A bright, white smile has long been synonymous with beauty, wealth and good health, but in recent years, there has been a surge in demand for cosmetic dentistry. Social media trends, celebrity influences and a desire to look good have all contributed to more people wanting a flawless smile. Cosmetic dentistry provides a solution for anyone who would like to feel more confident about their smile, and there is an array of treatments available to fix almost any imperfection imaginable. If you’re thinking about undergoing cosmetic dentistry, you may be wondering how much it will cost. In this article, we’ll discuss popular aesthetic treatments and average cosmetic dentistry prices. 

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a field of dentistry, which is concerned with enhancing and improving the look of the smile. Studies suggest that cosmetic dentistry is booming, with the market set to grow by over 7% by 2026. There is an ever-growing range of cosmetic treatments available, which target flaws and help to create beautiful, healthy-looking smiles. Examples of popular cosmetic dental treatments include:

• Cosmetic bonding

Also known as aesthetic or composite bonding, this is a simple, affordable solution for patients who have chipped, misshapen or worn teeth. Using dental composite, a tooth-colored material, your dentist can reshape the teeth, build up worn surfaces and fill in chips and gaps between the teeth. Once the composite is in place, a curing light is used to set the material. Bonding produces fantastic results and it usually takes less than an hour. 

• Veneers

Dental veneers are usually associated with A-list actors and supermodels, but today, they are accessible to a much wider range of clients. Veneers are tooth-shaped shells, which are usually made from porcelain. They are applied to the surface of the natural teeth to produce a perfect smile. 

• Tooth whitening

Tooth whitening is incredibly popular. It involves utilizing chemicals to lighten the color of the enamel. There are two options: at-home treatment and in-chair treatment. Typically, at-home treatment is cheaper, but in-chair treatment works a lot faster and the results may last longer. 

• Crowns, bridges and white fillings

These treatments are restorative therapies, but they also have aesthetic benefits. Crowns and fillings are used to strengthen the teeth, while a bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. 

How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?

It’s very common for patients who are thinking about having cosmetic dental treatment to have questions about the cost of aesthetic dentistry. There is no universal answer to this question, and there are several key factors to consider. These include:

• The type of treatment
• The dentist you visit
• The location of the dental office
• Additional services required before or after treatment

The type of treatment will impact the cost dramatically. Some cosmetic services are much more expensive than others. Cosmetic bonding, for example, will cost a lot less than a full set of porcelain veneers. Typically, you can expect to pay around $100-$500 per tooth for bonding and up to $1,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers. Tooth whitening costs usually range from around $300 to $1,500, depending on the method used. The location of the office will also affect prices. Michigan cosmetic dentistry prices will be different to those in Los Angeles, Florida or New York, for example. The level of experience and expertise of the dentist will also play a role. Dentists with advanced training and specialist skills will usually charge more. In many cases, patients opt to have single treatments, but there is also an option to combine cosmetic therapies to create a smile makeover. In this case, there may be a saving on individual treatments. 

Tips for patients looking for a cosmetic dentist

If you’ve decided that you want to have cosmetic dental treatment, it’s wise to follow these steps:

• Research cosmetic dentists carefully, ask for recommendations and read reviews and testimonials.
• Ask for a full, written quote before you decide whether or not to go ahead with treatment. 
• Ask about payment options. Some dentists may offer the option to spread the cost of treatment. 
• Don’t hesitate to raise concerns or ask questions during your consultation. It’s critical that you understand what treatment entails and you know what to expect before you make a decision. Your dentist can offer explanations, answer questions and use technology to show you images so that you can see the difference treatments will make to your smile. 

Conclusion

Cosmetic dentistry has become more affordable and accessible in recent years. The cost will depend on the type of treatment, the location of the office and the dentist you choose. Before you agree to proceed, it’s beneficial to ask for a full, written quote and to explore payment options.