In the United States, the average dental bonding cost is approximately $300. On the low end, the cost of dental bonding may be around $200 while on the high end the cost of dental bonding can be as much as $400. This article breaks down data from over 1,000 dentists from across the United States, and details the cost of dental bonding to help patients make an informed decision about their oral health. It will also discuss the different factors that can affect dental bonding costs so that patients never receive surprise bills in the mail.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding (teeth bonding) is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which a tooth-colored material is used to repair chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth. Typically, a resin is applied to the surface of the tooth and then hardened with a special light. Bonding can also be used to close gaps between teeth, change the shape of teeth, or make them look longer.
There are two types of bonding procedures: direct and indirect. Direct bonding is when the resin is applied directly to the tooth and then hardened. Indirect bonding is when a mold is made of the tooth, and the resin is then applied to the mold before being placed on the tooth. Typically, indirect bonding is used for more complex cases.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Dental Bonding?
Direct vs Indirect Bonding
As mentioned before, there are two types of bonding procedures: direct and indirect. Direct bonding is when the resin is applied directly to the tooth and then hardened. Indirect bonding is when a mold is made of the tooth, and the resin is then applied to the mold before being placed on the tooth. Direct bonding is typically less expensive than indirect bonding because it is a simpler procedure. There are also various types of indirect bonding procedures each with its own price:
- Inlays: Inlays cover the areas between the cusps of teeth
- Onlays: Onlays will cover the cusp of a tooth
- Crowns: Crowns will cover the entirety of a tooth
Number of Surfaces Involved
The number of surfaces involved in the dental bonding procedure will also affect the cost. Think of the tooth as a single dice with 6 surfaces. The more surfaces that are involved, the more expensive the procedure will be. Factors that may affect the number of surfaces involved in the dental bonding procedure include:
- The size of the area being treated: Typically, the larger the area being treated, the more surfaces will be involved.
- Location of the area being treated: A treatment area that is clearly visible, such as on a front tooth, may involve only one surface of the tooth. If you have a treatment area between your teeth, your dentist will need to go through the top of the tooth to access it, so your restoration will require two-surface.
Bonding Material Used
The type of bonding material used also affects the cost. In direct bonding, the most common type of filling material is an amalgam filling, which is made from silver and mercury. These fillings are silver in colour and clearly visible in the tooth. Amalgam fillings are less expensive than other types of fillings.
The second most common filling material is composite resin. Composite resin is a tooth-coloured material made from plastic and ceramic. These fillings are less visible in the tooth than amalgam fillings and are more expensive. However, the aesthetically pleasing appearance of composite resin fillings has made them the preferred choice for many patients.
Location of Tooth
Another factor that affects the cost of dental bonding is the location of the tooth. Teeth in the back of the mouth, such as molars, are typically more difficult to access and require more time for a dental bonding procedure. As a result, back teeth are usually more expensive than front teeth.
Location of the Dentist
The geographic location of the dentist also affects the cost of dental bonding. Dentists in rural areas typically charge less for their services than dentists in urban areas. This is because the cost of living in rural areas is usually lower than in urban areas, so dentists can charge less and still make a profit.
What is the Average Dental Bonding Cost Based on These Factors?
Although there are various factors affecting the cost of dental bonding, we can take a look at the average costs of current dentists to help inform our decision-making. The following data is from a survey completed by over 1,000 dentists from across the United States:
Direct Bonding
| Type of Direct Bonding | Average Bonding Cost ($) | Low-End Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Filling: 1 Tooth Surface | 146 | 104 | 200 |
| Silver Filling: 2 Tooth Surfaces | 182 | 130 | 250 |
| Silver Filling: 3 Tooth Surfaces | 218 | 155 | 305 |
| Silver Filling: 4 Tooth Surfaces | 257 | 180 | 362 |
| White Filling: 1 Tooth Surface (Front Teeth) | 174 | 130 | 247 |
| White Filling: 2 Tooth Surfaces (Front Teeth) | 212 | 159 | 293 |
| White Filling: 3 Tooth Surfaces (Front Teeth) | 256 | 189 | 350 |
| White Filling: 4 Tooth Surfaces (Front Teeth) | 310 | 220 | 430 |
| White Filling: 1 Tooth Surface (Back Teeth) | 191 | 144 | 260 |
| White Filling: 2 Tooth Surfaces (Back Teeth) | 242 | 180 | 332 |
| White Filling: 3 Tooth Surfaces (Back Teeth) | 295 | 218 | 401 |
| White Filling: 4 Tooth Surfaces (Back Teeth) | 344 | 250 | 472 |
Indirect Bonding
| Type of Indirect Bonding | Average Bonding Cost ($) | Low-End Cost (10th percentile) | High-End Cost (90th percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Inlay: 2 Tooth Surfaces | 917.92 | 615 | 1,290 |
| Silver Onlay: 3 Tooth Surfaces | 1,070.33 | 770 | 1,418 |
| White Inlay: 2 Tooth Surfaces | 891.25 | 600 | 1,165 |
| White Onlay: 2 Tooth Surfaces | 915.34 | 585 | 1,180 |
| White Onlay: 3 Tooth Surfaces | 968.6 | 650 | 1,250 |
| White Onlay: 4 Tooth Surfaces | 1,027.09 | 700 | 1320 |
| White Crown: 4 Tooth Surfaces* | 1,213.08 | 970 | 1,500 |
For a full breakdown of all dental procedure costs click here.
How can I get Cheap Dental Bonding?
At the end of the day, dental bindings are extremely expensive. To help reduce the cost of dental bonding there are a few options:
Dental Schools
One way to get cheap dental bonding is to go to a dental school. Dental schools are educational institutions that train students to become dentists. They typically have clinics where students can gain hands-on experience treating patients. The treatments provided at these clinics are usually very cheap or even free. However, the downside is that students typically are much slower and less experienced than practicing dentists.
Community Dental Clinics
Another option for getting cheap dental bonding is to go to a community dental clinic. Community dental clinics are non-profit organizations that provide dental care to underserved communities. They typically offer their services at a reduced cost or even for free. However, the downside is that these clinics are often very busy and have long waitlists.
There are a few organizations that provide free dental bonding to low-income individuals. One such organization is the Dental Lifeline Network. The Dental Lifeline Network is a non-profit organization that provides free dental care to low-income seniors and people with disabilities. Another organization that provides free dental bonding is the Give a Kid a Smile Program from the American Dental Association. The Give a Kid a Smile Program is a non-profit organization that provides free dental health education, screenings, preventive care, and/or treatment for kids.
HMOs
Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are organizations that provide health insurance coverage to their members. Many HMOs have dental plans that cover the cost of dental bonding. However, the downside is that HMOs often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Dental Discount Plans
Another option for getting a cheap dental bonding is to sign up for a dental discount plan. Dental discount plans are not insurance plans, but rather membership plans that offer discounts on dental services from a network of dentists. These plans typically have an annual fee that entitles the member to a certain percentage off of dental services. The downside is that dental discount plans often have a limited network of dentists that they work with.
Disclaimer
The contents of this website, such as text, graphics, images, and other material are for informational purposes only and are not intended to be substituted for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Nothing on this website constitutes the practice of medicine, law or any other regulated profession.
No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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