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, “How much does dental bonding cost?” Understanding the financial costs of dental bonding is important, regardless of your insurance status.
This guide is designed to help you navigate through the costs associated with dental bonding to ensure you're well informed and ready to make decisions about your dental health.
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. For example a procedure in Phoenix, AZ may be different from one in Newark, NJ. While this can seem steep, especially for cosmetic treatments not always covered by insurance, there are ways to make it more manageable.
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.
It's a widely chosen procedure for its effectiveness and natural-looking results, making it an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their dental aesthetics confidently.
Some reasons you might get cosmetic bonding done include:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A blue light is then used to harden the material to the tooth’s surface.
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.
In some cases, it can take as little as just 10-15 minutes for your bonding procedure to be complete.
After your treatment, you don’t need to do anything special to your teeth besides normal upkeep through brushing and flossing. You can eat and drink as you normally would from the moment you leave that dentist’s office. You’re not likely to feel any sensitivity, discomfort, or pain.
Oral hygiene is always important, but it’s even more critical after getting dental bonds. Proper brushing and flossing will ensure that your bonds last for a long time without being worn down. Simply put, brushing and flossing twice a day is usually enough to help keep your teeth healthy and sparkly.
After your procedure, you’ll want to avoid chewing on super hard objects like ice or hard candies, as this can cause damage to a bond or make it fall out of place. Regardless, these activities aren’t great for your natural teeth either.
Note that composite resin cannot be whitened in the same way that your natural teeth might be able to. So you might need to get a replacement if you’re looking to get a whiter color to your teeth and coinciding bonds.
Let’s take a look at some of the average dental bonding costs.
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.
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.
For example, procedure costs may vary between cities like Scottsdale, AZ, Glendale, AZ, Jersey City, NJ, and more depending on the cost of living.
The cost per tooth for dental bonding is estimated between $300 and $600, aligning with the general out-of-pocket cost range for this treatment.
The cost of dental bonding is influenced by several key factors:
Understanding these factors can help you better prepare for the financial aspect of dental bonding and discuss cost-effective treatment options with your dentist.
Seeking affordable dental bonding without insurance? Or looking to complement your existing coverage? Here are a few solutions for both scenarios:
All those talented dentists out there had to learn somewhere, and dental schools are usually the place. These institutions do not pay their students as they are learning their profession, which means that they can charge you super low prices for the cost of care.
In most circumstances, you really only need to pay for the materials used when you get your procedure done. While the person conducting work on you is inexperienced, there is always a professional dentist with them to monitor and step in when needed. This is one of the most common lower-cost options.
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.
Many dentists offer these flexible plans to make it easier for you to pay for your procedures. It never hurts to ask and see what might be done to help you get the bonding procedure you’ve been waiting for.
Here are a few more key considerations when looking into dental bonding and dental bonding costs:
When deciding between dental bonding and veneers, it's important to 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 more widely, from $250 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the type.
This makes bonding a more accessible, short-term option, while veneers represent a longer-term investment in your smile.
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.
There are many reasons why composite bonding remains one of the most popular dental procedures out there, but the main reason is likely because it’s completely painless. There is no drilling, anesthesia, or blood involved: so there’s also no recovery period. That means you can get back to eating and drinking normally right when the procedure is done.
Bonding is also a very quick procedure that can be done right inside a dentist’s office, so you don’t need to go to a special clinic. Also, this is a versatile procedure that can help with loads of different problems, from cavities to physical trauma and more.
Dental bonding can also last for a very long time if you take care of your teeth properly. This includes brushing and flossing as normal while also trying to avoid foods or drinks that might stain your teeth, like coffee and wine.
This is a common, simple, and effective procedure, but dental bonding might not be for everyone. While they can match the color of your pearly white teeth, they can still stain. So if you frequently drink coffee, tea, or other acidic beverages, your bonds might be more noticeable. And when compared to veneers, they only last about half the time.
Composite bonds can also only really be used for minor problems, like tiny chips and cracks. For more severe issues, you’d need to look at other means of restoration, like dental implants, bridges, or veneers.
Dental bonding is an effective way to address aesthetic and structural issues with your teeth, from closing gaps to repairing chips. Yet, navigating the costs and finding quality care can be challenging.
Sources:
Dental Bonding: What is Teeth Bonding & What to Expect | Cleveland Clinic
Veneers | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last? | Colgate
How Much Veneers Cost & Ways to Pay for Them | NewMouth
FACTORS AFFECTING THE DENTAL BONDING COST: UNDERSTANDING THE BREAKDOWN | ventoxmagazine
What is cosmetic dental bonding and how much does it cost? | Greenville Family Dentistry
Dental Bonding Costs | 1Dental
Dental Bonding typically ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth.
On average, expect to pay $300 to $600 per tooth.
Same as above, costs average between $300 and $600 per tooth.
Costs can vary; some insurance plans may cover part of the cost if the procedure is considered necessary.
Coverage depends on whether the bonding is deemed cosmetic or necessary for dental health.
Falls within the general range of $300 to $600, but can vary based on complexity.
