What is cosmetic dentistry and how much does it cost?

The perfect teeth have always been desired, history has seen many techniques used in an attempt to improve a person’s smile. Missing teeth were commonly replaced by taken ones from another person or even animals. The desire for whiter teeth can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians who used a mixture of rock and vinegar to achieve the intended result. Whilst the Ancient Romans used urine as a bleaching agent. Modern dentistry has made huge advancements over the last 50 years and the perfect smile is not only achievable but also safe and affordable. In this blog post, we aim to help answer the question: What is cosmetic dentistry and how much does it cost?

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Using a variety of techniques and treatments cosmetic dentistry aims to improve a person’s smile. And there is a wide range of treatment options available. Cosmetic dentistry can improve the colour of the teeth right through to completely changing their shape and size. Modern dentistry has a solution for almost any cosmetic concern. Although this area of dentistry is geared towards improving a person’s smile, many treatment options can also improve a person’s overall oral health.

How much does cosmetic dentistry cost in the UK?

Due to its bespoke nature, it’s difficult to give a definitive answer as to how much cosmetic dentistry will cost in the UK. Treatment will vary from person to person depending on their individual needs, ultimately affecting the price.

You will also find that cosmetic dentistry prices will vary between clinicians in the UK. Some will use more advanced techniques, offering a more bespoke treatment option.

The initial cost of cosmetic dentistry can seem expensive but in the long run, the benefits outweigh the price tag. Many dentists will also offer payment plans to help spread the cost of your treatment. Here at Revitalise, we have a range of patient finance options to help you achieve the beautiful smile you deserve.

Although it is difficult to provide an answer as to how much cosmetic dentistry will cost, we can break down the different cosmetic treatments available.

Cosmetic dentistry for patients missing teeth

Not only can tooth loss knock a person’s confidence, but there is also a range of problems associated with gaps in the teeth. Missing teeth can affect a person’s speech, cause difficulty eating certain foods and lead to jaw bone loss.

Dental Implants

A common cosmetic treatment option for tooth loss is Dental Implants. They are designed to fully replicate the natural teeth and are considered the most efficient way to create a natural look whilst restoring the teeth to a healthy state.

Dental implants consist of a surgical procedure as they are inserted directly into the mouths jawbone, the whole process can take anywhere from 3 to 15 months to complete. The cost of dental implants will depend on the clinical situation, dependant on how many teeth need replacing and what type of implant is required. You can expect a single front tooth restored to start at around £3,500 and back teeth £3,250. A complete jaw fixed with dental implants will cost around £16,600.

With the correct care and maintenance, dental implants can last up to 30 years.

Cosmetic dentistry for patients with discoloured teeth

It’s not uncommon for teeth to become discoloured over time. There are many factors which can result in the teeth losing their natural white colour. Smoking, food, drink, injury and even certain medications can cause discolouration. Fortunately, there are treatment options available to help brighten your smile.

Dental Bleaching

Also known as teeth whitening, dental bleaching is a type of non-invasive dentistry. The process is completely safe as it makes use of the teeth’s natural functions to work. Our teeth have pores which absorb colour from the things we consume. The stains are known as chromophores. Dental bleaching works by applying a whitening gel which breaks down the chromophores and removes them from the teeth. Resulting in a whiter and healthier looking smile.

How much does it cost to get your teeth whitened? Professional dental bleaching by a qualified practitioner will cost around £500. Veneers and Crowns can also be used to improve the colour of badly discoloured teeth, which we will look at now.

Cosmetic dentistry for patients with chipped, misshapen and broken teeth

The teeth are an extremely strong part of the human body. With an outer protective layer known as the enamel, adult teeth can last a lifetime. However, like most things in life, they have their limits as to how much pressure they can take before breaking. Biting down on something hard or taking a hit to the mouth can damage your teeth. And if they have started to decay, they are even more prone to damage. With cosmetic dentistry, it’s possible to restore a broken or chipped tooth.

Dental Crowns

Designed to cover a damaged tooth using a ‘cap’, dental crowns not only improve the appearance of a person’s smile but also strengthen the damaged tooth. The cap will be created from a ceramic material and shaded to match the colour of your natural teeth. Creating a realistic look whilst restoring a badly damaged tooth.

If you are unhappy with the shape of your teeth, crowns can also be used to improve the patient’s cosmetic concern. As well as being used to improve a tooth that has been badly discoloured.

How much will a dental crown cost? Dental crowns offer a long-term, permanent solution and are fixed to a person’s tooth, using a strong adhesive. You can expect a ceramic crown to start at around £830.

Veneers

Veneers can also be used to repair a broken or chipped tooth, change its shape or improve its colour. However, unlike a crown, veneers are usually used on the front ones which are visible when speaking or smiling. The procedure is straightforward and can usually be achieved in a few sessions. Also made from ceramic, veneers offer a permanent and long term solution.

For a veneer to be successful it is ‘bonded’ to the teeth. This process will involve removing some or all of the tooth’s enamel to make room for the veneer to be placed. Then using a special adhesive combined with a high-intensity light, the veneer is placed on the tooth.

How much will a veneer cost? In the UK, you can expect a single veneer to cost between £800 – £950. With the correct care and maintenance, they will typically last up to 15 years.

Why is cosmetic dentistry cheaper abroad?

Many cosmetic dentistry treatments available in the UK are significantly cheaper abroad. It’s estimated that they can save you up to 70%. If this is the case, you might be wondering why you should choose a UK clinician.

In the UK all dental professionals must be registered with the General Dental Council who set standards that all dental practices must abide by. The purpose of the council is to ‘protect patient safety and maintain public confidence in dental services’.

When you travel abroad for cosmetic dental treatment there is no guarantee that the same standards will be met. Because of this, dentists abroad have access to cheaper supplies and may be able to bypass specific safety measures a UK dentist would need to adhere to. Normal diagnostic planning, pre-op and aftercare appointments might be absolute. As a result, they can offer cheaper work.

It’s important to keep in mind that if things do not go according to plan when receiving treatment abroad it could be costly to rectify the issues. It might also be difficult to claim compensation in the result of negligence.

Find out more

Revitalise Dental Centre believes everyone should have a beautiful smile they are confident sharing with the world. If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry and would like to discuss in more detail the options and payment plans available, book a consultation today.