How much does a teeth cleaning cost without insurance?

Last updated

Short answer

A routine dental cleaning costs about $155 without insurance, with most between $100 and $265, based on Pearl's ADA fee survey data. A visit with an exam, cleaning and X-rays averages $203 in CareCredit's cost study, with a range of $50 to $350. Most PPO dental plans cover two cleanings a year at 100%.

Prices are national ranges from the sources listed below. Your price depends on your provider, location and case; confirm the cost with your provider before treatment. How we get these prices

Teeth cleaning prices in the U.S.
ItemLowHighTypicalNotes
Adult cleaning only, no insurance[1] $100$265$155 ADA code D1110
Adult cleaning, alternate estimate[3] $75$200$130
Exam, cleaning and X-rays, no insurance[2] $50$350$203
Your share with dental insurance[1] $0 Most PPO plans cover two cleanings a year at 100%
Dental hygiene school clinic, adult[4] $50 Pacific University; child cleaning $30
Deep cleaning, per quadrant[3] $169$352$242 Gum disease treatment, billed separately

Teeth cleaning cost without insurance

Without insurance you pay the office’s full fee for a routine adult cleaning (prophylaxis, ADA code D1110). The two national estimates in the table above come from Pearl’s ADA-based data and from Real Dental Costs, which puts the range a little lower.[1][3]

The cleaning removes plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline and polishes the teeth. The dentist’s exam, X-rays and sometimes fluoride are often billed separately, so ask before the appointment.[1]

Exam, cleaning and X-rays together

The combined exam, cleaning and X-ray price in the table above is from CareCredit’s 2023 to 2024 cost study.[2] State averages in that study run from $153 in New Hampshire to $263 in North Dakota.[2]

Teeth cleaning cost with insurance

Most PPO dental plans cover two cleanings a year at 100% with no deductible and no waiting period.[1] If gum disease moves you from routine cleanings to periodontal maintenance, most plans pay 50% to 80% instead of the preventive rate.[1] FSA and HSA funds can cover any out-of-pocket cost.[1]

Teeth cleaning cost by state

Pearl’s state averages for a cleaning:[1]

  • Lowest: Oklahoma and Louisiana, $135; Ohio, Mississippi, Arkansas and several other states, $140
  • Highest: Hawaii, $195; New York, $190; Alaska and the District of Columbia, $180

Regular cleaning vs deep cleaning cost

A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) is treatment for gum disease, not routine care, and it is billed per quadrant. All four quadrants cost $676 to $1,408, per Real Dental Costs.[3] See deep cleaning cost per quadrant for details.

What can I do if I can’t afford a deep cleaning?

  1. Try a dental hygiene school. Pacific University’s clinic charges $50 per quadrant for scaling and root planing on 1 to 3 teeth and $80 per quadrant for 4 or more teeth.[4]
  2. Look for a community health center. At federally funded health centers you pay what you can afford, based on your income, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.[7]
  3. Ask to treat one or two quadrants at a time. A full-mouth deep cleaning is often split across one to four visits, which spreads the cost.[3]
  4. Use a dental discount plan. Care Anytime’s dental benefit lists 20% to 50% savings on most procedures at participating dentists.[6]

How to pay less for a teeth cleaning

  1. Use your two covered cleanings. If you have dental insurance, most PPO plans pay 100% for two a year.[1]
  2. Try a dental hygiene school. At Pacific University’s clinic, supervised hygiene students charge $50 for an adult cleaning, $30 for a child cleaning and $30 for four bitewing X-rays.[4]
  3. Compare savings plans. Aspen Dental’s savings plan costs $49 a year and includes free exams and X-rays and 30% off cleanings at participating Aspen Dental offices.[5]
  4. Use a dental discount plan. Care Anytime’s dental benefit includes unlimited cleanings with 20% to 50% savings on most procedures. Its sample savings show an adult cleaning at $63 against a regular cost of $140, a child cleaning at $46 against $99, and a routine checkup at $33 against $85, based on 2021 FAIR Health data for Los Angeles, Orlando, Chicago and New York City.[6]

Frequently asked questions

How much does a teeth cleaning cost without insurance?

Pearl's ADA-based national average for an adult cleaning is $155, with most between $100 and $265. Real Dental Costs puts a regular cleaning at $75 to $200. The exam and X-rays are usually billed separately.

How much is a dental exam and cleaning together?

CareCredit's 2023 to 2024 cost study puts a routine exam with a full cleaning and X-rays at $203 on average, with a range of $50 to $350 depending on where you live.

Does insurance cover teeth cleaning?

Pearl says most PPO dental plans cover two preventive cleanings a year at 100% with no deductible and no waiting period. Extra cleanings beyond two may not be covered.

How often should I get a dental cleaning?

Pearl says most adults benefit from a professional cleaning every 6 months, and people with gum disease or higher cavity risk may need one every 3 to 4 months.

What is the 50-40-30 rule in dentistry?

It is a smile design guideline, not a price or insurance rule. The Dawson Academy describes it as the contact zone between the two front teeth being 50%, between a front tooth and the tooth beside it 40%, and between that tooth and the canine 30%. A 2019 study in Dental and Medical Problems found the 50:40:30 ratio was rated the most attractive arrangement.

Why does a deep cleaning cost more?

A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) treats gum disease below the gumline and is billed per quadrant. Real Dental Costs puts it at $169 to $352 per quadrant, against $75 to $200 for a regular full-mouth cleaning.

Where can I get a cheap teeth cleaning?

Dental hygiene school clinics charge less. Pacific University's clinic, where supervised students do the work, lists an adult cleaning at $50 and a child cleaning at $30.

Related

Sources

  1. Pearl (citing ADA fee survey data). Dental Cleaning: National Cost (D1110). Accessed October 30, 2026.
  2. CareCredit (Synchrony), study by ASQ360. Dental Procedure Costs (2023 to 2024 Average Procedural Cost Study). Accessed October 30, 2026.
  3. Real Dental Costs. Deep Cleaning (Scaling and Root Planing) Cost. Accessed October 30, 2026.
  4. Pacific University Dental Clinic. Services and Fees. Accessed October 30, 2026.
  5. Aspen Dental. Aspen Dental Savings Plan. Accessed October 30, 2026.
  6. Care Anytime. Dental Discounts: Sample Savings. Accessed October 30, 2026.
  7. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH). Finding Dental Care. Accessed October 30, 2026.
  8. The Dawson Academy. Quick Tip: Incisal Embrasures and Contact Zones. Accessed October 30, 2026.
  9. Dental and Medical Problems (Rayyan, 2019). Effect of the interproximal contact level on the perception of smile esthetics. Accessed October 30, 2026.