How Much Does Teeth Bonding Cost?
The average cost of dental bonding is $1,300, but it can cost as much as $6,400, according to 48 reviews from RealSelf members.
Read on to find out why the price can vary so much, how it compares to dental veneers, and whether teeth bonding is worth the money.
Is the cost of dental bonding worth the money?
RealSelf members give dental bonding a 86% Worth It Rating, so most reviewers say it was worth their investment.
It has such a high satisfaction rate in part because it's so affordable, compared to other cosmetic dentistry procedures.
A dental bonding procedure is also relatively fast; it can be done in a single trip to the dentist, with no downtime or anesthesia (unless it's filling a cavity).
As long as you have realistic expectations about its longevity, dental bonding can be a good choice, depending on your concerns and oral health.
To protect your investment, keep two things in mind:
- Bonding resin can easily chip, if you bite into hard food (like an apple).
- Because the resin material is porous, you may notice discoloration or stained teeth if you drink coffee, tea, or red wine, or if you smoke cigarettes. The good news is that these stains should respond to teeth whitening treatments.
What affects the cost of dental bonding?
The cost of teeth bonding (or composite bonding, as it's often called) can vary widely, depending on:
1) The number of teeth that need bonding.
Dentists typically charge by the tooth, with prices ranging from $300 to 600 per tooth.
2) How much resin is required and the complexity of the procedure.
This cosmetic dental procedure uses tooth-colored bonding material to fix a chipped tooth, fill gaps, change the shape of your natural teeth, and repair decayed teeth. It can also create a teeth whitening effect, if you have thin or yellow enamel.
Depending on the issue that needs fixing, you may need more or less composite resin, and the procedure will take more or less time. For example, fixing a chipped tooth or filling in a gap between teeth is likely to cost less than drilling out and filling a decayed one.
3) The overall condition of your teeth.
Teeth bonding procedures alone can’t improve severe tooth damage or decay.
Before you can get dental bonding, your dentist will evaluate your dental health and may need to prepare your teeth with another procedure first, such as a root canal. This will add to your overall cost, but your dental insurance may cover at least a portion of it.
They may also recommend a different cosmetic procedure, such as a veneer or crown (both more expensive options).
4) Your provider's credentials and level of experience.
A dentist who specializes in cosmetic procedures such as teeth bonding is likely to be more skilled at creating a natural-looking result. They're also likely to charge more than a general dentist.
You may find that it's worth the effort to have consultations and get price quotes from more than one qualified dentist, to compare their rates. Just be sure to also pay attention to their patient reviews and photos, so you know you're not foregoing a good result by going with the cheapest option.
5) Their practice location.
You can expect higher price quotes dentist who practices in an area where the cost of rent and demand for their services is high.
If cost is your primary consideration, look for a qualified dentist with a relatively modest office, not a fancy practice in an upscale neighborhood.
Is teeth bonding covered by insurance?
Your procedure may be partially or fully covered by your insurance provider (depending on your deductible), particularly if you’re getting the procedure to fill a cavity or fix structural issues like chipped or cracked teeth.
If you're having teeth bonding as a cosmetic procedure—for example, to close a small gap between your teeth—most insurance companies will not cover it.
Before committing, check with your individual dental insurance provider.
If they decline coverage, ask your dentist if they offer payment plans, to help make covering the cost of bonding easier. Many also accept financing, like CareCredit.
Is dental bonding cheaper than veneers?
Dental veneers are usually much more expensive than teeth bonding, at least in terms of the up-front cost. A single veneer can cost between $500 to $3,000, depending on its level of quality (for example, if it's a hand-made porcelain veneer) and many of the other factors mentioned above.
The downside of dental bonding is that results usually last three to seven years (if you take good care of your teeth). So can expect to have additional expense down the road to repair or replace the bonding.
Veneers last at least 10 years, and porcelain veneers can last up to 30 years. So compared to repeated teeth bonding procedures, veneers can be a more cost-effective option in the long-term.
According to New York City cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Davidowitz, if you’re concerned about the need for frequent repair of your dental bonding, “a veneer will restoratively fix that problem. It will build back the tooth in a stronger fashion than the other options, and as a bonus, you get cosmetic benefits.”