You may have come across dental bonding in your journey to achieve a brighter, better smile. But exactly how much is teeth bonding?
While there are numerous cosmetic dentistry options that you may consider to regain a more brilliant smile and aesthetics, dental bonding often stands out as the much more affordable and faster option.
This article extensively covers the cost of bonding teeth, highlighting other essential aspects like:
- Understanding what dental bonding is;
- Breaking down the average cost of dental bonding;
- Exploring some factors that can affect the price of teeth bonding;
- Determining if dental insurance covers bonding and to what extent.
What Is Dental Bonding
Dental bonding, also known as composite or teeth bonding, is a popular cosmetic procedure used to improve the appearance of one’s teeth.
It is a non-invasive procedure that involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of the teeth. It is then reshaped and polished to achieve a specific, desired look.
This process restores the tooth’s original appearance and usually matches the color of your adjacent natural teeth, meaning it blends right in.
Dental bonding is mainly used to address aesthetic concerns, such as:
- Chipped teeth;
- Cracked teeth;
- Discoloration;
- Mishappen teeth;
- Closing of gaps between teeth.
You may consider getting some of the best clear aligners to resolve issues like gapping if you want a more functional approach besides the cosmetic overview.
How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?
Dental bonding is a popular cosmetic procedure that offers a cost-effective solution for improving the appearance of teeth. It is considered one of the cheapest procedures in cosmetic dentistry, often said to be a good alternative for dental bridges.
But how much exactly does this procedure cost?
Breaking Down the Costs
On average, the cost of cosmetic dental bonding ranges from $300 – $600 per tooth. However, depending on your unique case or situation, the cost of bonding teeth might go as low as $100 per tooth to well over $1,000 per tooth.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Dental Bonding
There isn’t a definitive figure that states the precise dental bonding cost, as numerous factors can influence the total payable amount. Here are some of the main factors that can impact how much you pay for dental bonding treatment:
- The number of teeth: Unsurprisingly, the more teeth you require bonding for, the higher the overall teeth bonding price. However, you can find dentists that often offer a reduced rate for multiple teeth that need bonding during the same session.
- The complexity of the situation: The extent of the work needed to address the dental issues plays a significant role in determining the cost. For instance, a small chip may be less expensive than an extensive reshaping and repair of multiple imperfections.
- The dentist’s expertise: The experience and expertise of the dentist can influence the total cost. Getting services from an established dentist with a successful track record might be more costly.
- Location: As a rule of thumb, dental costs generally vary based on the region or city you’re in. More urban areas with a higher cost of living tend to be more expensive than rural areas.
- Materials used: The composite resin used in dental bonding is similar in application. However, the quality may vary, ultimately impacting the procedure’s cost. Higher-quality resin materials tend to come at a higher price. However, such materials often provide more natural and longer-lasting results.
Replacing Dental Bonding
It is crucial to note that this may not be a one-off payment, as you may have to replace the bonding every few years.
Dental bonding is durable and can last several years with proper care. However, it’s important to note that bonding materials are not as resilient as natural tooth enamel or other restorative materials like dental crowns or veneers.
Understanding the process of replacing dental bonding and its impact on costs is essential if you are considering this procedure.
Some of the instances when dental bonding might need a replacement include:
- Discoloration: Bonding materials can become stained over time due to long-term exposure to products like coffee, tobacco, wine, tea, etc.
- Wear and tear: The forces the dental bonding experiences during biting and chewing can force it to wear down, chip, or even break. This is especially the case with the front teeth, which experience significant pressure.
- Aging: Dental bonding materials can also be subjected to the effects of time, meaning they can gradually lose their luster or develop minor imperfections.
Replacing dental bonding involves both direct costs and potential indirect costs that you should consider:
- Direct costs: The direct cost of replacing dental bonding can vary based on the number of teeth that require replacement, the complexity of the procedure, and the dentist’s fees. On average, you can expect to pay a similar amount to the initial bonding procedure for each tooth that needs replacement.
- Indirect costs: In addition to the direct expenses, there might be indirect costs associated with replacement. These include potential fees for consultation, X-rays, and any additional procedures required for oral health optimization before the replacement.
You can consider this teeth bonding vs veneers guide to help you determine if the latter is a more preferred solution that may have a better financial implication based on your needs.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Bonding Costs?
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover a dental bonding procedure as it is considered a cosmetic dental treatment.
As a general rule, most dental insurers do not cover procedures viewed as entirely cosmetic. Teeth bonding, to resolve issues like chips or cracks in a bid to appear more aesthetically pleasing, falls into that category.
However, while dental bonding is considered a cosmetic procedure, there are exceptions where insurance coverage may come into play.
Here are a few exceptions that may be considered to be covered by dental insurance when it comes to dental bonding:
- Restorative purposes: Dental bonding may also be performed on issues like chips and cracks to improve the aesthetics and restore the tooth’s functionality.
For instance, if a chipped tooth poses a risk of further damage or decay, some insurance plans may provide partial coverage. In most cases, the insurer and the dentist have to prove that the treatment serves a functional purpose beyond aesthetics.
- Trauma: Some insurance plans may cater to dental bonding costs if the need for the treatment arises due to an accident or trauma.
This is especially the case if the procedure is required to restore the functionality of the tooth or to prevent further dental or health issues.
Paying for Dental Bonding: Exploring Payment Options
The financial aspect of cosmetic dentistry, especially for procedures like dental bonding, raises many questions. Fortunately, there are numerous ways that you can use to manage the costs and make your dream smile a reality.
Financing plans
One of the most popular ways to pay for your dental bonding procedure is by exploring financing plans.
Most dental practices understand that upfront costs for cosmetic procedures like dental bonding can be a concern for patients. However, most of them offer financing plans that can allow you to spread out the payments.
In most cases, dental bonding financing works through monthly payments. You can get a financing plan that allows you to make monthly payments over a predetermined period. This makes cosmetic bonding costs more manageable.
However, it is essential to consider aspects such as interest rates before signing up for financing plans. Some plans come with interest, while others are interest-free. Ensure to carefully read the terms and conditions to understand the total cost of the financing.
Moreover, noting that not everyone can qualify for a financing plan would be prudent. This is because, in most cases, the offering facility may have to conduct a credit check before you get approval. Discussing the options and requirements with your dentist before signing up for financing is important.
Out-of-pocket payments
If you are not eligible for a financing option and do not have insurance that can cater to your dental bonding needs, there are other options that you consider that can take the total cost down when paying out-of-pocket.
Some of them include:
- Using a savings account: If you have a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA), you can use these funds to cover dental bonding costs.
- Dental schools: You can dental bonding procedures from a dental school, performed by dental students, getting more experience. Do not worry about the quality of treatment, as every step is closely monitored by an experienced tutor or dentist.
Making the Right Choice
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when paying for dental bonding. The best approach depends on your financial situation, insurance coverage, and personal preferences. Nevertheless, here are a few key steps to consider to enable you to make the right call regarding paying for dental bonding:
- Consult with your dentist: Your dentist’s office can provide information about financing plans, payment options, and potential insurance coverage.
- Review the financing terms if available: If you opt for a financing plan, carefully review the terms and conditions, including interest rates, repayment periods, and associated fees.
- Verify insurance coverage: If you have dental insurance, it would be prudent first to confirm with them if they cover dental bonding procedures.
- Consider alternatives: There are alternatives to teeth bonding that you can consider, such as dental veneers. Check out this dental veneers guide to determine if this is a better option for your needs.
Conclusion
Dental bonding costs from $300 – $600 per tooth. However, the treatment may go as low as $100 or as high as $1,000 per tooth.
Nevertheless, embarking on the journey to enhance your smile through dental bonding is an investment in your appearance and self-assurance. As you navigate the various aspects of paying for dental bonding, it is always crucial to consider your overall goals and budget.
With various payment options, restoring your brilliant smile shouldn’t be hindered by the cost. There are financing options, dental schools, and other ways of getting teeth bonding at a lower cost.
Ultimately, the investment in dental bonding extends beyond financial considerations — it’s about investing in your confidence, self-esteem, and how you present yourself to the world.
Sources
- Dental Bonding Cost (2023). Retrieved 21 August 2023, from https://health.costhelper.com/dental-bonding.html
- Where can I find low-cost dental care? (2023). Retrieved 21 August 2023, from https://www.hhs.gov/answers/health-insurance-reform/where-can-i-find-low-cost-dental-care/index.html
- What Can My Dental Insurance Cover? (2023). Retrieved 21 August 2023, from https://www.cignadentalplans.com/dental-care/what-does-dental-insurance-cover
