By Susan Braden
Dental bonding is a procedure where a tooth-colored resin material is used to restore or improve one or more teeth. For example, if a tooth has chipped or cracked, a cavity needs to be filled, a gap closed between teeth, or the shape of a tooth changed to match the teeth around it, bonding may be recommended. It’s considered a cosmetic alternative to the metal amalgam often used in fillings. In fact, some dentists use the terms “bonding” and “filling” almost interchangeably when talking about cavities.
Bonding refers to a composite material that matches the color of the tooth to which it attaches (or “bonds”). Ultraviolet light hardens the bond, which is a quick solution for repairing chips or filling a decayed area. Some people even use this procedure in lieu of braces to improve the shape of their teeth. Though its classification may occasionally cross the line into “cosmetic dentistry,” several dental savings plans may still cover this procedure.
Whether you’re looking to repair a chipped tooth or brighten your smile, it’s important to know teeth bonding costs, factors that affect dental bonding costs, and how teeth bonding works. Below, we’ll answer these common questions so that you can be fully aware of the ins and outs of this procedure. Learn more about how much teeth bonding is by using the links below.
Many people are typically insured for “necessary” bonding to fill a tooth or a chip caused by an accident. “Cosmetic” dental bonding usually does not fall into that category, and patients might have to pay for the entire procedure. This is because cosmetic dentistry is optional, and many insurance companies don’t always consider these procedures necessary to maintain the quality of life and optimal health. This can make cosmetic dental costs somewhat expensive if you don’t have dental insurance.
However, there are several dental savings plans that cover all bonding procedures, which could greatly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Depending on the type of coverage you have, teeth bonding costs can vary greatly. In most cases, dental bonding costs are much lower if you have dental insurance. However, there are alternatives that can help reduce the amount of money you pay for teeth bonding, such as dental savings plans. Below, we’ll outline how much dental bonding costs with and without insurance.
If used to fill a cavity, bonding should cost about $90-$300 with insurance, depending on the cavity’s severity. The typical cost changes based on the purpose of the bonding.
Dental insurance might cover 50-80% of this procedure, though some plans might take off a larger percentage. Sometimes it is less expensive if a composite filling is used to replace a broken amalgam one.
Unless it is also necessary to maintain tooth structure, bonding for cosmetic reasons is often not covered by insurance. The average cost for this bonding classification is $300-$ 600 per tooth, though it can be as low as $100 or as high as $1,000. The price can change based on the complexity of the procedure, the dentist’s expertise, or the cost of living in the area.
Dental Savings plans, however, can help with this cost. While the process is relatively inexpensive for simple procedures, more complex situations might require veneers ($500-$1,300 per tooth) or crowns ($500-$3,000 per tooth).
Not every smile is the same, which is why teeth bonding costs might vary depending on different factors. Knowing the factors that affect dental bonding costs is important because it can help you better understand how to find more affordable dental bonding costs and options. Some cost factors of teeth bonding include:
Getting any procedure performed on your teeth can be a nerve-racking experience. Fortunately, dental bonding is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in under an hour in a few simple steps:
If placed correctly, a bond can last up to 10 years. It is a simple procedure requiring no anesthesia unless it is used to fill a decayed tooth.
The entire process should take no more than an hour, though minor cases can take as little as 30 minutes. Sometimes a lab will create the resin material to perfectly match the patient’s tooth color, which may require an extra visit.
A bond can be an efficient, relatively inexpensive way to repair a scratch or even perfect your smile. Dental savings plans may help reduce the expense to make this procedure a more affordable option.
Once you have your smile restored with dental bonding, it’s important to maintain your bonded teeth over time. This way, you can keep your teeth in top shape without any blemishes tarnishing your smile. To maintain dental bonding, follow these tips:
With these dental bonding maintenance tips, you can keep your dental work intact for years to come.
In most cases, insurance providers won’t cover dental bonding because it’s considered a cosmetic procedure. Because of this, you might end up paying for the entire procedure out of pocket, which can be fairly expensive. Knowing the differences between dental insurance and dental savings plans can help you better understand which procedures can be financed by both types of plans.
If you need dental bonding, dental savings plans can be used alone or to supplement existing insurance to bring the cost down. Even better, there is no waiting period when it comes to using your dental savings plan, which means you can get teeth bonding services when you need them. See how our dental savings plans work, so you can save money while taking care of your dental health.
Dr. Renu Saxena is not your typical dentist. Yes, she's been in the field since 1996, has owned her own private practice and taught at Texas A&M College of Dentistry. But for Dr. Saxena, it's all about educating patients so they can take better care of their own teeth and understand their dental needs. You can catch up with her fun and helpful videos on Instagram, @talkingteethdds.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist with any questions you may have regarding your oral health.
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