Costs of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures – Teeth Whitening, Invisalign, Veneers, Dental Implants, Dental Bridge
About Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Cosmetic dentists are highly skilled at transforming less-than-perfect teeth into beautiful, radiant smiles. Many patients seek the services of a cosmetic dentist to brighten their teeth, correct for chips or discoloration, treat tooth loss, and alter the size and shape of teeth. With the latest advancements in dental technologies, patients can obtain a gorgeous smile with greater ease than ever.
Cosmetic dentistry costs are dependent on several factors, including:
- The extent of work needed
- The type of work required
- The cost of materials
- The dentist's credentials and experience
- The location of the office
- The patient's initial condition
In some cases, dental insurance will reimburse cosmetic dentistry patients for a percentage of the cost, if the procedure is considered restorative. Patients are strongly encouraged to speak with their dental insurance representative about their financial concerns, as well as their cosmetic dentist. Most cosmetic dentists and their staff are more familiar with dental insurance policies and procedures than patients and can offer helpful insight about filing the procedure with insurance.
One of the most requested cosmetic dentistry procedures is teeth whitening. Although patients can buy over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, professionally dispensed take-home kits or in-office whitening often offers more dramatic results within a shorter period of time. Teeth whitening procedures performed by cosmetic dentists utilize sophisticated laser technologies and whitening gels with a high concentration of peroxide. As a result, stubborn stains and yellowing are lessened to reveal a brighter, whiter smile. The cost of teeth whitening varies according to the method used; in-office whitening can cost $650, while at-home whitening kits can range from $20 to $400.
Others speak with a cosmetic dentist about straightening crooked teeth or filling gaps in their mouths. Skilled orthodontists align teeth to improve the aesthetics and the functionality of the mouth. Most patients receive orthodontic treatment in the form of dental braces; however, many are now opting to use Invisalign teeth aligners, a set of removable retainers. With Invisalign, patients can use the aligners at their discretion. In addition, the cost of dental braces is similar to the Invisalign cost, about $3,000 to $5,000 for the complete treatment.
More extensive cosmetic dentistry work can be pricier than teeth whitening or orthodontic treatment. Dental veneers are used to correct for crooked or chipped teeth, as well as severe discoloration or disproportionate teeth sizes. Patients can receive composite veneers, or choose the more expensive porcelain veneers. The cost of veneers per tooth is $250 to $1500 for composite and $900 to $2500 for porcelain. Patients who need dental veneers for restorative purpose can file a claim with their dental insurance provider to receive reimbursement.
Some of the most expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures are dental bridges and dental implants. Patients who experience tooth loss as a result of severe decay, trauma or genetics often need cosmetic dentistry to treat problems in functionality. Missing teeth can cause patients discomfort and pain, as well as make them self-conscious of their appearance. Dental bridges and dental implants use synthetic implants to replace missing teeth to improve dental health and give patients beautiful smiles. In most instances, patients only need to replace a few missing teeth. The cost of dental implants per tooth is $1,000 to $5,000, while the cost of dental bridges ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth. Both dental implants and dental bridges offer stunning, natural-looking results.
Cosmetic dentists create a customized treatment plan for patients during a one-on-one consultation. During this time, they evaluate a patient's dental concerns and discuss payment plans. Most cosmetic dentists offer financial options to make cosmetic dentistry procedures more affordable to all patients.