Dental bonding is a commonly used dental treatment that involves applying a composite to the teeth to either permanently attach dental materials or to change the shape and appearance of the teeth. Many individuals have received dental bonding treatment without even realizing it, particularly adhesive bonding used to attach a dental restoration. If your dental provider recently mentioned you may need a dental bonding treatment, you may be curious about the process and what the treatment will cost. Below is more information on dental bonding treatment.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
The first step in determining if you need composite bonding treatment is for your dental provider to conduct a thorough examination and evaluation of the teeth and gums. During this consultation, your dentist will review the dental issues you need resolved, such as cavities, chips, cracks, gaps between teeth, and tooth discoloration, and determine if dental bonding will be an effective solution. If dental bonding can address all of your concerns, your provider will develop a treatment plan, or they will recommend some alternative treatment options. In some cases, your dental provider may also take impressions of your teeth to create a model of what your new smile could look like. By the end of this consultation appointment, you and your provider will have agreed on a treatment plan and the next steps.
How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?
In general, the costs of the dental bonding treatment can vary widely and can be difficult to estimate. A big reason for this wide variability is that dental bonding is used for so many purposes, ranging from a simple treatment on one tooth to a much more complex treatment used across the entire mouth. For example, if dental bonding is used as an adhesive for a crown, the cost may be built into the total cost of the crown. On average, the cost for dental bonding ranges between $400 and $2,000 per tooth.
Common factors that impact the cost of dental bonding include:
- Number of teeth to be treated: In general, the cost of bonding is calculated per individual tooth.
- Complexity of the procedure: Depending on the dental issues being addressed, the provider may need to spend more time and use more composite resin to repair more severe cracks, gaps, or discoloration.
- The dental provider’s experience and credentials: A provider who specializes in cosmetic procedures may have more training and experience in dental bonding and may charge accordingly.
- Geographic location: A dentist practicing in an area with high demand for services will likely charge more, and costs in cities may differ from those in smaller towns.
If you are interested in a dental bonding cosmetic treatment but are nervous about the treatment cost, it is important to keep in mind that many dental insurance plans do not cover purely cosmetic treatments that do not also provide a functional benefit. Start by reaching out to your dentist to develop a treatment plan, then contact your dental insurance provider to ask which treatment plan components may be covered. If you still have questions about treatment costs, your provider can help walk you through the process and make sure you have a clear understanding of costs before committing to the treatment.
Related Article: What is Dental Bonding?