you. Expect to pay at least $1,000 for this service. However, the results are more robust and longer-lasting than other whitening products and services around today.
How Much Does Tooth Bonding Cost?
Tooth bonding can cost $300 to $600 on the low end or up to $1,000 per tooth on the high end. The exact cost depends on the type of material you want your dentist to use.
Composite resin is more affordable and looks just as natural as pricier options. However, it won’t last as long as other materials.
Ultradent is the strongest bonding material, which makes it more expensive. However, you may get more for your money over time since Ultradent lasts longer than composite resins and other alternatives.
How Much Do Veneers Cost?
Veneers cost anywhere from $800 to over $2,500 per tooth. The exact cost depends on the type of veneer. Veneers may consist of three different types of materials: composite resin, porcelain, or porcelain laminate.
Composite resin is the most affordable at $800 to $1,100 per tooth. They may not last as long, though, so factor that into your calculations when deciding which material is best for your budget.
Porcelain and porcelain laminate have similar costs. The difference is that veneers made from porcelain laminate are reversible. Of course, that also makes them less durable than traditional porcelain veneers.
How Much Do Implants Cost?
Dental implants cost an average of $4,800 for the implant post and the crown that covers it. However, the cost can range from as little as $3,500 up to $6,700, depending on factors like your location and the dentist’s skill.
How Much Do Bridges Cost?
Dental bridges cost $2,000 to over $5,000. The exact cost depends on the type of material used, how many teeth need replacing, and other factors.
This Is How Much a Cosmetic Dentist Costs in Lexington, KY
The exact cost of cosmetic dentistry depends on the type of procedure and material used. For example, the most common cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening, may cost $300 for bleaching or over $1,000 for laser whitening.
Are you searching for a Lexington dentist offering these cosmetic services? Garden Springs Dental is a family and cosmetic dentist near you. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn exactly how much a cosmetic dentist costs.
