Dental bonding costs vary significantly based on the complexity of each case and the number of teeth being treated. This takes into account whether you're addressing concerns such as cavities, chips, or gaps. Dental bonding is one of the most common dental procedures out there–often favored as the more cost-effective and reversible option when compared to veneers.
However, most insurance plans consider it a cosmetic procedure, so many people wonder about affordability. Understanding the financial costs of dental bonding is important, regardless of your insurance status.
However, most insurance plans consider it a cosmetic procedure, so many people wonder about affordability. Understanding the financial costs of dental bonding is important, regardless of your insurance status.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Dental bonding typically costs between $300 and $600 per tooth, which may vary based on the dentist's location and the complexity of the procedure. While this can seem steep, especially for cosmetic treatments not always covered by insurance, there are ways to make it more manageable.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding, also called cosmetic bonding and composite bonding, is a procedure where a dentist applies a tooth-colored resin that is hardened and shaped to match surrounding teeth, improving tooth appearance. This versatile treatment enhances your smile by correcting various dental imperfections and can also be utilized for functional repairs, like after cavity removal.
What is Dental Bonding Used For?
Some reasons you might get cosmetic bonding done include:
• Covering up tooth discoloration
• Filling in cracks or chips in the teeth
• Closing small gaps in between your teeth that don't require braces
• Changing the shape of your teeth
• Making your teeth appear longer
Outside of cosmetic work, there are some reasons why you might get a composite resin in restorative dentistry, like getting a dental filling, replacing dental fillings, or protecting teeth roots that have been exposed because of gum recession.
• Covering up tooth discoloration
• Filling in cracks or chips in the teeth
• Closing small gaps in between your teeth that don't require braces
• Changing the shape of your teeth
• Making your teeth appear longer
Outside of cosmetic work, there are some reasons why you might get a composite resin in restorative dentistry, like getting a dental filling, replacing dental fillings, or protecting teeth roots that have been exposed because of gum recession.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
Composite bonding is a relatively quick procedure that is also entirely painless. Plus, it can be done right in your dentist's office without the need to go to a specialty clinic.
1. Pre-bonding procedures
First things first, they'll perform any procedures needed before the bonding itself. This might include root canals or cavity removal. From there, they will use a shade guide to select a resin that best matches the color of your natural teeth.
2. Tooth preparation
Your tooth is then prepared for the bonding itself. This is done by roughening the surface and applying a conditioning liquid, which allows the resin to adhere easily to the tooth.
3. Bonding application
The putty-like bonding material can then be applied, which is then molded and smoothed to the desired shape of your natural tooth in question.
4. Curing
A blue light is then used to harden the material to the tooth's surface.
5. Final touches
Finally, the dentist will make any final adjustments necessary before polishing the tooth to give it that natural-looking shine. The whole procedure shouldn't take any more than just 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish.
Average Dental Bonding Costs
Let's take a look at some of the average dental bonding costs.
Dental bonding costs with insurance
The cost of dental bonding with insurance can vary, often ranging from $90 to $300 per tooth, depending on the necessity of the procedure and the specifics of the dental plan. Insurance may cover bonding if it's deemed necessary for the tooth's health, such as filling a cavity, rather than for purely cosmetic reasons.
Dental bonding costs without insurance
Without insurance, dental bonding costs typically range from $300 to $600 per tooth. The specific cost can depend on various factors like the complexity of the procedure and the dentist's location.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Bonding
The cost of dental bonding is influenced by several key factors:
• Location: Dental services costs can vary significantly based on the geographic location of the clinic, with higher living cost areas typically charging more.
• Complexity of the Procedure: The specific dental issues being addressed can impact the cost. More complex cases require more time and material, increasing the expense.
• Materials Used: The resin type and other materials used in the bonding process also contribute to the cost.
• Insurance Coverage: Dental bonding is often considered a cosmetic procedure, meaning many insurance plans may not cover it.
• Dentist's Experience and Reputation: Experienced dentists might charge more for their services.
• Location: Dental services costs can vary significantly based on the geographic location of the clinic, with higher living cost areas typically charging more.
• Complexity of the Procedure: The specific dental issues being addressed can impact the cost. More complex cases require more time and material, increasing the expense.
• Materials Used: The resin type and other materials used in the bonding process also contribute to the cost.
• Insurance Coverage: Dental bonding is often considered a cosmetic procedure, meaning many insurance plans may not cover it.
• Dentist's Experience and Reputation: Experienced dentists might charge more for their services.
Ways To Save on Dental Bonding
Seeking affordable dental bonding without insurance? Here are a few solutions:
Dental School
Dental schools can charge super low prices for the cost of care since students cannot earn profit. In most circumstances, you really only need to pay for the materials used. There is always a professional dentist supervising to monitor and step in when needed.
Dental Payment Plan
You can talk to your dentist about a flexible payment plan to help pay for expensive procedures. These involve paying small increments over a period of time, with a little bit of interest.
More about Dental Bonding & Dental Bonding Costs
Here are a few more key considerations when looking into dental bonding:
Cost of Dental Bonding vs. Veneers
When deciding between dental bonding and veneers, consider both procedures' longevity, invasiveness, and cost. Dental bonding, which doesn't require significant enamel removal, is reversible and costs between $300 to $600 per tooth. Veneers, though more durable with a lifespan of up to 20 years, require enamel removal, making them irreversible but offering a longer-term solution. The cost for veneers ranges from $250 to $2,500 per tooth.
How long does teeth bonding last?
Dental bonding materials typically last between three and ten years, depending on how well you maintain your oral health and avoid damaging the bonded teeth.
Sources:
Dental BondingCosmetic DentistryDental CostsInsurance