How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialty branch in the field of dentistry. The primary focus in this specialty is on your appearance regarding your natural smile. Various treatments can be performed to restore or improve your smile. Your smile is invaluable since it is considered the foundation of your personality. It impacts and influences both your self-esteem and self-confidence. In reviewing the range of costs for the different procedures, ask yourself, how do you put a specific monetary value on your smile and your quality of life.
- Teeth Whitening- The most basic, popular, and common procedure in cosmetic dentistry, the costs may range from a simple $3 retail purchase to $350 at your dental office. In focusing specifically on the professional procedure, this whitening treatment uses a peroxide bleach to remove any stains and discoloration from your coffee or your red wine enjoyment, as well as any tobacco habits. Teeth whitening will deliver a stunning transformation of your smile.
- Dental Bonding- If you have become aware of a chipped or cracked tooth, or even an unnecessary gap between two teeth, bonding can easily correct these minor visual faults. A putty-like composite resin is applied to the front surface of the tooth and shaped, sculpted, smoothed, and then hardened with an ultraviolet light. This procedure could range from $150 to $600 per tooth based on the difficulty.
- Dental Veneers- This elevates the bonding concept to the next level. An impression of the specific teeth to be addressed is sent to a dental lab, where wafer-thin pieces of porcelain or ceramic are created to match your natural teeth. Next, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface, and these thin shields are cemented to the teeth being restored, covering all flaws. Your natural teeth will look terrific again. Veneers can range from $900 to $2,500 a tooth, so this restoration is more expensive than bonding.
- Inlays and Onlays- More often compared to a filling, this cosmetic resin is shaped to cover any removed decay and restore the shape of the tooth as well as keep it functionally healthy. An inlay, a smaller surface being covered, may range from $250 to $1,500. An onlay, which will cover more of the actual biting surface, can range between $350 and $1,500.
- Dental Crowns- Like a veneer but now covering the entire tooth, much like a cap, these are functional in protecting the tooth as well as improving the appearance. A dental crown can range from $800 to $1,200 and is quite common after completing a root canal procedure.
- Dental Implants- The new industry gold standard for a tooth replacement, a dental implant not only provides an artificial tooth but a variety of oral health benefits as well. A tiny titanium post is surgically placed into your jawbone, which will function as an artificial root. A porcelain or ceramic crown is then affixed to the post at the gumline. This replacement solution delivers the natural sensations of a tooth while maintaining the healthy density of the jawbone. Dental implants can range from $1,500 a tooth to $4,500 a tooth.
Only you can determine the value of your smile.
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