Feeling that dreaded crunch and realising a piece of your tooth has chipped off can be stressful, not just because of the pain, but because your mind immediately jumps to, “How much is this going to cost?”
The truth is, the price to fix a cracked or chipped tooth depends on what kind of damage you’re dealing with, the tooth’s location, and the treatment you choose. The good news? There are several great options to restore your smile and not all of them will break the bank.
Let’s walk you through the common types of tooth damage, treatment options (including dental implants and veneers), and what affects the cost.
What Kind of Tooth Damage Are You Dealing With?
Not all cracked teeth are created equal. Some are minor and cosmetic, while others go deeper and affect the inner layers of the tooth.
Here are the main types:
- Small chips – just a little piece of enamel missing, often on the edge of a tooth.
- Cracks – thin lines in the enamel that can go unnoticed until you feel pain or sensitivity.
- Fractures – deeper cracks that may affect the dentin or even the nerve inside.
- Vertical root fractures – serious breaks that start below the gumline and often mean the tooth can’t be saved.
The type of damage you have plays a big role in how much it will cost to fix and how urgently you’ll need treatment.
Signs It’s Time to See a Dentist
If your tooth is cracked or chipped, don’t wait it out. Even small issues can turn into bigger problems if left untreated.
Look out for:
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Sharp edges that irritate your cheek or tongue
- Swelling in the gums near the tooth
- Discolouration or visible cracks
Even if the pain comes and goes, a cracked tooth can worsen quickly, potentially leading to infection, nerve damage, or even the need for an extraction. The sooner you act, the easier (and cheaper) it usually is to fix.
What Are Your Options for Fixing a Cracked Tooth?
There are a few ways we can repair a cracked or chipped tooth, depending on the damage.
Composite Bonding – Good for minor chips
Bonding is the most affordable option for small chips. A tooth-coloured resin is applied, shaped to match your tooth, and hardened with a special light. It’s quick, painless, and usually done in one visit.
Typical cost: Prices start at around $350 per tooth.
Porcelain Veneers – Great for front teeth with cosmetic damage
If you’ve chipped a front tooth or have multiple chips you want to cover, veneers could be the perfect fix. These thin porcelain shells are custom-made to cover the front surface of your teeth—restoring your smile while keeping it natural-looking.
Typical cost: Cost starting from $1,800. Higher upfront, but they offer long-lasting results.
Dental Crowns – Ideal for deeper cracks or weakened teeth
If the tooth has lost strength or a big portion has broken off, a crown is often the best solution. It covers the entire tooth, protecting it while restoring shape and function.
Typical cost: Usually more than bonding or veneers, depending on materials used. The average cost in Melbourne can vary between $1,600 – $3,000 per tooth.
Root Canal and Crown – For damage that reaches the nerve
When the crack extends into the pulp (where your tooth’s nerves live), a root canal is needed to remove the damaged tissue and prevent infection. After that, a crown is placed over the tooth.
Typical cost: More than bonding alone, but necessary for saving the tooth. When combining both procedures, the total cost can range between $2,400 and $5,000+.
Dental Implant – If the tooth can’t be saved
Sometimes, the damage is too severe and the tooth needs to be removed. A dental implant is the most durable and natural-looking replacement. It involves placing a titanium post in your jaw, topped with a custom-made crown.
Typical cost: Higher upfront cost, but it’s a permanent, long-term solution. Can start from $2,000 up to $50,000, depending on needs.
What Affects the Cost of Treatment?
A few key factors will impact how much it costs to fix a cracked tooth:
Severity of damage
Small chips are much cheaper to fix than fractures that need a crown or implant. Deeper cracks may also involve the nerve, requiring a root canal before any restoration is placed.
Which tooth is damaged
Front teeth often need more cosmetic work, especially if they’re visible when you smile. Back teeth may not require as much aesthetic detail, but they do need stronger materials to withstand chewing pressure.
Type of treatment
Bonding is the most affordable; implants are the most expensive but also the most durable. Crowns, veneers, and root canals sit in the middle and are often chosen based on both appearance and function.
Dentist’s expertise
More complex procedures may be referred to a specialist, which can add to the cost. A highly experienced provider may also charge more, but their precision often means better long-term outcomes.
Materials used
Premium materials like all-ceramic crowns or porcelain veneers tend to cost more. These options usually offer better aesthetics and durability, especially in visible areas.
Insurance coverage
Depending on your private health insurance, some of the cost may be covered — especially if the damage is functional, not just cosmetic. Cosmetic-only repairs are often considered out-of-pocket expenses.
Payment Options and Insurance
Worried about the price tag? You’re not alone.
At Lifestyle Smiles, we know dental treatment can be a significant investment. That’s why we offer flexible payment plans so you can spread the cost over time. We also accept most major health funds, and our team is happy to help you understand what’s covered.
Can You Manage the Pain in the Meantime?
If you can’t get to the dentist right away, there are a few things you can do:
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease discomfort
- Avoid chewing on that side of your mouth
- Steer clear of hard, crunchy, or hot/cold foods
- Use dental wax (available at most chemists) to cover sharp edges
- Rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean
These are temporary measures, though. If your tooth is cracked or chipped, you’ll still need professional treatment as soon as possible.
Preventing Future Damage
Once your tooth is fixed, it’s worth taking a few extra precautions to avoid cracking it again:
- Don’t use your teeth to open packaging (we see this all the time!)
- Avoid chewing ice or hard lollies
- Wear a custom mouthguard during sport
- If you grind your teeth, ask us about a nightguard
Regular dental check-ups are your best line of defence. We can spot tiny cracks before they turn into something bigger—and more expensive.
Let’s Restore Your Smile
Whether it’s a small chip or a more serious fracture, there’s always a solution—and we’ll help you find the one that suits your smile, your lifestyle, and your budget.
If you’ve cracked a tooth and you’re not sure what to do next, Book an appointment by calling us at 03 9593 1811 to schedule your consultation at our Brighton dental clinic. We’ll assess the damage, talk you through your options, and create a plan that gets your smile back on track—with as little stress (and cost) as possible.
