Cosmetic Dentistry Costs: What Does Your Cosmetic Treatment Cost?

Making the decision to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry is a step towards improved oral health. Evaluating the costs of cosmetic dentistry may be the determining factor in whether or not you elect to go with dental veneers, Invisalign or teeth whitening.

Cosmetic dentistry costs range significantly depending on the type of treatment you elect to improve your smile with. For example, teeth whitening with over-the-counter strips could cost as little as $40, whereas a dental implant could cost as much as $5,000. Your cosmetic dentist will speak with you about your various esthetic options so that you can develop a plan best suited to your smile and your finances.

Your Cosmetic Dentistry Options: A Price Comparison

There are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures commonly performed in dental offices and spas nationwide. These include (but are not limited to) dental veneers, implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, teeth whitening and orthodontics.

How much do dental veneers cost per tooth? Traditional composite dental veneers can range in price from $250 to $1,500 per tooth. Porcelain dental veneers are a more expensive option, ranging in price from $925 to $2,500 per tooth; however they may last up to 15 years, more than twice as long as composites. A minimal prep veneer option is less traditional and requires minimal-to-no preparation of the tooth/teeth. This option tends to be cheaper, but may not be as esthetically fitting or last as long.

How much do dental implants cost? The per-tooth cost of implants is more expensive that all other restorative or cosmetic options. Single implants costs range from $1,000 to $5,000, whereas a full mouth reconstruction with implants can cost upwards of $100,000. On the plus side, you certainly get value for your money because implants can last upwards of 40 years if cared for appropriately. An implant is the ultimate investment in functional esthetics for your smile.

How much do dental crowns cost? Crowns costs vary depending on the type of material used (porcelain, gold, ceramic) and the lab technician or technology used to fabricate it. Generally speaking, dental crowns cost between $1,000 and $3,500, and can last upwards of 15 years.

How much do dental bridges cost? Dental bridge costs are affected by the type of bridge (conventional fixed, cantilever or resin-bonded) and the lab technician fabricating it. If significant preparation of surrounding teeth is required, it too could increase costs. The per-tooth cost for dental bridges ranges between $1,000 and $3,000. With appropriate care, your bridge may last upwards of 20 years.

How much do dentures cost? Dentures may strike some as a dated restoration that is associated with their grandparents. Not true. Dentures remain an incredibly popular solution to tooth loss. Dental implants may provide for greater functionality and longevity, but the cost of full mouth implants can exceed denture costs by more than 1,000%. On average, complete dentures range between $400 and $8,000.

How much does teeth whitening cost? There are a variety of teeth whitening options to consider, the price of which ranges significantly. The three categories of whitening are over-the-counter whitening (chewing gum, oral rinses, trays and strips), take-home whitening (dentist-prescribed professional kits) and in-office professional whitening (Zoom, Britesmile, Lumibrite, Opalescence, etc.). The over-the-counter whitening options cost between $20 and $100. The take-home whitening options cost between $100 and $400. And in-office whitening costs approximately $650 (nationwide average).

How much does orthodontics cost? There are various orthodontic treatments available for bite correction including dental retainers, dental braces and clear aligners (Invisalign, ClearCorrect). Dental retainers and aligners are removable orthodontic appliances that may cost less than traditional dental braces. The good news is that orthodontic treatments are often covered in part by insurance. Dental retainers range in cost between $500 and $1,000. If replacement retainer costs are not covered by your insurance policy, it may cost an additional $150 to $300 per replacement. This can be compared to a cost of $3,000 to $5,000 for Invisalign braces and $2,500 to $5,500 for ClearCorrect braces. Traditional dental braces are within the same price range, with an average cost of $3,500 to $6,000.