How Much Does Tooth Bonding Cost?
Are your teeth broken or chipped? Do you feel embarrassed and want to fix them? Dental bonding or tooth bonding is the procedure you need. But do you know the cost of dental bonding? We’ll tell you all about it here.
What is Dental Bonding?
It is also known as composite bonding, where the procedure offers a solution for gaps and minor damage in teeth.
Some of the dental issues it fixes are-
- Decay
- Chips
- Fractures
- Discoloration
During the procedure, a composite material is put on your tooth to mold it into the desired shape. The process restores the original appearance of the tooth. Dentists match the color of the resin to your natural tooth for seamless blending.
What’s The Cost of Dental Bonding Per Tooth?
Various factors, like location, skills, expertise, and material, affect the bonding cost. But on average, you can expect to pay between $300 and $600 per tooth.
Also, note that you’ll need to replace the bonding once every five years. Bondings are prone to staining and chipping if you consume high-staining drinks or bite into hard foods.
Does Insurance Offer Dental Bonding Coverage?
It’s a cosmetic procedure, and insurance may not cover it. But practices like Genuine Dental have payment plan options to help you pay for dental treatments and procedures.
Insurance may cover a part of your tooth bonding treatment if the procedure is necessary for your dental health.
You need tooth bonding to prevent teeth from cracking or chipping. And if you don’t get help in time, you may eventually need more complex dental work.
Contact your insurance company if they cover tooth bonding costs, else look for practices offering discounts or flexible payment plan options.
What’s The Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers?
| Difference | Dental Bonding | Veneers |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | A more affordable option compared to veneers. $250 a tooth. | Are generally more expensive compared to tooth bonding. $500 for a single tooth. |
| Preparation | Typically requires minimal to no enamel removal. Dentists roughen the tooth surface slightly to help the bonding material adhere effectively. | The process of placing veneers usually requires the removal of a thin layer of enamel from the front surface of the tooth. It ensures a proper fit and allows space for the veneers for bonding securely. |
| Durability | While dental bonding can provide satisfactory durability, the composite resin material used may be more prone to chipping or staining over time. Repairs/ replacements may be necessary later. | Are generally more durable and long-lasting compared to dental bonding. Porcelain veneers, in particular, can withstand daily wear and resist chipping or staining. |
| Appearance | Can also improve the appearance of teeth, but the final result may not appear as natural as veneers. The bonding material may not possess the same level of translucency as natural teeth. | Are highly aesthetic and can achieve a natural-looking appearance. Porcelain veneers, in particular, can mimic the translucency and texture of natural teeth. |
| Staining | Materials are more prone to staining compared to veneers. Over time, the bonding material may darken or become discolored, requiring professional cleaning, or replacement. | Especially those made from porcelain are resistant to staining. They maintain their original color and shine for a longer time. |
| Application time | Requires a single visit. The dentist applies the bonding material directly to the tooth, sculpts it to the desired shape, and uses a special light to harden it. | The process of getting veneers typically requires multiple visits to the dentist. The first visit involves tooth preparation, impressions, and temporary veneers. The final visit involves removing the temporaries and bonding the permanent veneers. |
| Material | Involves the use of composite resin material, which is applied directly to the tooth and sculpted to achieve the desired shape and color. | Can be made from porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and natural appearance, while composite resin veneers are more affordable but may be less durable. |
| Reversibility | Potentially reversible. The bonding material is removable, and the dentist can restore the tooth’s original state if desired. | Not reversible. Since enamel removal is involved in the process, the tooth will always require a veneer or restoration to maintain its appearance. |
| Tooth structure | Requires minimal to no alteration of the natural tooth structure. The composite resin material is applied directly to the tooth’s surface and sculpted to achieve the desired shape. It means that the tooth structure remains largely intact, and the procedure is reversible. | Require the removal of a thin layer of enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. This alteration of tooth structure is minimal but permanent. Once the dentist removes the enamel, it cannot naturally regenerate, and the tooth will always require a veneer or alternative restoration to maintain its appearance. |
What Ways Can You Pay For Tooth Bonding?
Try one of these options if you don’t have the budget to pay for a dental bonding procedure:
1. Dental Savings Plans
Also known as discount plans, these are a flexible and more affordable alternative to dental insurance. Members get discounts to save between ten and sixty percent on dental care procedures or treatments. You can visit a network of dentists after becoming a member and get discounted prices on dental treatments.
2. Financing or Payment Plans
As mentioned above, several dental practices offer financing or payment plans through third-party providers to patients. It allows you to distribute dental costs over time and make monthly repayments.
3. Dental Schools
You can get high-quality treatment at affordable prices from medical students gaining experience at such schools. Licensed and experienced dentists oversee these students.
4. Government-Led Programs
The Centers for Medicaid & Medicare Services (CMS) have federally-funded programs that can help cover dental bonding costs for you. Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Program (CHIP) fall under this category.
Medicare, a health insurance program for people aged 65 and above and those with disabilities, offers limited dental coverage.
Medicaid, a state-run program offers medical benefits, including dental, to patients in a few cases.
Most states generally offer limited dental coverage to individuals aged 21 and above. But some offer more comprehensive services.
CHIP helps children up to the age of 19 without health insurance. The dental services may vary from state to state under this program.
5. Donated Dental Services
This program offers free but quality dental treatments to those vulnerable, including-
- Individuals with disabilities
- The elderly
- Medically fragile patients requiring dental treatment
Donated Dental Services has a network of 15,000 dentists and 3,500 dental laboratories across the U.S. who volunteer.
The Final Words
The key to getting the best dental bonding services is finding a dental office that won’t disappoint you. This procedure corrects various dental issues and may be life-changing for many people suffering due to poor teeth and oral health.
Genuine Dental is one of the most trusted dental offices where the experts are skilled and caring. Dentistry at Genuine Dental is done differently.
Book a consultation today to experience dentistry at its finest!