Dental care is an important part of your overall health but it can also be expensive. If you need major dental work such as dental implants, crowns or braces, the costs can add up quickly. Some people turn to dental financing to help cover these expenses.
Understanding the costs of different dental treatments can help you plan ahead and find the best options for your budget.
The cost of dental implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. They look and function like real teeth making them a long-term solution for many patients. However, they can also be quite expensive, and additional procedures—such as a bone graft—may be needed to ensure a strong foundation for the implant, adding to the overall cost.
- Single dental implant: Can cost between $3,000 and $4,500. This includes the implant itself, the abutment (the piece that connects the implant to the crown) and the crown (the artificial tooth).
- Full mouth implants: Can cost around$60,000 depending on the materials.
Bone grafting: Some patients may need a bone graft if their jawbone is too weak or thin to support an implant. This procedure helps strengthen the jaw but can cost anywhere between $300 to $800 on average and lengthen the treatment process.
While dental implants are costly, they are durable and can last a lifetime with proper care making them a good investment in oral health.
Cost of dental crowns
A dental crown is a cap placed over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, size and function. Crowns can be made from different materials which affects the price.
- Metal crowns: $600-$3,000
- Porcelain or zirconia crowns: $800-$3,000
- Porcelain crown fused to metal: $500-$1,500
- Composite resin crowns: $400-$800
Cost of dental bridges
A dental bridge is used to replace one or more missing teeth by anchoring to adjacent teeth. The cost depends on the number of teeth replaced and the type of materials used.
- Traditional dental bridge: $2,000-$5,000
- Maryland bridge: $1,500 to $2,500
- Implant-supported bridge: $4,000 -$16,000
- Cantilever bridge: $2,000-$5,000
Cost of dentures
Dentures are another option for replacing missing teeth, especially for those who need to replace multiple or all of their teeth.
Partial dentures:
- Resin based: $800-$2,700
- Metal cast: $1,300-$3,100
- Interim: $450-$1,100
- Flexible: $900-$2,500
Full dentures:
- Immediate: $1,000-$3,500
- Traditional: $1,000-$3,000
- Interim: $300-$2,000
Cost of braces and clear aligners
Both traditional braces and clear aligners are common dental treatments for straightening teeth and correcting certain bite-related issues. The cost can vary depending on the type of treatment you choose.
- Traditional metal braces: $1,800-$8,500
- Ceramic braces: $2,000-$10,000
- Lingual braces: $5,000-$13,000
- Self-ligating: $2,500-$8,000
- Clear aligners: $1,100-$9,500
How to pay for dental treatments
Getting the dental treatment you need is important for your overall health, so if financing is an issue you could look into several options. Here are a few to help make treatment more affordable:
- Personal loans: A personal loan is money you borrow from a bank, credit union or online lender. When you take out a loan, you agree to pay back a set amount over time, including interest, which is the cost of borrowing. You usually make monthly payments until the loan is fully paid off. Most personal loans have fixed interest rates so your payment stays the same each month.
- Medical credit cards: Some companies offer credit cards designed for healthcare costs including dental expenses. These medical credit cards often have special financing options like zero-interest plans if you pay the balance in full within a set time. However, if you miss a payment, high interest rates may apply.
- Dental financing through your dentist: Some dental offices offer in-house financing or partner with third-party lenders to provide payment plans. This option allows you to break up the total cost into smaller monthly payments instead of paying everything upfront. Be sure to ask about interest rates and fees that may be added to your total balance.
Each option has it’s benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to compare them and choose the one that best fits your budget and financial situation. You should also consider eligibility criteria to ensure you qualify.
Dental work is crucial for your health
Taking care of your smile is a crucial investment in your overall health and confidence. The cost of dental implants and other treatments can vary, but there are many ways to make them more affordable upfront.
By learning about the costs and your options, you could find a way to get the care you need. No matter your budget, a healthy and bright smile is possible!
Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of [publisher] or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
