What is Cosmetic Dentistry, Costs and Types?

What is cosmetic dentistry? Types and cost of cosmetic dentistry

If your teeth are stained, discolored, worn, chipped, broken, misaligned, misshapen, or have gaps between them, modern cosmetic dentistry can give you a better smile. A “smile makeover” improves the appearance of your smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures. Cosmetic dentists work with you to develop a treatment plan. Below you’ll find some information that can help you learn more about the various types of cosmetic dental procedures available.

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments because it offers a quick, non-invasive and affordable way to improve your smile. Profession al teeth whitening (or bleaching) treatments are available to satisfy everyones budget and one-hour whitening sessions for about $400-$500. Virtually everyone who has a professional teeth whitening session sees moderate to substantial improvement in their smile after their first whitening treatment.

There are also over the counter whitening products for convenient at-home whitening: whitening toothpastes, rinses, and white-strips. These products together run about $300 – $500 dollars. Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution to discoloration and requires maintenance or “touch-ups” for a prolonged effect.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are a custom-made wafer-thin, tooth-colored shells that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. They’re often made from porcelain or resin-composite materials and are permanently bonded to your teeth. Veneers can be used to treat a number of different cosmetic concerns, including chipped, broken, discolored, or smaller-than-average teeth.

Costs of veneers vary based on the types of material utilized. Composite veneers are the least expensive option for veneers. Composite veneers are vulnerable to staining and lack strength compared to other materials. The cost for veneers range between $3000-$5000. Seek a dental professional, because a reputable dentist will try to eliminate enamel damage.

Dental bonding

Tooth bonding is a quick and simple cosmetic procedure by repairing damaged teeth by attaching a composite resin to your existing tooth. The dentist will shape the resin and hardens it with a UV light. Once hardened, the resin will stick to your tooth and cover the decayed, chipped, cracked, or misshapen teeth. Bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes, and ranges from $100 to $400, per tooth.

Dental crown

A crown is a small, tooth-shaped cap that fits over your tooth. It can hide a discolored or misshapen tooth or even a tooth implant. It fits over and replaces the entire decayed or damaged tooth above the gum line, restoring its shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns can be made from metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal, resin, or ceramic, and usually costs about $500 to $900 each.

Inlays and onlays

Dental inlays and onlays are what many dental professionals use to fill in those gaps. They are more substantial than fillings and made from gold, porcelain, or composite materials, but not as intrusive as a crown. This cosmetic dentistry procedure costs about $650 to $1,200 per tooth for each tooth that requires restoration.

Dental implants

Dental implant surgery is a procedure that replaces tooth roots with titanium screw like posts, inserted into the bone socket of the missing tooth to replace damaged or missing teeth with artificial teeth that look and function like your real teeth. As your jawbone heals, it will grow around the implanted titanium post, anchoring it securely in the jaw and providing a foundation for a replacement tooth. Dental implant surgery is a welcome alternative to dentures or bridgework that doesn’t fit well. This procedure can cost anywhere from $1,250 to $3,000.

Dental bridge

A bridge is a custom-made replacement tooth or teeth with crowns crowns on either side of a space where one or more teeth are missing. The cost for a dental bridge is estimated to range from $1,500 to $5,000; depending on the type of bridge you select. A traditional teeth bridge typically costs between $2,000 – $5,000 for a pontic and a crown for each abutment tooth.

Dentures

A denture is a removable replacement for missing teeth. The cost of dentures range from $1000 – $15,000 per arch depending on the quality of the materials used. A basic set of full dentures might cost anywhere from $600 to $1,500, midrange quality dentures might cost between $1,500 to $3,000, and a premium set could be $3500 to $$15,000. Dentures have the ability to change your life, making them a worthwhile investment.

Braces

Dental braces can straighten crooked or misaligned teeth and works by applying pressure over a period of time to slowly move teeth in a specific direction. The cost of braces depends on the material used. Metal braces (traditional braces) can run between $3,000 to $7,000, ceramic braces cost from $4,000 to $8,000, lingual braces cost between $8,000 to $10,000.

Invisalign

Invisalign clear aligners fit your life, not interrupt it. The custom clear aligners are created with your comfort in mind. Depending on the complexity of your case, you could complete your treatment in as little as 6 months. What’s exciting is that you’ll start seeing results in a matter of a few weeks. The cost of Invisalign runs between $4,000 to $8,000.

Want to know what’s right for you?

If you’re interested in cosmetic dentistry and would like to know the cost, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Prida. You will meet with him one-on-one to discuss all of your cosmetic dentistry options. If  you would like more information,  schedule an appointment online or call 214-613-1500 today.