Fixing a Teeth Gap Cost

Last Updated on September 19, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

When it comes to eliminating or covering gaps between teeth there are many options you can choose from, and the factors you need to consider when making a decision include your budget, the root support of the teeth, and the size of the gap. In the following lines, we are going to talk about each of these options and their costs.

How much does it cost to fix a teeth gap?

There are teeth effect bands, also called teeth gap bands, that cost anywhere between $7 and $40 for 50 to 100 bands. In order to bring the teeth together you have to slip these non-latex rubber bands over the teeth, overnight. However, some dentists are warning us that closing one gap could open two new gaps, one on each side, plus the band may loosen a tooth from its socket or pull the teeth crooked, resulting in more problems. Not to mention that this process may be painful.

The gap teeth that have cavities or other problems can be covered with dental crowns made to also fill the gap. Be prepared to spend $810 to more than $3,100 per tooth for all-porcelain crowns; $510 to $2,600 per tooth for metal crowns (base metal alloy or gold alloy) and $510 to more than $1,600 per tooth for porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns. The total costs for crowns on two front teeth designed to hide a gap would be $1,100 to more than $6,100. Usually, dental insurance does not cover the costs for crowns that are considered cosmetic but may cover 50 percent of the cost in case the crown is medically deemed.

You might also like our articles on the cost of retainers, Invisalign, or braces.

A teeth gap can be caused by an overlarge frenum, which is the membrane that attaches the cheeks to the gums and jaw. This excess membrane can be trimmed through a simple procedure called a labial frenectomy. Depending on the position and size of the frenum, and the local rates, the cost of this procedure is anywhere between $260 and $1,300. However, the costs can be higher if other procedures are included, such as gum repair. Usually, the frenectomy is done after using braces to close the gap. In general, the costs related to a frenectomy are not covered by dental insurance.

If you have a small gap, you can camouflage it with dental veneers, that are tooth-colored, wafer-thin, custom-made shells. You will have to remove some of the tooth enamel for the traditional porcelain veneers, and this costs $510 to $1,200 or more per tooth, while the cost of veneers on four upper teeth would be anywhere between $2,100 and $4,600. With the ultra-thin Lumineers brand, you will not have to shave the tooth enamel, but this will be more expensive. Expect to pay $720 to $1,400 per tooth or anywhere between $2,900 and $5,600 for four front teeth. Situations in which veneers are covered by dental insurance are rare.

You can wear partial braces, known also as limited orthodontics, on only the top six front teeth in order to close the gap, if the problem is only the gap. These partial braces cost anywhere between $2,100 and $3,100. But if you have other tooth-related problems that have to be corrected, you will need to wear traditional full braces, and, depending on the type of braces, they cost $1,600 to more than $13,100. An orthodontist could be able to use a retainer to fix a pretty small teeth gap. Depending on the length and complexity of the treatment, a retainer would cost anywhere between $510 and $2,600.  Most dental insurance policies don’t cover braces for adults but might cover them for those up to 18 years old.

For cosmetic dental bonding, which uses a tooth-colored resin on each near tooth to fill the gap, you will have to pay anywhere between $320 and $820 per tooth. Though, depending on the local rates, the dentist’s training, and complexity, you can see prices as low as $110 to $210 or as high as $820 to $1,100 per tooth. In general, concealing a gap required bonding two teeth and this costs anywhere between $210 and $2,100. Also, usually, health insurance does not cover the bonding done for cosmetic reasons.

Important things to consider

Insurance companies will offer a list of approved orthodontists and dentists to patients who have dental insurance. Or you can find a local orthodontist or dentist on the websites of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists, or the American Dental Association.

The causes of teeth gaps can be numerous when it comes to temporary teeth, but you should know that there are vast reasons for it to occur even in permanent teeth. Depending on when it occurs, it can be determined whether it will continue to occur after the change of teeth or if there is a chance that it will disappear. When it occurs in young children who have baby teeth, there is a relatively small chance that it will persist even after they fall out and are replaced. There is also a high chance that it will disappear, due to the structure of the jaw bone.

In children, the occurrence of a teeth gap can be generated by their habits, such as thumb sucking.

In adults, however, it can form over time due to external factors that are used as habits, such as incorrect swallowing. This, if performed incorrectly, can lead to the formation of a teeth gap.

Which are the additional costs?

In case you are getting a frenectomy, cosmetic bonding, crowns, or veneers, you may have to pay extra fees for X-rays, which are anywhere between $25 and $260; dental exams, which cost $60 to more than $360; and initial teeth cleaning, that is anywhere between $80 and more than $310.

How can I save money?

Consider having your teeth gap fixed at a dental school clinic because they offer discounts for the services provided by faculty or supervised students.

Also, you can find some tips on how to find cheap dental care on the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) website.