How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Chipped Tooth? Your Friendly Guide To Prices & Options

That sinking feeling when you feel a sharp edge on your tooth—or worse, hear a crack—can make anyone worry. Maybe you bit on something hard, tripped, or felt a jagged spot while brushing. Now you have a chipped tooth and a lot of questions. The main one: How much do dentists charge to fix a chipped tooth?

If you’re not sure if you need to fix it right away, what it’ll cost, or what choices you have, you’re not alone. Chipped teeth happen to everyone, from kids playing rough to adults munching on snacks. Fixing that chip is important for both your health and your smile, but knowing how and how much can feel confusing. Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through everything in simple words you can trust.

Why Fixing a Chipped Tooth Is Important

Let’s start simple. Is it really needed to fix a chipped tooth? In short—yes, and here’s why.

Health problems:

Even small chips can open up the softer inside part of your tooth called dentin. Think of your tooth’s outside as a raincoat; once it’s ripped, water gets in. For your tooth, that means sudden pain with hot or cold food. If the chip gets bigger, germs can sneak in, causing cavities, infection, or even bigger repairs like root canals or having to pull the tooth.

Looks (your smile):

If it’s a front tooth, a chip can make you hide your smile. Even tiny chips are easy to see.

How your teeth work:

A chipped back tooth can mess with chewing. If your bite gets uneven, it can hurt your jaw or wear out other teeth—like driving with a flat tire.

Bottom line:

Fixing your chipped tooth soon isn’t just about looks. It’s a smart move for comfort and the health of your mouth.

Your Choices for Fixing a Chipped Tooth (and Their Costs)

When you visit the dentist, they’ll look at the chip: Is it small or big? Which tooth? Is it just the outside or did it go deeper? These things, and your own choices, help decide the best fix.

Here are the most common ways to fix it, what they’re good for, and about how much they cost.

A. Dental Bonding (Composite Resin)

What is it?

Bonding is the most common fix for small to medium chips, especially up front. The dentist puts on tooth-colored filling stuff, shapes it, then hardens it with a special light.

Average cost:

$300 – $800 per tooth

Good things:

Fast (about 30-60 minutes)
Often doesn’t need numbing
Looks natural, cheaper

Not-so-good:

Not as strong as porcelain
Can stain (coffee, tea, soda, wine)
Might need redone every 3–5 years

Best for:

Small chips or cracks, if you want a quick, not-too-expensive fix.

B. Porcelain Veneers

What are they?

Thin shells of porcelain that cover the front part of your tooth—like a fake nail for your tooth. Good for medium chips that hurt your smile, or if you want a major change.

Average cost:

$900 – $2,500+ per tooth

Good things:

Look awesome, very natural
Hard to stain
Can last 10–15 years

Not-so-good:

Expensive
Some enamel (the hard outside) has to be removed for them to stick (can’t undo)
Usually “cosmetic,” so insurance rarely pays

Best for:

If the chip shows when you smile and looks are most important, and you’re okay paying more. Want to know how veneers are made? Here’s what a veneer lab does.

C. Dental Crowns (Caps)

What are they?

Crowns cover the whole tooth. Think of a crown as a hard hat for a tooth that’s badly broken, painful, or cracked deep.

Average cost:

$800 – $3,000+ per tooth

Good things:

Super strong, good for chewing
Can last a really long time
Fixes both looks and use

Not-so-good:

More costly, especially if you need a root canal too
Two dentist visits, because a lab makes the crown
More tooth needs to be filed down

Best for:

Big chips, teeth that hurt, deep cracks, or weak teeth.

D. Enameloplasty / Tooth Recontouring

What is it?

If the chip is tiny—just a bit rough—the dentist can file and smooth it. No filling stuff needed.

Average cost:

$50 – $200

Good things:

Quick and not painful
Very cheap
Good for just fixing small edges

Not-so-good:

Only for really small chips
Takes away a bit of enamel, can’t replace it

Best for:

If you barely notice the chip and it doesn’t bother you.

E. Dental Filling (Composite)

What is it?

If the chip is deeper (down to the yellowish part), the dentist may use filling material. Looks like bonding but is a bit stronger and keeps out germs.

Average cost:

$150 – $400

Good things:

Quick and strong
Matches your tooth
Usually insurance pays part

Not-so-good:

Sometimes needs a bit more drilling
Not as nice in looks for bigger front tooth chips

Best for:

Deep chips, or those that hurt or are sensitive.

Quick Reference Table: Typical Chipped Tooth Repair Costs (US Averages)

Repair Type	Best for	Average Cost (USD)	How Long	Insurance?
Dental Bonding	Small/medium chips, front teeth	$300 – $800	30–60 min	50–80% (if not just for looks)
Porcelain Veneer	Front chips, best looks	$900 – $2,500+	2 visits	Not often
Dental Crown	Big/broken teeth, molars, root canal teeth	$800 – $3,000+	1–2 visits	50%+ (if needed for health)
Enameloplasty/Recontouring	Tiny chips, rough edges	$50 – $200	15–30 min	Maybe, depends
Composite Filling	Deeper chips, any tooth	$150 – $400	30–60 min	50–80% (if health reason)
Emergency Visit Fee	Bad chip/pain, urgent care	$75 – $250	30–60 min	May cover exam/tests
X-rays	To see chip depth	$25 – $200/set	5–15 min	Often covered
Consultation	Looking at the chip, plan next steps	$50 – $150	15–30 min	Usually, or applied to repair

(Prices can go up or down based on where you are, how much experience the dentist has, and how tricky your tooth is. For your own true price, always ask your dentist.)

What Changes the Price? Easy Facts

Feeling worried by those numbers? Here’s why chipped tooth repair can cost more or less.

1. How Big and Where the Chip Is

Tiny chips = Fast, cheap fixes like smoothing or bonding.
Big/deep chips = More work, more cost.
Front teeth = Need to look perfect, so more expensive.
Back teeth = Need to be strong. Crowns can cost more.

2. Your City or Town

Just like rent, dentist prices are higher in big cities.

3. Which Dentist You See

General dentists = Usually cheaper.
Specialists/cosmetic experts = Often more, but you get extra skill.

4. Material Used

Filling stuff (resin) is cheaper, but might not last forever.
Porcelain, zirconia, or e.max are costlier but look and last better. These are often custom made at a dental ceramics lab.
Lab fees: When something is made outside of your dentist’s office, it adds to the cost.

5. Extra Things Needed

X-rays or camera pictures to see the chip clearly.
Numbing shots if the chip hurts or you’re nervous.
Emergency visits after hours can also raise the price.

6. Insurance or No Insurance

If it’s to keep your mouth healthy, insurance helps—usually pays 50–80%.
If it’s just for looks (like veneers), you pay out of pocket.
No insurance? Don’t worry, see below for tips.

How to Pay: Insurance, Payment Plans & Budget Options

Dental bills can add up, but there are ways to handle chipped tooth repair—even on a tight budget.

Dental Insurance

Insurance covers a lot when the fix is for your tooth’s health (fillings, crowns, bonding). Most plans pay 50–80%, but check for deductibles and yearly limits.

Cosmetic repairs—like veneers—aren’t usually covered.
Stay in-network if you have insurance to keep costs lowest.

Tip: Bring your insurance card when you go. Ask the office what your insurance covers before you agree to anything.

If You Don’t Have Insurance

No insurance? You’re not alone. Here are some ideas:

Payment plans: Many dentists let you pay over time with companies like CareCredit.
Dental discount plans: Pay a yearly fee and get lower rates at certain clinics.
Dental schools: Students (with teachers watching) can do simple repairs for a lot less.
Community clinics: Some have sliding fees based on your income.
Ask for a cash discount: If you pay in full, some offices give you a break.

Smart Questions to Ask

“What is the least and most I might pay here?”
“Is this fix for health or just looks?”
“Does my insurance pay for this? What will be my part?”
“Can you show me each part of the cost?”

What Happens If You Don’t Fix It?

It can be easy to delay going to the dentist. Maybe the chip is tiny, or you’re busy, or worried about money. But not fixing a chipped tooth can lead to:

Pain: A little “zing” from cold drinks now could turn into a big ache soon.
More damage: Chipped teeth are weaker and may break more. You could damage other teeth too.
Cavities/infection: Sharp spots catch germs. You could end up needing a root canal or even losing the tooth.
Problems chewing and talking: Even small chips can mess up eating or speaking.
Looks: Chips can stain or collect plaque, and stand out more over time.
Higher bills later: Waiting often means a simple fix turns into a big (and more expensive) procedure.

How to Get a Real Price (and Avoid Surprises)

Every chip and every mouth is different. Here’s how to get the real cost:

Book a consult:

Have the dentist check the chip and maybe take x-rays. Many apply this visit’s fee to your repair.

Ask for a breakdown:

Have your dentist explain all costs, one by one.

Get another opinion:

Especially for big repairs, it’s smart to ask more than one dentist.

Pro tip: Ask if a digital workflow (using a digital dental lab or a 3D dental printer) can make things cheaper or faster. If your dentist works with a china dental lab, you might even get good quality work at a lower price.

What to Do Next for Your Smile

Here’s a fast summary:

Chipped teeth are normal. Quick repairs keep your smile healthy and working well.
Costs run from $50 to $3,000+ depending on your tooth, repair type, and what you need.
What you pay changes by which tooth, what it’s made of, who does it, if you have insurance, and if you need stuff like x-rays or lab work.
Insurance usually helps if it’s for health, but not if it’s just for looks. No insurance? There are still good options.
Waiting can cost you more—in pain, lost teeth, and bigger dentist bills.

What to do next:

Noticed a chip? Don’t panic! Rinse with water, chew gently, and don’t eat hard stuff until you see a dentist.

Call a dental office you trust (or find one with good reviews). Book a checkup and bring your insurance info if you have any.

Ask for all your choices and what they cost.

Ask about payments or discounts if you’re worried about price.

Pick your best repair—staying healthy and smiling with confidence is worth it.

Your smile is important. Protect it by acting soon, asking questions, and choosing what fits your needs and wallet.

How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Chipped Tooth? Your Friendly Guide to Prices & Options

In This Article

Why Fixing a Chipped Tooth Is Important