If your teeth and gums are healthy but you’re just not happy with your smile when you look in the mirror, then cosmetic dentistry is a great option.
We have many different treatment options and price points to fit almost any budget. We just want you to get a smile you love!
Read on to find out about our most frequently asked cosmetic dentistry questions to learn more about if any of them are right for you.
What issues can cosmetic dentistry help me correct?
Cosmetic dentistry can correct almost anything you don’t like about your smile. If you haven’t seen a cosmetic dentist in awhile (or ever!) come see us for a free consultation. A lot of advancements have been made in the last decade.
Here are the issues that we correct most often:
- Crooked teeth – Crookedness can lead to hygiene problems, erosion, discomfort, and periodontal disease. Porcelain veneers can be used to mask mild crookedness while orthodontics can be used for more severe cases.
- Misshapen teeth – Porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and dental crowns can all correct the shape of your teeth.
- Teeth gaps – A gap between teeth can be closed with orthodontics. Porcelain veneers and dental bonding may also be able to fix this.
- Chips and cracks – Even if a chip does not significantly weaken a tooth, it can still impact a smile. Cover cracks with porcelain veneers or dental crowns, or fill them with composite resin via dental bonding.
- Stains – Discoloration can be fixed a number of ways. Surface stains may be reduced or removed through teeth whitening, whereas deeper stains may need to be hidden by a veneer or dental bonding procedure.
What cosmetic treatments are available?
- Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a thin shell placed over your tooth used to improve the appearance of teeth. They are used to make teeth look straighter, whiter, and longer.
- Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening has come a long way in recent years. It’s gotten better at quickly removing even dark stains in just one visit, however home whitening with custom trays still provides the best long-term result.
- Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can be used to cover stains or buildup chipped teeth in just one appointment. This is also a much cheaper option than veneers.
- Dental implants
Implants are the strongest and most natural-looking replacement for a missing tooth. Implants can also be used to hold dentures more securely.
- Bridges
A dental bridge is a good option if you are missing a tooth but are not a suitable candidate for an implant.
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Almost anyone can benefit from some cosmetic treatment option, but we have a few criteria that we will evaluate at a consultation before we get started:
- Do you practice good dental hygiene?
Teeth and gum issues should be dealt with first to avoid these problems interfering with cosmetic procedures, which we are happy to help with. - Do you grind your teeth?
Teeth grinding can damage veneers, one of our most popular treatment options. If you do grind, we can construct a custom nightguard to protect your teeth. - Do you understand that some restorative work may be necessary?
We may need to complete restorative procedures related to your dental health before we can do the cosmetic treatments. This could include filling cavities or restoring teeth with crowns. - Do you understand that most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic treatments?
Pretty much all insurance companies will not cover cosmetic treatments, but we do offer payment plans and financing to help with this! We might also be able to spread your treatment plan out over time, so you don’t have to pay all at once.
Veneers
Veneers are one of our most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, so I’ll review some of our most common questions about them.
What are Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of tooth-colored material designed to cover the front surface of your teeth to improve your appearance. They are used to fix worn, stained, crooked, or discolored teeth.
What is the benefit of veneers?
Veneers can be done quickly and give a very natural, beautiful result. Many people look younger and often get compliments on looking great without people being able to figure out why. In fact, many of the great smiles you see in Hollywood are because of veneers.
Invisalign
Invisalign is another popular option for adults that are unhappy with their smile. Often times straightening teeth and bite correction, along with whitening, give the exact result patients were looking for.
How does Invisalign work?
Over the course of treatment, determined by your dentist, you are supplied with a series of clear aligner trays. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position, gently moving your teeth to the final position. Approximately every 2 weeks, you will start a new set of aligners, continuing until your treatment is done.
What are Invisalign aligners (trays) made of?
The aligners are made of a thermoplastic material developed specifically by Invisalign. They look similar to teeth-whitening trays. Each aligner is custom-made for you based on your treatment plan.
What are the benefits of Invisalign?
Invisalign aligners look better and are much more discreet than traditional wire braces. Unless someone looks closely, most people won’t even know you’re wearing them. Invisalign aligners are also removable. For the best results and a timely outcome, aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day. However, unlike with braces, you have the flexibility to remove your aligners to eat and drink what you want during treatment. You never have to worry about food stuck in your braces.
One of the less obvious benefits is that you can remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would, for fresh breath and good oral hygiene. It’s much easier than the complicated flossing routine of regular braces. Lastly, there are no metal brackets or wires that could cause irritation to your mouth, an advantage over traditional braces. Plus, since your office visits during treatment don’t involve metal or wire adjustments, you’ll spend less time at our office!
How long does Invisalign take?
The length of treatment depends on the severity of your case, which will be determined at a consultation in our office. The average case takes about 12 months or less for adults.
Who is Invisalign for?
More than 6 million patients worldwide have been treated with Invisalign. Invisalign can be used to correct the following dental problems:
- Crowded Teeth
- Spaces between Teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- When teeth shift after traditional braces because a retainer wasn’t used properly to maintain tooth position
Teeth Whitening
What can I do if drugstore teeth whitening is not working to remove stains on my teeth?
We offer at-home kits that come with whitening trays made just for you. First, we take digital scans of the patient’s teeth and create plastic trays for them to wear. A special whitening gel is then placed in the plastic tray, and the patient wears them overnight. This procedure typically requires you to wear the trays for the specified time every day for two weeks.
We also offer more powerful in-office solutions. Give us a call at [phone] to find out more.
How long does teeth whitening take?
You’ll notice a difference after just one treatment.
Thinking about any of the cosmetic dentistry treatments mentioned above?
Come in for a free consultation. Dr. [last name] will be happy to review all your options, give you a price quote, review our payment plans and a timeline for completing treatment.
There’s no pressure to make a decision that day, just come in and learn what your options are.
To schedule a complimentary consultation, call us at [phone] or email us at [email].