You can search far and wide for answers about cosmetic dentistry questions, but this quick guide to common questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures has the answers you need right now.
1. What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentists practice the art and science of simultaneously improving the appearance of your teeth and your oral health. Rather than stopping when the damage or tooth decay has been treated, these trained specialists go on to perform advanced cosmetic dental procedures that restore and improve the appearance of your smile.
2. Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
The cost of cosmetic dentistry will depend entirely on the types of cosmetic procedures you choose. Some common procedures can be completed the same day, while others will require multiple visits and the services of a dental laboratory. These factors will be reflected in the price, which may also vary by region, and the reputation of the cosmetic dentist you choose. Financing may be available to help you budget for the more expensive treatment options.
3. Will Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Oral Health?
The benefits of cosmetic dentistry go beyond aesthetics. Many treatments used to improve the appearance of discolored teeth, like veneers for example, will also improve the strength of the tooth and help prevent further damage. Replacing missing teeth with dental implants will help prevent further bone loss in the jaw and shifting of teeth to fill the empty spaces. Teeth straightening can improve the bite and conditions like TMJ. The best cosmetic dentists respect the tooth and will only provide treatments that improve both oral health and your appearance.
4. Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Treatments?
Some treatments performed by a cosmetic dentist are part of general dentistry and may be covered by your insurance. In general, treatments that repair a damaged tooth might be eligible. Your dentist can advise you, but you will need to talk to your insurance company to confirm exactly what part of your treatment plan with a cosmetic dentist might be covered.
5. What Dental Problems Are Solved by Cosmetic Dentists?
People consult with cosmetic dentists to find out more about new technology and techniques that can correct:
- ● Broken or chipped teeth
- ● Gaps between teeth
- ● Discolored or stained teeth
- ● Uneven or crooked teeth
- ● Missing teeth
- ● Worn teeth with thin enamel
- ● Excess gum tissue
6. Is Professional Teeth Whitening Better than At-Home Treatments?
Your cosmetic dentist will always guide you to the safest and most effective process to whiten your teeth quickly and without damage. Home whitening products are often slow to work, and some at-home preparations can damage your teeth. Professional tooth whitening is also an important step before matching the color of new materials, including inlays and onlays or dental crowns.
7. Is There a Fast Way to Fix a Gap in My Teeth?
While a gap in your teeth can be fixed with braces or Invisalign teeth straightening, a small gap can often be fixed with cosmetic dentistry in a fraction of the time. Dental bonding is one procedure used to fix a gap between teeth, and it lasts 4-8 years. Dental veneers can also be used to cover a gap or other imperfections and improve the overall appearance of your teeth.
8. Are Dental Implants Better Than Dentures?
Dental implants can replace just one missing tooth with a perfect matching crown, which is permanently attached to a titanium rod implanted in the jaw bone. If several teeth are missing in one area, they can often be replaced with a single implant. While the process takes time and is expensive initially, it is long lasting and easy to care for, while preserving bone tissue and tooth spacing in ways dentures cannot. Implants should be indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
9. How Should I Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?
The best cosmetic dentists have an excellent reputation and are respected by their colleagues. They can demonstrate their skills with a portfolio of before and after examples to help you choose the right treatments, from a single whitening to a complete smile makeover.
The Top Beverly Hills Dentist practice of Dr. Joseph Goodman is an excellent example of the international acclaim and public recognition that comes from years of experience and success in creating the most beautiful smiles imaginable. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Goodman’s team will ensure that your journey to your best possible smile begins and ends in the hands of one of the most respected names in cosmetic dentistry.