Understanding Tooth Bonding Costs and Value
Tooth bonding is a quick, affordable cosmetic dentistry solution that can restore chipped, cracked, misshapen or discolored teeth using composite resin material. But most patients wonder "how much for tooth bonding" before deciding to get this restorative treatment.
Benefits of Tooth Bonding
Some benefits of tooth bonding include:- Repairs cosmetic flaws or damage in teeth
- Matches natural tooth shade and appearance
- Little tooth preparation needed compared to veneers or crowns
- Procedure completed in a single visit
- Cost effective way to transform smile
The composite resin material bonds tightly to the structure of the tooth once cured with a special blue light. It can be shaded and sculpted to seamlessly improve the look of teeth and fill in gaps or chips.
Tooth Bonding Applications
Tooth bonding is an ideal treatment for:
- Fixing chipped or fractured teeth
- Repairing decayed teeth
- Altering uneven teeth sizes/shapes
- Closing small gaps between teeth
- Protecting thin tooth enamel
- Concealing discoloration or stains
The resin bonding solution integrates smoothly with surrounding tooth structure for a flawless smile transformation.
How Much Does Tooth Bonding Cost On Average?
On average, tooth bonding costs approximately $100-$400 per tooth. However, prices vary case by case considering factors like:
Number of Teeth Being Bonded
The more teeth requiring cosmetic restoration, the higher your overall fees. Simple thin edge bonding on a single front tooth starts around $100-$200. Wide structural repairs on several back molars could cost up to $400 per tooth.
Amount of Tooth Preparation Needed
Minimally invasive preparation using etching to roughen the outer tooth layer costs less. More extensive shaping for thicker/wider bonds demands more time and material, raising costs.
Complexity of Bonding Procedure
Filling a basic tooth chip with a thin resin layer is quicker than rebuilding and recontouring multiple misshapen teeth for symmetry. More complicated bonding is generally more expensive.
Choice of Dental Provider
Dental fees often vary based on your provider's cost of living and training credentials. Cosmetic dentists tend to charge more for tooth bonding than general dentists in the same area.
On the lower end, tooth bonding at dental schools supervised by faculty costs far less. However wait times are longer for appointments.
Supplementary Dental Treatments
You may require additional preparation procedures before bonding for optimal results, such as teeth whitening, orthodontics, dental fillings or crowns. Accounting for these supplemental treatment costs is necessary when budgeting.
Tooth Bonding Price Comparison By Case
Reviewing sample quotes helps give context on potential tooth bonding costs based on your treatment scope:
Minor Chip Repair
Bonding a small corner tooth chip on one front tooth using thin bonded composite could average $150-$250.
Crack and Decay Restoration
Filling more extensive tooth cracks and rebuilding decay sections on 2-3 back teeth might range $300-$500 total.
Full Smile Makeover
Performing transformative bonding on 6-8 teeth of varying sizes/discoloration for a perfect smile could cost $1,500+ in specialist cosmetic dentist fees.
Keep in mind you can break up your target bonding treatment into multiple smaller appointments if needed to make costs more affordable.
Payment Options for Tooth Bonding Procedures
There are a few different payment methods to cover your custom tooth bonding costs more comfortably, including:
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance may cover 50-80% of fees associated with medically necessary tooth repair bonding. But cosmetic improvement bonding often falls under "elective" treatment exclusion.
Dental Discount Savings Plans
These affordable membership programs pre-negotiate 10-60% dentist fee discounts that apply to bonding procedures done in participating provider networks.
Payment Installment Financing
Many dental offices offer no/low interest financing programs allowing you to divide your entire account balance into more manageable monthly installments.
Third Party Medical Credit Lines
Companies like CareCredit and Springstone offer special credit cards or loans designed specifically to fund a variety of dental and medical treatments and procedures at fixed interest rates.
Exploring multiple dental payment and financing options makes achieving an upgraded smile much more attainable at any budget level.
Maintaining Bonded Teeth for Lasting Value
While economical, keep in mind bonded restorations usually last 5-10 years with proper care before needing replacement as they cannot withstand biting/chewing forces as well as other dental work like bridges, implants or crowns.
Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding behaviors that chip or crack teeth protects your investment in an improved smile.
Scheduling periodic dental exams and cleanings allows for quick repair of any minor bonding cracks before they worsen as well. This allows you to maximize longevity from the initial tooth bonding costs invested.
FAQs
Does insurance cover tooth bonding procedures?
Dental insurance usually covers some basic tooth bonding for fracture and decay repairs. More extensive cosmetic improvement bonding often falls under elective treatment exclusions. Discount dental savings plans can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Is tooth bonding painful?
Tooth bonding is not a painful procedure. Your dentist will numb the area around the tooth first. The only sensation felt involves some pressure during tooth preparation and placing the composite material.
How long does a tooth bonding procedure take?
Getting your teeth bonded by a dentist takes about 30-60 minutes per tooth depending on the size and site. You only need one visit to complete the full procedure in most cases with no follow-up appointments.
Do bonded teeth need special care?
Bonded teeth require the same high-quality oral care as your regular teeth. Brush and floss daily, avoid biting hard items, and see your dentist for regular dental exams and cleanings every 6 months. This helps preserve the bonding.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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