How much does dental bonding cost?

Key takeaways on dental bonding:

• Dental bonding is a versatile cosmetic dentistry procedure that can enhance your smile.
• It can repair a chipped tooth, discoloration, or minor misalignments like a gap between teeth.
• Dental insurance typically does not cover cosmetic treatments such as bonding.
• Many dental savings plans do include savings on cosmetic treatments.

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of the teeth. The resin, made of a durable plastic material, is carefully molded and sculpted to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Bonding can be used to:

• Repair chipped or cracked teeth
• Close gaps between teeth
• Reshape misaligned teeth
• Protect teeth roots exposed by gum recession
• Cover discoloration or stains that can’t be removed by bleaching,
• Provide a more natural-looking replacement for old silver dental fillings

The average cost* of dental bonding for cosmetic purposes is between $300 and $600 per tooth. But these costs can vary widely. For example, if you have a small chip in a front tooth, the cost of bonding may be $100-$150. Prices will also vary according to the complexity of the treatment, topping out at about $1,000 per tooth. For more information about prices, explore our article, what is cosmetic dentistry.

Dental insurance plans may cover some of the cost of dental bonding – when it is needed as part of a medical treatment. If bonding is for purely cosmetic purposes, dental insurance will rarely cover the cost.

Many dental savings plans do reduce the cost of cosmetic care, from bonding to other treatments such as whitening, ceramic overlays and dental implants. (yes, dental implants are typically considered a cosmetic treatment.)

How does dental bonding work?

Dental bonding is a relatively simple and non-invasive procedure that can usually be completed in a single visit to the dentist. The process begins with a thorough examination of the teeth to determine if dental bonding is the appropriate treatment option. If so, the dentist will select the shade of resin that best matches the patient’s natural teeth.

Next, the tooth’s surface is prepared by roughening it slightly to ensure better adhesion of the resin. A conditioning liquid is then applied to the tooth, followed by the application of the composite resin. The dentist skillfully molds and shapes the resin to achieve the desired outcome. Once the resin is in place, a curing light is used to harden each layer of the material. After the resin has hardened, the dentist trims and polishes it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.

The entire dental bonding procedure typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour per tooth, depending on the complexity of the treatment needs. In some instances, multiple teeth can be bonded in a single visit.

Benefits of dental bonding

Dental bonding offers numerous advantages, making it a popular choice for patients seeking cosmetic improvements. Some key benefits include:

Appearance – Dental bonding effectively conceals imperfections such as chips, cracks, stains, and discoloration, resulting in an enhanced and more uniform smile.

Minimally invasive – Unlike procedures like veneers or crowns, dental bonding requires minimal removal of natural tooth enamel, preserving the integrity of the tooth structure.

Quick and convenient – Dental bonding can typically be completed in a single visit to the dentist, providing immediate results and saving you valuable time.

Cost-effective – Compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, dental bonding is a more affordable option, making it accessible to a wider range of patients. Explore other low-cost dental solutions.

How long does dental bonding last?

The lifespan of dental bonding depends on various factors, including your oral hygiene habits, eating habits, and oral health maintenance. With proper care and a little caution, dental bonding can last for several years, but research how long dental work can last, for more information.

To prolong the life of your dental bonding, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene practices. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (talk to your dentist about the right toothpaste to use after bonding, they may want you to use a less-abrasive toothpaste), flossing daily, and visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

Avoiding habits such as nail-biting, chewing on ice or hard objects, and opening packages with your teeth can also help prevent damage to the bonded teeth. Your dentist may also advise you to avoid or reduce your consumption of liquids that tend to stain teeth, such as dark coffee, red wine, cola soft drinks, soy sauce, and similar items.

In cases where the bonded teeth are exposed to excessive wear or damage, the resin may need to be repaired or replaced. If you notice any chips, cracks, or changes in color, talk to your dentist.

Comparing Dental Bonding to Other Cosmetic Dental Options

Cosmetic dental bonding offers a quick solution for minor repairs like a chipped tooth or discolored tooth, but for more extensive cosmetic changes, options like dental veneers or dental crowns might be recommended. Veneers cover the entire front surface, making them ideal for more visible and uniform changes, while crowns provide a protective cap over the entire tooth structure, useful for a damaged tooth or decayed tooth.

For patients who want both functional and aesthetic improvement, dental bonding treatment can be combined with other cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as teeth whitening. Consulting a family dentistry provider will help you weigh the benefits of each treatment based on durability, cost, and appearance.

Affordable dental bonding

While bonding is one of the least expensive ways to restore a smile, it can still put a dent in your budget. And, as noted above, dental insurance likely won’t cover this procedure since dental bonding is often considered a cosmetic dentistry procedure. So, you’ll likely have to pay the full cost out of pocket.

In contrast, a dental savings plan can help you get affordable dental care, even for cosmetic procedures like dental bonding. Plan members report average savings of 50%*.

Fixing a cracked, chipped or otherwise damaged tooth can restore your confidence and reduce the cost of dental bills down the road. Chips and cracks get bigger as time passes, potentially exposing the tooth to decay and gums to infection. Delaying can result in discomfort, pain, and even tooth loss. Dental savings plans offer quick activation, no annual limits, and tend to be more flexible than dental insurance.

Find your perfect plan at DentalPlans.com, the largest dental plan marketplace with more than 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare. We make it easy to find the plan that fits your specific needs. Call us at 1-833-735-0399 with any questions or to receive a personalized plan recommendation.

Want to know right now how much you can save with a dental savings plan? Use the calculator below.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan. All cost averages obtained from DentalPlans.com procedure search tool, and independent research.