Fixing a chipped or broken tooth in Melbourne costs anywhere from $100 for minor dental bonding to $5,000 or more if the damage reaches the nerve and requires root canal treatment plus a dental crown. The chipped tooth repair cost depends entirely on the extent of the damage and what treatment your tooth actually needs.
All costs on this page are indicative. Full costs will be discussed with your dentist prior to treatment and may vary based on your individual case.
At Gorgeous Smiles in Melbourne CBD, dental bonding starts from $100, composite veneers start from $100 per tooth, porcelain veneers from $2,000, and dental crowns from $2,000. A small cosmetic chip repaired with bonding can be done in a single appointment for under $500. A deeper crack requiring a crown runs $2,000 to $2,500. If the fracture has exposed the nerve, root canal treatment is needed before the crown, pushing the total significantly higher.
We walk through each scenario, the treatment it requires, and the cost at each level in the sections below. An examination gives you a clear diagnosis and quote before any work starts.
Here's what each treatment costs at our Melbourne CBD dental practice.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
| Treatment | Price at Gorgeous Smiles | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Dental bonding | $100 to $850 | Minor chips, small cosmetic repairs |
| Composite veneer | $100 to $850 per tooth | Larger chips on front teeth |
| Porcelain veneer | $2,000 to $2,500 per tooth | Significant cosmetic restoration, front teeth |
| Dental crown | $2,000 to $2,500 per tooth | Structural damage, cracked teeth |
| Root canal + crown | $3,500 to $5,500+ | Crack reaching the nerve |
| Tooth extraction | $300 to $700 | Tooth cannot be saved |
| Dental implant + crown | $4,500 to $5,550 | Replacing a lost tooth |
| Comprehensive examination | $95 | Initial assessment |
Not all chipped teeth need expensive dental treatments. Many minor chips are repaired with bonding in a single appointment. The examination is where your dental professional assesses the damage, takes X-rays if needed, and provides a clear quote before any work begins.
A small piece of tooth enamel has broken off, leaving a rough or sharp edge. There's no sensitivity, no pain. Minor chipped teeth like these are among the most straightforward dental repairs.
Bonding is the usual treatment here. One to three appointments including the consult and follow-up, often with no anaesthetic needed. The dentist applies tooth coloured resin, shapes it to match your natural tooth, and hardens it with a curing light. The composite resin bonds directly to the tooth surface. Small chip, small gap, minor stain on a tooth that's mostly healthy — this is what bonding is designed for.
Larger than a surface chip. You may feel tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods because the dentin layer beneath the enamel is now exposed. A chipped or cracked tooth at this stage needs attention within a few days to prevent further damage.
For front teeth with bigger colour or shape concerns where the tooth is still mostly strong, a composite or porcelain veneer may provide a more comprehensive cosmetic restoration than bonding alone. Composite veneers take 3 to 5 appointments including the consult and follow-up. If the chip is on a back tooth or the remaining tooth structure is compromised, a dental crown provides full coverage and protection.
The crack extends beyond the surface into the body of the tooth. You may feel a sharp pain when biting down on the chewing surface, or the tooth may react to temperature changes. Cracked teeth at this severity are at risk of splitting if left untreated.
A dental crown is usually needed to hold the damaged tooth together and stop the crack spreading. If the crack has reached the nerve, root canal therapy is required before the crown is placed. Crown treatment runs 2 to 5 appointments, though same-day crowns are possible in some cases with in-house technology.
The entire tooth has broken significantly, possibly below the gum line, or has split vertically. Severely damaged teeth and fractured teeth at this level often cannot be restored.
If enough tooth structure can be saved, root canal plus crown. If the tooth has a vertical root fracture or the break extends below the root, tooth extraction is likely the only option, followed by a dental implant or dental bridge to replace the missing natural tooth.
Small fix with a mostly healthy tooth: bonding. Cosmetic front tooth restoration where the tooth is still strong: veneer. Significant damage, weakened tooth, heavily filled tooth, or post root canal: crown. Your dental professional's assessment guides the recommendation based on the clinical findings for your specific case.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
| Treatment | Cost Range | Longevity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental bonding | $100 to $850 | 6 months to 5 years | Minor chips, quick cosmetic fix |
| Composite veneer | $100 to $850 per tooth | 5 to 15 years | Front tooth chips, cosmetic improvement |
| Porcelain veneer | $2,000 to $2,500 per tooth | 5 to 15 years | Significant front tooth damage, long-term aesthetics |
| Dental crown | $2,000 to $2,500 per tooth | 5 to 15+ years | Structural cracks, back teeth, post root canal |
| Root canal + crown | $3,500 to $5,500+ | 10 to 20+ years | Crack reaching the nerve |
Longevity across all repair types depends on oral hygiene practices, whether you grind your teeth, and regular dental check-ups. Dental bonding is the most affordable upfront but requires more frequent replacement than porcelain veneers or dental crowns. For a minor chip on a front tooth, bonding is often appropriate. It's conservative and easily replaced if it wears over time. For structural damage on a back tooth that takes heavy force, a dental crown is typically the more durable option.
Depending on the severity of the chip, untreated damage can progress over time. Exposed tooth structure may weaken under normal chewing pressure. Bacteria can enter through the damaged enamel and tooth decay can develop at the chip site. What starts as a cosmetic concern may become a structural problem.
However, not all chips progress at the same rate, and some minor chips may remain stable for extended periods. Your dentist will assess whether the chip requires prompt treatment or can be monitored at your examination.
Here's how costs can change if damage progresses:
Minor chip fixed promptly: Dental bonding, $100 to $850. One to three appointments.
If the crack extends over time: The tooth may eventually need a crown at $2,000 to $2,500.
If infection develops: Root canal treatment plus a crown, totalling $3,500 to $5,500 or more.
If the tooth can't be saved: Extraction ($300 to $700) plus a dental implant ($4,500 to $5,550) to replace the tooth. Total of $4,800 to $6,250, with a treatment timeline of 3 to 6 months.
Your dentist will assess the severity of the chip at your examination and advise whether treatment is needed now or whether monitoring is appropriate.
All dental treatments carry risks. Risks vary by treatment type. Dental bonding may chip, wear, or stain over time and may need replacing. Veneer placement involves some enamel removal, which is irreversible for traditional veneers. Crown preparation requires significant reshaping of the natural tooth. Root canal treatment carries risks including infection, instrument fracture within the canal, incomplete cleaning of the canal system, and the possibility that retreatment or extraction may be needed. Tooth extraction carries risks including pain, swelling, dry socket, infection, and nerve damage. Dental implant surgery carries risks including implant failure, infection, and nerve damage.
Your dentist will discuss all risks specific to the treatment recommended for your case before proceeding.
For full information about risks and potential side effects, please visit our treatment risks page: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
You're in significant pain, the tooth is bleeding or the surrounding soft tissue is swollen, a large piece of tooth has broken off exposing the nerve, the tooth feels loose, or sharp edges are cutting into your tongue, cheek, or gum. Broken teeth with nerve exposure or looseness need same-day attention. Call Gorgeous Smiles immediately on (03) 9042 0483.
It's a small chip with no pain, there's a rough edge causing minor irritation but no bleeding, or the damage is cosmetic only and the tooth feels solid and stable. Schedule an appointment within a few days. Even when a chipped or cracked tooth isn't painful, your dentist should assess whether treatment is needed to prevent the damage from worsening.
Cost note: emergency and after-hours appointments can add 20 to 40 percent to the same treatment done during a scheduled visit. If the chip isn't causing pain and nothing is loose or bleeding, booking a regular appointment is less expensive while still getting timely dental care.
While you wait: smooth any sharp edge with sugar free chewing gum or dental wax (available from pharmacies). Avoid biting on the damaged tooth and stick to soft foods on the opposite side. Take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.
Dental insurance coverage for a chipped tooth depends on whether the repair is categorised as general, major, or cosmetic dental work.
General Dental (bonding, dental fillings): most private health insurance extras policies cover these at 50 to 80 percent, with shorter waiting periods of 2 to 6 months. For a $500 bonding, you might pay $100 to $250 out of pocket with decent cover.
Major Dental (dental crowns, root canal treatment): only mid-to-top-tier extras policies include Major Dental. Waiting periods are longer (usually 12 months), and annual limits of $1,000 to $2,000 mean dental insurance coverage won't cover the full cost.
Cosmetic (veneers): many dental insurance policies exclude cosmetic procedures entirely. Check with your fund before assuming any coverage.
Request a written treatment plan with ADA item numbers before starting treatment, then submit it to your health fund for a pre-treatment estimate. You'll know your exact out of pocket cost before committing to anything.
For bonding under $850, most patients pay on the day. For dental crowns, root canal plus crown, or veneer treatments where the total exceeds $1,000, Gorgeous Smiles offers interest free payment plans through AfterPay, Humm, and Zip. A $3,000 root canal and crown spread over 12 months works out to roughly $58 per week.
All costs are indicative. Full costs will be discussed prior to treatment.
Whether it's a minor chip or a more significant crack, the first step is a comprehensive examination where your dental professional assesses the extent of the damage, takes X-rays if needed, and provides a clear treatment plan with costs. Your dentist will also discuss all risks involved in the recommended treatment. Emergency appointments are usually available for urgent dental injuries.
For full information about treatment risks, please visit: https://www.gorgeoussmiles.com.au/treatment-risks/
Gorgeous Smiles Melbourne CBD | 121 Exhibition St | Book online or call (03) 9042 0483
No. Unlike bone, tooth enamel doesn't regenerate. A chipped tooth will remain damaged. Your dentist will assess whether the chip requires treatment or can be monitored.
For minor chips, bonding is a commonly used and appropriate option. It's affordable (starting from $100 at Gorgeous Smiles), completed in one to three appointments, minimally invasive, and preserves your natural tooth structure.
Dental bonding is the most affordable treatment option, starting from $100 at Gorgeous Smiles. Your dentist will recommend the most conservative approach that properly addresses the tooth damage.
Most cracked teeth can be saved depending on how deep the crack extends. If the crack is above the gum line and hasn't reached the nerve, a dental crown can hold the tooth together. If the crack reaches the nerve, root canal therapy plus a crown may still save it. Extraction is only necessary when the crack extends below the gum line or the tooth has a vertical root fracture. Your dentist will assess the extent of the crack at your examination.
Minor bonding often requires no anaesthetic at all. Crown preparation and root canal procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, which is designed to prevent pain during treatment, though you may feel pressure. Post-operative discomfort varies by treatment — bonding typically involves little to no discomfort, while crown preparation and root canal treatment may involve soreness for several days. Your dentist may prescribe stronger pain relief for more complex procedures.
If the tooth is bleeding, in significant pain, loose, or a large piece has broken off, call Gorgeous Smiles immediately or visit a dental emergency provider. Dental injuries from sport are among the most common causes of chipped or broken teeth. If it's a small chip with no pain, schedule an appointment within a few days and cover any sharp edge with dental wax in the meantime.
Wear a custom mouthguard during contact sports. Avoid biting hard objects like ice, pen caps, and packaging. If you grind your teeth at night, ask about a night guard since teeth grinding is one of the leading causes of cracked and fractured teeth. Maintaining oral health through regular dental check-ups lets your dentist spot weakened teeth before they chip.
All dental treatment carries risks. The treatments described on this site may not be appropriate for your oral health. A full consultation with an AHPRA-registered dental professional is required before confirming suitability for any procedure. Individual results vary. For information about treatment risks, please visit our treatment risks page.