Understanding Cosmetic Dentistry Costs and Types

September 11, 2020, Dental Magic Ltd

Among the specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, cosmetic dentistry is yet to be one of them. Despite that, procedures such as teeth whitening, dental veneers and implants are increasingly popular as the technologies that facilitate them become more accessible. 

If your teeth are chipped, broken, stained, discolored or misshapen, modern cosmetic dentistry can help you regain your brightest smile. This happens through a treatment plan that’s tailored to your individual requirements. Following is some handy information on the different types of cosmetic procedures and their associated costs.

Dental Veneers

Often called “Hollywood teeth,” dental veneers are thin, tailor-made shells of resin or porcelain that cover the surface of your teeth. After approximately half a millimeter of enamel is shaved off, a veneer shell is bonded to the tooth. This improves its color, shape, length or size. That is, once you pay around $500 to $1,300 for each tooth.

Dental Bonding

Used on chipped, cracked, decayed and broken teeth, dental bonding is similar to veneers, except a putty-like resin is applied before being hardened by a laser or ultraviolet light. This bonds the durable plastic material to your teeth so that the dentist can trim, shape and polish it accordingly.

It’s a suitable replacement for amalgam or silver fillings, as it takes on a more natural appearance. The procedure, which lasts between 30 and 60 minutes, costs from $100 to $400 per tooth.

Teeth Whitening

One of the simplest and most affordable solutions, teeth whitening can reliably make a noticeable difference in the tone of your tusks. Most dentists already have the necessary bleaching products for the procedure in their office. Expect to pay around $500 for a typical round of whitening.

Alternatively, you can buy a mold and gels to apply the treatment at home. There are also over-the-counter whitening products available. This includes rinses, strips and whitening toothpaste. They’re much cheaper, albeit less effective.

Dental Crown

Also known as a cap, dental crowns either fit over or completely replace a decayed or damaged tooth. In doing so, they restore the shape, size and strength of your teeth in addition to improving their appearance. Dental crowns can prevent breakage or hold cracked teeth together.

Most of them are made out of porcelain fused to metal, while others are ceramic. Depending on the material used, dental crowns can cost about $500 to $900 each.

Other Procedures

There are several other procedures common to cosmetic dentistry. This includes dental implants, which are titanium replacement roots that get inserted into the bone socket of a missing tooth. That procedure can cost from $1,250 to $3,000 on the higher end. Ogden Dentist Dr. Jim Ellis has more information about cosmetic dentistry and what it entails.
Let’s not forget about inlays and onlays, which are also called direct fillings. They are meant to fill decayed and damaged teeth with either gold, porcelain or a modern composite material.

Now you know a little more about a growing sector of dentistry. Are you planning to get any cosmetic procedures in the near future? 

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