A bright, beautiful smile can boost your confidence, enhance your appearance, and even make lasting first impressions. But what if your teeth don’t reflect the smile you desire? Cosmetic dental services offer a solution, from whitening discolored teeth to reshaping your gums or replacing missing teeth. Still, one of the most common concerns patients have before getting started is: how much will it cost?
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of cosmetic teeth surgery. From what it includes to how much each procedure might cost, we’ll help you make informed decisions about enhancing your smile.
What Is Teeth Cosmetic Surgery?
Teeth cosmetic surgery, or cosmetic dentistry, refers to dental procedures focused on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. While traditional dentistry addresses oral health and function, various types of cosmetic dental treatments are more concerned with aesthetic appeal. Common goals of cosmetic dental surgery include:
- Reshaping gums or teeth for symmetry
- Whitening stained or yellow teeth
- Fixing chips or cracks
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Replacing missing teeth
- Aligning uneven or crowded teeth

Factors Affecting Teeth Cosmetic Surgery Cost
When it comes to cosmetic dental surgery, pricing can vary widely. Understanding the factors that influence the cost can help you plan your budget more accurately.
Type of Procedure
The type of cosmetic surgery is the most significant factor. More complex surgeries, such as implants, gum grafting, or a full smile makeover, involve more time, materials, and expertise, leading to higher costs.
Dentist’s Expertise and Location
Experienced cosmetic dentists may charge more due to their advanced training, artistic skill, and proven track record. Additionally, dental practices in large cities or affluent neighborhoods often have higher fees than those in smaller towns.
Materials Used
Different materials come with different price tags. For example, ceramic veneers are more expensive than composite resin ones, but they also last longer and look more natural. High-quality implants, crowns, or bonding agents can significantly affect the overall cost.
Additional Treatments Required
Sometimes, your cosmetic procedure needs to be combined with other treatments for optimal results. This might include orthodontics, gum treatment, or even root canals. These extra steps can add to the total cost.

Ready to Enhance Your Smile?
If you’re thinking about transforming your smile but aren’t sure where to start, our expert team at Leslie North Dental is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options and work with your budget to find the best solution.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward a confident smile.
Common Teeth Cosmetic Procedures and Their Cost Range
Here’s a breakdown of popular cosmetic dental procedures and what you can expect to pay for each.
Dental Veneers (Surgical Placement)
- Porcelain veneers (with enamel reshaping): $800 – $1200 per tooth
- Composite veneers (with enameloplasty): $300 – $600 per tooth
Veneers involve reshaping the surface of your tooth before applying the veneer, which can be considered a minor surgical procedure. They’re ideal for fixing chips, stains, or gaps.
The price isn’t the only factor you should consider. Check out our article about Types of Dental Veneers to get to know your options first.

Dental Implants
Single implant: $3600 – $6500
Dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. The procedure includes surgical placement of a titanium post into the jawbone.
Decided to get dental implants? It pays off to read this article first: Essential Elements You Need to Know Before Getting a Tooth Implant

Gum Contouring
- Cost range: $50 – $400 per tooth
This procedure involves reshaping the gum line surgically to create a more symmetrical or proportional smile. It’s often used for treating a “gummy” smile.

Full Smile Makeover
Cost range: $10,000 – $30,000+
A full smile makeover is a customized combination of procedures, often including veneers, implants, crowns, and gum reshaping, to completely transform a smile.

Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dental Surgery?
In general, most cosmetic dental procedures are not covered by insurance because they are considered elective and not medically necessary. However, there are some exceptions. For example, if a dental crown or implant is necessary to restore a broken or missing tooth, part of the treatment may be covered.
Moreover, if dental work is needed after an accident, insurance may cover it as part of emergency or reconstructive care. It’s always best to check with your insurance provider to see what your plan includes.
Gum contouring can be partially covered by insurance, too. According to Healthline, gum contouring can be medically necessary for gum disease. If nonsurgical treatments like antibiotics or cleanings fail, procedures like pocket reduction or tissue regeneration may include contouring.
Conclusion
Cosmetic dental surgery can be a life-changing investment in your confidence and quality of life. While costs can vary based on the procedure, dentist, and other factors, there are options available for a wide range of budgets. Whether you’re dreaming of a symmetrical gum line or replacing missing teeth, it all starts with a personalized consultation.
At Leslie North Dental, we believe everyone deserves a smile they love. We offer flexible payment plans, expert consultations, and customized treatment strategies tailored to your needs. In addition to cosmetic dental services, we provide a variety of treatments, like root canal treatments and preventative care, such as deep cleaning, to make sure your smile is always healthy.
Don’t wait to smile with confidence. Book your personalized smile consultation at Leslie North Dental today and get started on your journey to a brighter, more beautiful you.
FAQs
How much does cosmetic dental surgery typically cost?
It depends on the procedure. Gum reshaping surgery might cost a few hundred dollars, while a full smile makeover can exceed $30,000.
What factors affect the cost of cosmetic dentistry?
The type of procedure, the dentist’s experience, location, materials used, and any necessary preparatory treatments all influence cost.
Which cosmetic dental procedures are the most expensive?
The cost of cosmetic dental treatments depends on several factors. However, dental implants and full smile makeovers tend to be the most costly due to their complexity and materials.
Are there affordable cosmetic dentistry options?
Yes! Composite veneers or partial gum contouring may be more budget-friendly than full-mouth procedures. It’s best to compare the prices of different services and then choose one that suits your budget.
Does dental insurance cover cosmetic procedures?
Typically no, unless the procedure is deemed medically necessary. Some parts may be covered if they serve a functional purpose.
Do cosmetic dentists offer financing or payment plans?
Many do! All you need to do is check with them. At Leslie North Dental, we offer flexible financing options to make your dream smile accessible.
How do the costs of veneers, bonding, and whitening compare?
Dental implants are the most costly option for replacing or treating a single tooth. Veneers are less expensive but still require a significant investment. Gum contouring surgery has the lowest cost among these procedures.
Is cosmetic dentistry a one-time expense, or will I need future treatments?
Some treatments, like implants or veneers, last many years. Others, like gum reshaping, may need maintenance depending on oral habits.
Which one of these factors do you think plays the biggest role in cosmetic dentistry pricing? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.