Cutting Your Teeth On…Cash? Cosmetic Dental Costs

No one ever said beauty was cheap. Neither is healthcare. Here's an overview of the costs of cosmetic dental procedures from braces to crowns.

It’s natural for teeth to become slightly yellow as you age; this is due to the thinning of the tooth enamel. As it wears away, the yellowish color of the dentin, the underlying layer, will show through.

Don’t worry, though, there are different ways that you can whiten your teeth. If anything, it’s one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures.

Interested? Want to learn more about cosmetic dental costs? Then you’re at the right place! We’ll be going over some of the most common procedures and their costs below.

Keep reading to learn more!

1. Braces

Dental braces are wire-based devices that allow you to straighten your teeth. They work by exerting constant pressure on your teeth for extended periods of time; this will slowly move them into the desired position.

On average, you can expect to pay between $3,000 to $7,000 for traditional metal braces. Other types, such as ceramic braces, may be more expensive (they can cost upward of $8,000). The same goes for lingual braces; they typically cost between $8,000 to $10,000.

For those who don’t want to deal with wires, there’s always Invisalign, which ranges in price from $3,000 to $10,000.

2. Dental Veneers 

Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells that are used to improve the appearance of your teeth. Made of porcelain, they’re permanently bonded to the front surface of a tooth; this can help cover their natural shape, color, or position in the mouth.

How much does a cosmetic dentist cost for veneers? It depends. On average, traditional veneers tend to cost between $925 to $2,500 per tooth. The good news is that they can last over 10 years so they tend to be a cost-effective option.

Keep in mind, however, that not everyone can get veneers. For one thing, you must have healthy gum tissue to be considered. On top of that, there shouldn’t be any tooth decay (dentists will not place veneers over compromised enamel).

3. Dental Crowns 

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped ‘caps’ that can be used to cover severely discolored or misshapen teeth. Not only that, but they can help treat tooth problems such as crooked teeth, chipped teeth, or decayed teeth.

Price-wise, it depends on the material. For example, metal crowns tend to be more expensive ($800 to $1,400 per tooth) than those made of porcelain. Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, on the other hand, are pricier as they’re harder to make ($900 to $1,500).

And depending on the situation, they may be covered by insurance. Keep in mind, however, that they’ll only cover a portion of the cost—you’ll still have to pay the rest. 

Understanding Cosmetic Dental Costs

Cosmetic dental costs vary greatly depending on the treatment—some can cost a few hundred dollars while others may be in the thousands. At the end of the day, it depends on your needs. When in doubt, consult with your dentist!

Did you find this post helpful? For more content like this, be sure to check out the rest of our health section!

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