Updated for 2026

How much does dental work actually cost?

Clear, unbiased cost breakdowns for every major procedure — with and without insurance. No clinic. No upsell.

$100–$3,500Chipped tooth repair
$3k–$9kOverbite correction
$1k–$3.5kDental crown

Prices reflect 2026 US national averages. Individual costs vary by location, provider, and insurance.

No ads disguised as advice
Updated quarterly
Sourced from ADA data
Written for patients, not dentists

Browse by procedure

Select a treatment to see a full cost breakdown, insurance guidance, and what drives the price up or down.

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Overbite correction

Braces, Invisalign, retainers, and jaw surgery — costs broken down by severity and treatment type.

$3,000 – $40,000
See full breakdown
😬

Chipped tooth repair

Bonding, veneers, or a crown — the right fix depends on how much tooth structure is lost.

$100 – $3,500
See full breakdown
↕️

Underbite correction

Orthodontic and surgical options for correcting a lower jaw that protrudes past the upper.

$3,000 – $40,000
See full breakdown
👑

Dental crowns

Porcelain, metal, and zirconia crown costs compared with a full insurance coverage breakdown.

$1,000 – $3,500
See full breakdown

Veneers

Porcelain vs. composite veneer costs per tooth, full smile pricing, and longevity comparison.

$500 – $2,500 / tooth
See full breakdown
🔲

Braces

Metal, ceramic, lingual, and self-ligating braces — full cost guide for teens and adults.

$3,000 – $8,000
See full breakdown
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Invisalign

Lite, Moderate, and Comprehensive tier pricing — what you'll actually pay at each level.

$3,000 – $9,000
See full breakdown
🪛

Root canal

Front tooth vs. molar costs, what the crown on top adds, and how insurance typically splits it.

$700 – $1,800
See full breakdown
🧊

Teeth whitening

In-office Zoom, take-home trays, and OTC strips — what each delivers for the price.

$20 – $1,000
See full breakdown

How we research these costs

Every number on this site comes from primary sources — not guesswork.

1

ADA survey data

We start with the American Dental Association's annual fee surveys, covering thousands of practices nationwide.

2

AAO orthodontic data

Orthodontic costs are cross-referenced with the American Association of Orthodontists' consumer survey.

3

Regional adjustments

Metro vs. rural pricing gaps are factored in. Costs in major cities typically run 20–40% higher than averages.

4

Quarterly updates

All figures are reviewed every quarter. Each page shows its last updated date so you know how fresh the data is.

Common questions

The questions patients ask most before their first consultation.

Does dental insurance cover overbite correction?

Most dental insurance plans cover 50% of orthodontic costs up to a lifetime maximum of $1,000–$2,000. If the overbite causes a documented functional problem — like chewing difficulty or TMJ pain — your medical insurer may contribute separately.

Can you fix an overbite without braces?

For mild cases, Invisalign clear aligners can correct an overbite without traditional braces. Very mild overbites sometimes respond to retainers alone. Severe or skeletal overbites typically require braces combined with rubber bands, headgear, or jaw surgery.

How much does dental bonding cost for a chipped tooth?

Dental bonding — the most affordable fix for a minor chip — costs $100–$400 per tooth and can usually be completed in a single visit. It's an excellent option for small chips on front teeth, though not as durable as a crown or veneer long-term.

Is Invisalign or braces cheaper for overbite?

They're roughly comparable — typically $3,000–$9,000 for both. Invisalign tends to cost slightly more but is less visible. For severe overbites, traditional braces may be more clinically appropriate and your orthodontist may not offer Invisalign as an option.

How long does overbite correction take?

Mild overbite correction typically takes 12–18 months. Moderate cases average 18–24 months. Severe skeletal cases requiring jaw surgery can take 2–3 years, including pre-surgical orthodontics and recovery time.

What's the cheapest way to fix a chipped tooth?

Dental bonding is the least expensive option at $100–$400 and can often be done same-day. For a very small surface chip, your dentist may be able to smooth and polish the area at no extra charge during a regular checkup.