Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry in Honolulu, HI

Factors That Influence Treatment Costs

The price of cosmetic procedures is not fixed; it varies widely based on the unique needs of the patient and the specific goals they wish to achieve. Dr. Nishime takes a personalized approach, ensuring that every patient receives care tailored to their oral health and aesthetic desires.

Here are the primary variables that affect the final price:

• Complexity of the Case: The condition of your teeth and gums plays a major role. A simple case of teeth whitening for slightly stained teeth is far less expensive than a complex reconstruction requiring bone grafts and dental implants.
• Dentist’s Experience: The skill and training of the dental professionals performing the work are reflected in the cost. Dr. Nishime’s extensive experience ensures precision and longevity, which adds value to the investment.
• Materials Used: High-quality materials, such as tooth colored porcelain for dental veneers or porcelain crowns, cost more than composite resin but offer superior durability and aesthetics.
• Number of Teeth: Most treatment costs are calculated per tooth. Treating the six front teeth with porcelain veneers will naturally cost less than a full smile makeover involving the upper and lower arches.
• Geographic Location: The cost of running a high-tech office in Honolulu affects pricing compared to rural areas.

The Cost of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is often the most affordable and accessible entry point into cosmetic dentistry. It is an excellent option for patients looking to brighten discolored teeth caused by age, coffee, or tobacco.

• Professional Whitening vs. OTC: While over-the-counter strips are cheap, professional whitening performed at our office offers faster, safer, and more dramatic results.
• Investment: The cost is relatively low compared to other cosmetic treatments, offering a high return on investment for those wanting a quick boost to their appearance.

The Cost of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a cost-effective solution for repairing minor imperfections such as chipped, cracked, or slightly misshapen teeth.

• Procedure: The dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the teeth, sculpting it to the desired shape and hardening it with a special light.
• Affordability: This is one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures because it can often be completed in a single visit without the need for a dental lab.
• Limitations: While affordable, bonding is less durable than porcelain and more prone to staining, meaning it may need replacement sooner.

The Cost of Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are widely considered the gold standard for achieving a celebrity-like smile. These thin shells of porcelain are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to cover misshapen, chipped, or severely discolored teeth.

• Per Tooth Cost: The cost of dental veneers is typically charged per tooth. Because they are custom-fabricated in a lab to match your natural enamel, they represent a mid-to-high range investment.
• Longevity: Veneers are highly resistant to staining and can last 10 to 15 years or more with proper care, making them a durable long-term solution.
• Procedure: The process involves removing a small amount of enamel, taking impressions, and placing the custom veneers. The complexity of the preparation and the artistry involved influence the price.

The Cost of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns (porcelain crowns) are versatile restorations used in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. They cover the entire visible portion of a damaged tooth, providing both strength and aesthetic improvement.

• Material: Porcelain crowns or zirconia crowns offer the most natural look, eliminating the dark metal line associated with older crowns. These materials generally cost more than metal but provide a superior cosmetic result.
• Application: Crowns are often used to fill decayed teeth that are too damaged for a filling, or to restore a tooth after a root canal. They can also be used purely for cosmetic reasons to reshape a tooth.

The Cost of Dental Implants

For patients with a missing tooth, dental implants are the premier solution. While they have a higher upfront cost than bridges or dentures, their longevity and health benefits are unmatched.

• Components: The cost includes the titanium post (which fuses with the jawbone), the abutment, and the final restoration (usually a porcelain crown).
• Single Dental Implant: Replacing a single dental implant is straightforward, but costs increase if bone grafts are needed to build up the jaw volume before placement.
• Long-Term Value: Implants prevent bone loss and do not require damaging adjacent teeth, often making them the most cost-effective option over a lifetime.

The Cost of a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is a comprehensive approach that combines several factors and procedures to completely transform a person’s smile. This might include a combination of orthodontics (to fix alignment), whitening, dental veneers, and implants.

• Customization: Because a makeover is highly customized, the total cost varies significantly. Dr. Nishime creates a detailed treatment plan outlining the sequence of cosmetic dentistry treatments and the associated fees.
• Phasing Treatment: To make the cost more manageable, cosmetic procedures can often be phased over time.

Insurance and Financing Options

One of the most common questions is whether dental insurance will cover cosmetic procedures.

• Partial Coverage: Generally, insurance does not cover procedures that are purely cosmetic, like whitening or veneers. However, if a procedure also provides a restorative benefit—such as dental crowns to repair a damaged tooth or dental bonding to fix a chip caused by trauma—dental insurance may offer partial coverage.
• Financing: To help patients afford the smile of their dreams, Advanced Restorative Dentistry offers various financing options. We accept major credit cards and work with third-party financing companies to offer monthly payment plans. This allows you to pay for your treatment over time.

Why Choose Dr. Michael Nishime

When evaluating cosmetic dentists, it is crucial to look beyond the price tag. The dentist’s experience and artistic eye are paramount to achieving a natural and beautiful result. Dr. Nishime has years of training in advanced restorative dentistry, ensuring that your cosmetic dentistry procedure is performed safely and effectively.

Low-cost options often result in poor aesthetics or failures that require expensive repairs. Investing in a skilled cosmetic dentist ensures that your great smile is built to last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule Your Cosmetic Consultation

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and want to learn more about the cosmetic dentistry cost for your specific needs, we invite you to consult with Dr. Nishime: We will examine your oral health, discuss your goals, and provide a clear breakdown of the treatment costs.

Don’t let cost be a barrier to the confidence a beautiful smile brings. Contact us to discuss your options:

Call our dental practice in Honolulutoday at (808) 732-0291.