Dental Bonding Cost

Typical costs:

• Using dental bonding techniques for a tooth-colored composite resin cavity filling costs $90-$450 or more, depending on the number of surfaces being filled. Most dental insurance covers only 50%-80% of the cost of this type of dental bonding, although in some instances insurance may cover most or all of the cost if a composite filling is used to replace a cracked or broken old silver amalgam filling.
• Cosmetic dental bonding (to repair chipped or cracked teeth, fill a small space between two teeth, or otherwise improve a smile) typically costs $300-$600 per tooth, but it can be as low as $100-$200 or as high as $800 -$1,000 per tooth depending on the complexity and extent of the bonding process, prevailing local rates, and the dentist's training, expertise and reputation. Unless it's done for structural reasons, cosmetic dental bonding is generally not covered by insurance.

• Dental bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures, and unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth it can be done without anesthesia. Composite bonds typically last about 7-11 years. WebMD.com provides an overview^[1] and a before-and-after photo^[2] (slide number 2).
• When dental bonding is used to make minor cosmetic corrections, the dentist will select a shade of resin to match the tooth; abrade or etch the tooth's surface to roughen it; lightly coat the tooth with conditioning liquid to improve the bond; apply the putty-like resin; harden it with an ultraviolet light or laser; and then trim, polish and shape the bonded material. The process takes anywhere from 30 minutes to just over an hour per tooth and Colgate.com explains how it's done^[3] .
• When dental bonding is used to install a tooth-colored filling created by a dental laboratory, the bonding process is similar but it usually requires two appointments, a mold of the patient's teeth, anesthetic and a temporary filling.

• Dental bonding is best used to make minor corrections; if more extensive work is needed, instead of bonding it might require veneers at $500-$1,300 per tooth or crowns at $500-$3,000 per tooth.

• The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research provides tips for finding low-cost dental care^[4] .
• Dental school clinics^[5] offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty. .

• WedMD lists factors to consider when choosing a dentist^[6] .
• If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists. Or get referrals to local dentists from the American Dental Association^[7] or the Amcerican Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry^[8] .

1.  www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/dental-bonding
2.  www.webmd.com/oral-health/ss/slideshow-cosmetic-dentistry
3.  www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Cosmetic-Dentistry/Bonding/Bonding...
4.  www.nidcr.nih.gov/oralhealth/popularpublications/findinglowcostdentalcare/
5.  www.ada.org/267.aspx
6.  www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/finding-dentist
7.  www.mouthhealthy.org/en/find-a-dentist.aspx
8.  www.aacd.com/index.php?module=aacd.websiteforms&cmd=memberreferral

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