One of the first things that people notice about you is your smile. If you have a smile that you’re embarrassed about, there are things that you can do to help your smile look better. Below are an explanation of the cosmetic dental procedures and what they cost.
1. Dental Bonding
When this is done, a putty-like, tooth colored resin is put to a tooth and then hardened using a laser or ultraviolet light so that the material’s bonded to the tooth. Its then trimmed, shaped and polished by the dentist. It can repair chipped, decayed, misshapen or cracked teeth. It’s also good for a replacement for or alternative to silver or amalgam fillings. It takes anywhere from 30-60 minutes and costs $100-$400 per tooth.
2. Dental Implants
These are tooth roots that are made of titanium and they are inserted into a missing tooth’s bone socket. As the patient’s jawbone heals, it will grow around the metal post so that it’s anchored securely inside the jaw and providing the foundation for the tooth that will be replaced. It costs anywhere between $1,250 and $3,000.
3. Dental Crown
Also known as a cap, it will fit over and replace the whole damaged or decayed tooth above the person’s gum line and restore its size, shape, appearance and strength. A crown will keep a tooth that is weak from breaking. It also can hold a tooth that is cracked together. A crown also can be used for covering severely discolored or misshapen teeth. They can be made from porcelain that’s fused onto metal, resin, metal or even ceramic and they cost between $500 and $900 for each one,
4. Dental Veneers
These are custom-made, wafer thin shells that are made of resin or porcelain that are tooth colored and cover the teeth’s front surface. After approximately ½ millimeter of the tooth’s enamel is removed, the shells then are cemented to the tooth’s front, changing their size, length, shape or color. They’re often referred to as Hollywood Teeth and they cost from $500 to $1,300 for each tooth.
5. Inlays & Onlays
These are also known as indirect fillings and they’re made of porcelain, composite materials or gold and they fill teeth that are damaged or decayed. Unlike fillings which are molded during your visit, they’re made in a dental lab ad they’re bonded by the dentist. The filling is called an inlay when it’s bonded in the tooth’s center. It’s known as the onlay when the filling will include at least one of the tooth’s points or it covers the tooth’s biting surface. Onlays and inlays will preserve some of the healthy part of your tooth, as much as possible, and they’re a crown alternative. They will cost between $650 and $1,200 per each tooth.
6. Teeth Whitening
This is one of the easiest and cheapest ways that you can improve the way that your smile looks. You can bleach your teeth in the dental office for around $500 or you can also buy gels and a mold from the dentist so that it can be done at home. You also can buy over-the-counter whitening products that are in the store like whitening rinses, strips and pastes. These types of products will run anywhere from $3 to $50.
Various Other Options
Bridges are made from crowns for teeth on each side of gaps with some false teeth between. Dentures are removable replacements for teeth that are missing. Dental braces are able to straighten misaligned or crooked teeth and they work by putting continuous pressure as time goes by to move the teeth slowly in a certain direction.
There are a lot of options that you can choose from to help your teeth and smile look better. Choose the one that is best for you and your budget, and when people smile at you, you can smile back with confidence!
Need to see a dentist?
Come visit Island Coast Dentistry today! We would be happy to help you with all your dental needs. We offer many services that will help you to have a happy and healthier smile, so contact us today!