How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
As with most dental procedures, the cost for cosmetic dental procedures can vary quite a bit. This article will discuss the average costs for some of the most common procedures.
arlington Cosmetic dentistry is a term which is used to describe dental work which improves the appearance of the patient’s teeth or smile. It can focus on areas such as improving the color of the teeth, their position, the shape, size, alignment and a patient’s overall smile.
Porcelain Crown
A porcelain crown, or a cap, is placed directly over the tooth. It is used to replace teeth which are damaged or decayed when the issue is above the gum line. Porcelain crowns help restore the shape, size, function, and appearance of the teeth. They can also provide additional strength for a tooth which is weak and help ensure it does not break. Crowns can also be used to secure a cracked tooth or to cover misshaped, discolored or unattractive teeth. Various materials can be used to create crowns such as metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, and porcelain. On average, crowns cost about $800 to $1,200 per tooth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable treatments for improving the smile. In-office products can be used to bleach the teeth at the dentist’s office. This typically costs about $350. Another solution for achieving whiter teeth is for patients to buy a mold and whitening gel from the dentist to bleach the teeth at home. This typically costs about $250. Many retailers also have whitening products available over-the-counter. This provides patients with a convenient and affordable solution for whitening at-home. This can include products such as whitening toothpaste, gels, rinses, strips, and trays. These treatments can cost anywhere from $3-$50 or more.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are a custom-made, thin, shell which is created from a tooth-colored porcelain material. Veneers are commonly used to cover the front surface of the teeth and improve their appearance. The dentist will begin the procedure by removing about 0.5 mm of enamel from the tooth’s surface. Next, the thin veneer is bonded to the front of the tooth. Veneers are able to modify the color, size, shape and length of a tooth. It is common for celebrities to use veneers for improving the appearance of their smile. On average, porcelain veneers cost approximately $900-$1,200 for each tooth.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a tooth-colored resin material which is applied directly to the tooth. An ultraviolet or laser light is used to harden the material and bond it to the tooth. The dentist then trims, shapes, and polishes the bonding to achieve the desired look. Bonding can aid in repairing teeth which are decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshapen. Bonding is also a good alternative for replacing unattractive silver fillings. The procedure for bonding takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes and costs about $150 to $400 per tooth.
Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
Porcelain material is used to create ceramic inlays and onlays. These are often used to fill in teeth which have damage or decay. While the filling is molded at the dental office, the inlay or onlay is actually created at a dental lab. In cases where the filling is bonded within the center of the tooth, it is called an “inlay”. It is call an “onlay” when the filling includes one or more points of the tooth or covers the biting surface. Inlays and onlays are used to preserve health teeth and are commonly used as an alternative to a crown. The procedure costs about $650 to $900 for each tooth.
Implants
Dental implants begin with a titanium screw which is surgically placed in the jaw area of the missing tooth. The metal implant fuses to the jaw creating a stable base. Once healed, a crown is placed on top of the implant creating a secure and natural looking tooth. On average, this procedure costs about $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth.