You’re probably here because you typed something like “how much does cosmetic dentistry cost” into Google. Good news: this page is built to answer that exact question—clearly, with realistic price ranges for Minnesota, and zero fluff.
Quick note on Minnesota pricing: MN practices are required to publish “standard charges” online (Minn. Stat. §62J.826). That transparency helps you compare real numbers locally. We link sources throughout.
These are typical out-of-pocket ranges before insurance or financing. Minnesota generally tracks national averages (often below coastal metros), but exact fees vary by tooth, materials, lab, and complexity.
- In-office teeth whitening: $300–$1,000 (custom trays from dentist: ~$200–$400; Zoom/laser sessions are higher).
- Dental bonding (chip/gap fix): $300–$600 per tooth (simple cases can be a bit less; complex shaping can be more).
- Tooth/Enamel contouring (reshaping): $50–$300 per tooth (for small edge refinements).
- Porcelain veneers: $1,000–$2,500 per tooth (composite veneers: $250–$1,500 per tooth).
- Crowns (cosmetic/front-tooth ceramics, zirconia, PFM): $800–$2,500 per tooth depending on material and prep needs.
- Gum contouring (for a “gummy smile”): $200–$400 per tooth (full upper smile line $1,000–$3,000).
- Invisalign® / clear aligners: $3,000–$7,000 (mild cases can be lower; comprehensive cases higher).
- Single dental implant (implant + abutment + crown): $3,100–$5,800 per tooth (more with bone graft/sinus lift).
Looking for the lowest-cost local option? University and dental-school clinics (e.g., University of Minnesota School of Dentistry) often charge less than private practices for some services—worth a call if you’re price-sensitive.
Why Minnesota prices can differ (even for the same procedure)
- Material + lab quality: Premium ceramics (e.max/zirconia) and boutique labs raise crown/veneer fees.
- Case complexity: Bigger chips require more bonding time; darker baseline shade may need multi-visit whitening; implants can need grafting.
- Metro vs. non-metro overhead: Twin Cities / Roseville overhead nudges fees toward the middle of national ranges; greater MN can be lower. (Use each office’s posted “standard charges” for apples-to-apples.)
Mini buyer’s guide (so you don’t overpay)
Whitening
- When to pick: Uniform yellowing, no major repairs needed.
- What to budget in MN: $300–$1,000 in-office; $200–$400 custom trays.
- Pro tip: Start with trays → maintain with strips/pens to keep lifetime costs down.
Bonding vs. Veneers
- Bonding: Great for one-to-two chips/gaps; $300–$600/tooth; lasts ~5–10 years, easy to touch up.
- Veneers: Best for color + shape + alignment changes across multiple teeth; $1,000–$2,500/tooth.
Crowns
- When cosmetic + structural strength is needed (cracks, big fillings). Expect $800–$2,500 per tooth depending on material/lab.
Gum contouring
- For a high/uneven gumline: $200–$400 per tooth; full smile line $1,000–$3,000. (Often not covered unless medically necessary.)
Orthodontics (clear aligners)
- Mild crowding/spaces: lower end of $3,000–$7,000; comprehensive cases trend higher.
Implants
- Gold standard for a missing tooth. MN pricing commonly falls in the $3,100–$5,800 all-in range; add cost if grafting is required.
“Does insurance cover this?”
- Purely cosmetic (whitening, veneers, cosmetic contouring): typically not covered.
- Restorative with function (crowns, some bonding, implants components): plans may partially cover portions (often with annual maxes). Invisalign coverage varies by plan.
- FSA/HSA: Commonly allowed for medically necessary dental; whitening is usually not eligible for FSA.
How to get your exact number (fast)
- Check “Standard Charges” on any Minnesota office’s website (state-required). Screenshot or save the PDF.
- Ask for a written estimate with CDT codes (lets you compare apples to apples).
- Confirm lab/materials (e.max vs zirconia; local vs national lab) because that’s where price/quality diverge.
- If budget is tight, price out dentist-supervised alternatives (e.g., trays vs. in-office whitening; bonding vs. veneer) first.
- Consider a dental-school clinic for lower fees if timing is flexible.
Why Designing Smiles publishes ranges (and what happens at your consult)
- We want Minnesotans to have realistic expectations before they sit down.
- At your consult we’ll:
- Do photos + a quick scan, discuss goals, review options at multiple price points
- Provide a written plan with line-item pricing and timeline
- Walk you through insurance estimates, FSA/HSA, and financing if helpful
Have a number in mind already?
Bring any estimate and we’ll match plan-to-plan (materials, lab, and scope) or show you how to save without compromising results.
Questions? Send us your “how much” question (even if it’s “how much are veneers” or “typical crown cost”) and a photo of your smile. We’ll reply with a sanity-checked ballpark of cost.
Sources
- Minnesota Legislature – Minn. Stat. §62J.826 – Standard charges for health care services
- University of Minnesota School of Dentistry – Patient Care Pricing
- American Dental Association – 2024 Survey of Dental Fees
- Healthline – Teeth Whitening Cost Guide
- Colgate Oral Care Center – Dental Bonding Costs
- WebMD – Dental Veneers and Crowns Pricing
- Smile Prep – Invisalign Cost in Minnesota
- Dental Economics – Cost Factors for Dental Implants
- RealSelf – Gum Contouring Price Range
Dr. Deborah Fung earned her dental degree with honors in 1992 from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. In addition to serving as a dental officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard for 12 years, she has also continued her education in many areas of dentistry, including orthodontics, endodontics (root canal therapy), implants, cosmetic dentistry, and oral surgery.
