Major Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures & Costs

Typically, cosmetic dentistry is not covered by dental insurance. However, some dental plans may cover part of the cost of certain procedures. Also covered in part are the common functional and restorative dentistry jobs, like the repair of structural problems of tooth crowns, for instance.

The following are some of the popular cosmetic dentistry procedures and their respective estimated costs.

Teeth Whitening

One of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures today is teeth whitening. Sought by both men and women, teeth whitening treatments are available for every kind of budget, length and temperament.

However, there is a lot of misinformation about teeth whitening because only a fraction of the people has tried it. The irony is that it is the most readily available among all dental procedures and that home-use bleaching kits are easily accessible in drug stores.

In the U.S., the cost of teeth whitening done in a dental clinic is around $650 per visit.
Take-home whitening kits from drugstores can be had for $100 up to $400.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are expensive solutions for worn tooth enamels, uneven tooth alignment, abnormal spacing, chips and cracks. However, people who had undergone dental veneer procedures are happy and satisfied.

Costs of dental veneers vary sharply depending on the fees of the cosmetic dentist, the skills (technical and artistic) on the ceramist who makes the veneers, and the place where you want your procedure. (Clinics in urban areas charge more.)

Porcelain veneers which can last for 10 to 15 years may cost $900 to $2,500 per tooth.
Composite veneers can be around $250 to $1,500 per tooth and can last only around 5 to 7 years.

Dental Implants

Technically, a dental implant is a form of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry. However, it is categorized as cosmetic dentistry even if it is a procedure where a lost tooth is replaced with an artificial tooth replacement.

Again, the cost of dental implants is dependent on many factors. These include the implantation type, the attending dentist, the location where it was done, the material used, and the amount of your dental insurance.

Another expensive procedure, dental implants has a price range of $1,000 to $5,000. Full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can go as high as $24,000 to $100,000.

Single implants may range in cost from $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the aforementioned factors. The cost of full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can range from $24,000 to $100,000.

Dental Bridge

Similar to implants and partial dentures, dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. Missing teeth affects appearance, can cause a change in bite, shifting of the teeth, risk for periodontal disease and a higher chance of tooth decay.

Dental bridges have a price range from $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth. These dental bridges may last from 10 to 20 years.

Invisalign

Invisalign ® is a new orthodontic treatment system in straightening teeth using clear plastic molds (aligners). Invisalign retainers are worn 24 hours a day (except during meals). The entire procedure is repeated until the teeth are correctly in place.

Like the traditional braces, Invisalign costs around $3,000 to $5,000 (U.S. average).

In a competitive world where appearance certainly adds a plus factor to anyone, cosmetic dentistry might just be able to help you clinch that deal, land that job or get you the partner of your dreams.