How Much is Cosmetic Dentistry?

How Much is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a broad term for any dental service performed for the primary purpose of
enhancing the smile and appearance. Because of this, most dental insurance providers don’t provide
coverage for these elective procedures. If you are considering a dental enhancement, it’s natural for you
to wonder, “How Much is Cosmetic Dentistry?” While many factors go into determining the final cost,
we’ll do our best to provide you with cost estimates for several popular cosmetic improvements.
Preparing Your Budget for an Elective Dental Procedure
Below are the current average costs for several cosmetic dentistry enhancements according to the
Consumer Guide to Dentistry:
Porcelain Veneers: For this process, Dr. Vanama affixes a thin ceramic shell to the front of a
tooth to disguise minor issues such as discoloration, cracks, and gaps between teeth. The cost
can range from $935 to $2,500 per tooth with the average life expectancy of porcelain veneers
being 10 to 15 years.
Invisalign Braces: These clear plastic aligners are an alternative to traditional metal braces.
Although the cost can range between $5,000 and $7,500, most dental insurance carriers provide
at least some benefit for orthodontic treatment.
Teeth Whitening: The most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure brightens the shade of the
teeth by as much as 10 times. The average in-office cost is $650 per session. Less expensive
alternative are also available, such as using a professional teeth whitening kit at home or
purchasing one from a drugstore. However, the last option rarely provides the desired results.
Dental Implants: This is an attractive alternative to traditional dentures for many people
because it replaces the tooth roots to keep the replacement teeth permanently in place. A single
dental implant costs a minimum of $2,500, but the cost can go up considerably if you require a
bone graft, sinus lift, tissue graft, or tooth extraction. The average nationwide cost to replace six
or more teeth with dental implants is $35,000.
Dental Bridges: This procedure replaces missing teeth by attaching supporting hardware to
adjacent teeth that holds the new one in place. The typical cost is between $700 and $1,500 per
tooth. Many dental insurance companies provide some coverage for dental bridges if they are
medically necessary.
Discovery Dental Will Help You Plan Your Care
When you come in for a consultation with Dr. Madhuri Vanama at Discovery Dental, she provides you
with a written estimate for your cosmetic dentistry procedure. We recommend that you check with your
insurance company first to see if it covers any portion of the dental enhancement you would like to have
performed. We can also put you in touch with other resources, such as Care Credit, CITI, and
Springstone. These are third-party financing companies for uncovered medical and dental expenses. If
you have additional questions about paying for your dental care, please contact our office.
http://discoverydentalwa.com