There is a cost associated with any type of dental work you need or want. If you have dental insurance, you pay a price each month in order to pay less in the office when you go in for routine dental work. However, when there is a problem that must be addressed, insurance often only covers part of the work. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, it is sometimes difficult to know for sure how much it will cost and what will be covered. Some cosmetic dentistry procedures can be expensive – it just depends on what type of procedure you want. The purpose of the cosmetic dentistry procedures can also impact how much it ends up costing you. If you take your time and research options in your area you may be able to find a dentist who provides options to make cosmetic dentistry more affordable.

Type of procedure

The type of cosmetic procedure you want will have a big impact on the cost. For example, professional teeth whitening will cost significantly less than getting porcelain crowns. The time, effort, and cost of supplies are all significantly different when you compare the two procedures. The other factor to consider is longevity. Teeth whitening will temporarily remove surface stains but it is only a temporary solution. On the other hand, porcelain crowns can leave you with a whiter smile for years to come. The longer life of the crowns correlates with a higher cost. If you are trying to determine if you can afford to get a cosmetic procedure, take a look at the scope of the procedure to help you come up with an estimate of the cost.

Purpose of the cosmetic dentistry

The purpose of the cosmetic procedure you want can have a big impact on how much it costs. For example, if you are getting porcelain crowns because you have teeth that are damaged or decayed, then insurance will likely pay part of the cost. The crowns help restore function to your mouth so insurance can look at them as medically necessary. However, if you choose to get porcelain veneers because you want to cover discoloration, insurance is unlikely to pay. There are a number of cosmetic procedures that are used as part of a necessary restoration. The only way to know for sure what is and what is not covered under your insurance is to give your insurance provider a call.

Options provided by the dentist

Some dentists offer specials to patients in order to make cosmetic procedures more affordable. Examples include coupons for discounts, free initial visits, and in-house dental coverage plans. If you want some cosmetic work done, ask your dentist if there are currently any special offers or coupons available.

Cosmetic dentistry can be expensive. The good news is that there are some factors that can drive down the cost of cosmetic dentistry. The first step in determining if you can afford the cosmetic dentistry procedures you want is to set up a consultation with your dentist. During that consultation, you can discuss procedure options, costs, and financing.