How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
The cost of cosmetic dentistry bismarck can vary widely depending on the complexity of the procedure. Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental treatments that improve the appearance of the teeth, specifically treatments that modify the color, position, size, shape, or alignment of the teeth with the goal of enhancing their appearance. For many patients with visibly damaged or stained teeth, self-consciousness or embarrassment can prevent people from smiling or speaking confidently, and cosmetic dentistry procedures can have life-changing results for these people. Some cosmetic dentistry treatments can be costly, but most patients find that the cost of a cosmetic dentist is well worth the many benefits they can provide.
In your initial consultation for cosmetic dentistry treatment, you and your dentist will talk about your teeth and the reasons they’re discolored, damaged, or displaced, and you’ll discuss the possibilities for refreshing and correcting their appearance. Each of these options has its own related costs. One way of improving the image of a tooth is with a porcelain crown. Porcelain crowns are also known as caps, a term that arose because of the way a crown works. The porcelain crown is made to fit snugly on top of a damaged or decayed tooth, capping it and restoring its presence in the dentition. Porcelain crowns can encase a misshapen, damaged, or cracked tooth and correct its shape while holding it together, protecting it from further damage, and they can also be used to cover stained or severely discolored teeth that cannot be corrected with teeth whitening procedures. Crowns that are used in cosmetic dentistry treatments are usually made from porcelain, resin, or porcelain that is fused to a metal base, and crowns can also be made from metal. Dental crowns average anywhere from $800 to $1200 per crown. Cosmetic dentists can also repair damaged teeth with a ceramic inlay or onlay. These are an alternative to the dental crown and can be applied to the biting surface or the center of the tooth, where they protect the damaged area while maintaining as much healthy tooth matter as possible. Unlike dental fillings, ceramic inlays and onlays are molded in a laboratory and then bonded in place; these procedures range in price from $650 to $900 for each tooth.
Teeth in the aesthetic zone, at the front of the mouth, can also be restored with porcelain dental veneers, which are very thin sheets of porcelain that are bonded to the fronts of the teeth to correct their color, shape, or size. Veneers are very popular among celebrities and cost $1,000 or more for each tooth that is restored. Cosmetic dentists can also restore the appearance of a tooth with a dental bonding procedure, which uses a durable resin material that matches the color of the teeth to repair damage; this material is also an effective alternative for dental fillings. Dental bonding generally costs between $150 and $400 per tooth and the procedure takes less than an hour.
Dental implants are considered the gold standard for replacing missing teeth. While dental implants, permanent dental bridges, and permanent overdentures provide multiple cosmetic benefits, these procedures involve surgery and range in price from around $3,000 for a single tooth to $20,000 or higher to replace multiple missing teeth. Because they are still considered cosmetic procedures, many dental insurance providers don’t cover these procedures, though more and more insurance companies are starting to, and most implant dentists offer financing options, either privately or with a connected third-party lending company.
Sometimes, a simple teeth-whitening treatment can significantly improve a person’s smile. Teeth whitening is generally affordable and can be effective for people with mild to moderate staining and discoloration on their teeth. As a person ages, the enamel on their teeth loses luster and begins to appear dull. Certain habits can discolor the teeth over time, adding to the dullness; the teeth often become stained when a person smokes, or when they regularly drink coffee, tea, red wine, or other dark beverages or eat highly acidic foods. Dentists can whiten the teeth in-office with professional-grade products and techniques for about $350, and they can also provide the whitening products for you to use at home for about $100 less than in-office treatments. Whitening products are also available over-the-counter at any drugstore or supermarket. These vary in effectiveness and range in price from $3 for a whitening toothpaste or rinse to around $50 for gels and trays. While at-home whitening is less effective than in-office whitening, even a little bit more brightness can help you feel better about your smile.
