Are you considering a cosmetic procedure but have concerns about the costs of cosmetic dentistry?
This is understandable as cosmetic dentistry prices can be high for many of the related procedures and it is uncommon for dental insurance to cover cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Once you start consulting with local cosmetic dentists you’ll learn that the cosmetic dentistry prices vary greatly from practice to practice.
Below you will learn about some of the more average costs of cosmetic dentistry treatments so you can know what to expect before you get an estimate from your dentist.
Why Doesn’t My Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?
Dental insurance providers typically will not cover the costs of cosmetic dentistry; why? Dental insurance companies are designed to help you cover basic standards of dental health care.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures generally do not fall under these criteria as they are aesthetic enhancements as opposed to health-related.
Although a good cosmetic dentist will provide great results along with sound aesthetic results, their work is considered elective as opposed to necessary.
However, there are some procedures that may overlap the cosmetic and general criteria and may be partly billed under your dental insurance.
For example, a dental crown or orthodontic treatments like Invisalign may be billed through insurance.
To determine whether or not you are covered for any given cosmetic dentistry procedure, contact your dental insurance provider or your cosmetic dentist to see if you are eligible before you begin treatment.
Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments and Costs
Porcelain Veneers Cost:
Veneers made from porcelain can be one of the most expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures available. Veneers can be placed on one or many teeth and this will factor into your costs. The cost per veneer can range from:
$900 – $2,500 per veneer
Learn more about veneers
Dental Implants Cost:
Dental implants are the most expensive cosmetic dentistry procedure. This is because the expertise involved in placing implants and the surgery involved is very advanced and requires intensive training.
If you are considering getting dental implants to replace missing teeth, expect to pay:
$900 – $3,000 per dental implant
Dental implants may often be considered a necessary procedure so consult with your dentist and dental insurance to determine eligibility.
Learn more about dental implants
Invisalign Cost:
The cost of Invisalign clear braces has come down significantly due to increased market competition and availability.
Invisalign, like dental implants, may be partly covered by dental insurance so this may factor into your out-of-pocket costs. You can expect the treatment to cost about:
$3,500 – $5,500 for Invisalign
Learn more about Invisalign
Teeth Whitening Cost:
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment because it yields great results and is one of the most affordable procedures.
For the purposes of examining professional teeth whitening costs, we will provide the averages for in-office or take-home teeth whitening solutions. For an in-office solution such as Zoom Whitening expect to pay:
$500 – $600 for in-office teeth whitening
For professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits you can expect to pay anywhere from:
$100 – $400 for take-home bleaching trays
Learn more about teeth whitening
Dental Bonding Cost:
Dental bonding is also a very affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure and can be used for numerous applications including replacing amalgam fillings and reshaping teeth.
Because the uses of dental bonding are so diverse (as can be the training of the cosmetic dentists who provide this treatment), the procedure can cost anywhere from:
$150 – $1,500 for dental bonding
Learn more about dental bonding
Other Cosmetic Dentistry Cost Considerations
Other cosmetic dentistry cost considerations may include the amount of dental care you need prior to your cosmetic treatment.
For example, if you want to get dental implants you may first need to have some of your teeth extracted or you may need to first address any issues you may have with gum disease.
These are some reasons why the costs of cosmetic dentistry may vary from patient to patient and accurate quotes come after an initial consultation which addresses your oral health.
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