A Beginner's Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry
Are you wondering if cosmetic dentistry is right for you? Read this beginner's guide to cosmetic dentistry to find out.
When people say smiling is good for the heart, they're not exactly wrong. Multiple studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin. A happy person is a healthier individual.
However, dental problems such as crooked or yellowing teeth can prevent people from having a happier life. They're less likely to smile, for fear of showing off something they're insecure about. Some careers favor people with healthy teeth, even if it's not a requirement.
Here's how cosmetic dentistry can change your life for the better.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
It's important to know what cosmetic dentistry encompasses before you visit the dentist. A cosmetic dentist is one of the many types of dentists that help you maintain a healthy mouth and repair damage. However, they would not be considered a specialist like an endodontist or an orthodontist.
While one may specialize in different fields, a cosmetic dentist doesn't need a post-doctoral degree. As such, their title does not necessarily make them a specialist.
A cosmetic dentist is much like a general dentist in that regard. However, general dentistry involves the basic dental needs and oral care of your family. Meanwhile, cosmetic dentistry includes dental work that focuses on improving the aesthetics of your smile rather than dental care.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry
Procedures used in cosmetic dentistry are all about protecting and improving the look of your teeth. The type of treatments you receive will depend on your biggest concerns.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a common procedure that can be done by any dentist. It's a quick and affordable way to improve your smile without any kind of invasive procedure.
While DIY teeth whitening has become popular in recent years, it's risky to do it at home without a professional's guidance. Whitening strips can cause damage to your teeth and make them painfully sensitive. UV kits may spread bleach unevenly and cause oral issues like infections and toothache.
Teeth whitening provided by a cosmetic dentist uses a mold of your teeth that holds the whitening solution onto them. You can expect to see results in as little as a week or two.
Dental Bonding
It's natural for a person to have teeth that have slightly different shapes or chipped edges. In most cases, it's not a problem that's going to negatively affect your bite.
People who want picture-perfect teeth can get dental bonding to correct those irregularities. This procedure involves using resin to alter your tooth's appearance. It's most commonly used on cracked or chipped teeth.
Dental bonding has no major risks, as it doesn't alter your tooth's actual structure at all. However, the resin isn't as strong as natural teeth. If it chips or separates, you'll need to get it reapplied.
Veneers
If you're completely unhappy with how your smile looks, there's always the option to get veneers.
A veneer is a thin, custom-made shell designed to look like the front surface of your teeth. It's most commonly performed on your front teeth which are immediately visible to others.
To place them, a cosmetic dentist must first file back the tooth to make space for the prosthesis. The veneer is then adhered to what remains.
The result of a veneer placement is a smile that looks fresh and new. However, it's not always the best procedure to get unless you want one.
To begin with, the procedure is not reversible. You'll need to replace the veneers every 15 to 20 years. Additionally, veneers can make your teeth more sensitive to heat and cold.
Contrary to popular belief, veneers will not ruin your teeth as long as you get routine dental care.
Dental Implants
If you've lost a tooth or had one removed, you can always replace it with a dental implant. These are essentially false teeth that are screwed into your gum and bone.
To implant one, the cosmetic dentist first drills a hole in your bone to place a dental implant metal post. This serves as the new tooth's root. Once the implant is in place, the dentist then covers that with a crown to give it a realistic appearance.
Replacement of Tooth Fillings
One lesser-known procedure for cosmetic dentistry is replacing traditional amalgam fillings. These fillings usually have a metallic look, which some people dislike.
Instead, you can get cosmetic fillings that match your natural tooth color without sacrificing durability. They're also good for anyone that might have an allergic reaction to silver amalgam fillings.
Full Mouth Reconstruction
The most drastic and thorough form of cosmetic surgery is full mouth reconstruction. This involves completely repairing a person's mouth after an accident or surgical procedure.
Cost to See a Cosmetic Dentist
How affordable cosmetic dentistry is will depend on the procedure and if your insurance covers any of it. Insurance will usually cover restorative procedures but not elective ones, like teeth whitening.
Some of the prices you can expect before insurance include:
- Teeth whitening in-office: $500
- Dental bonding: between $100 to $400 per tooth
- Veneers: as low as $500 per tooth
- Implants: $1,250 to $3,000 depending on the tooth
- Inlays and onlays: $650 to $1,200 per tooth
One of the reasons
dental implants cost so much is that they involve a surgical procedure. In addition, the procedure can take at least a few months from start to finish. It also requires a custom-made crown to protect the implant and have it match your other teeth.
Find a Cosmetic Dentist in Ashburn, VA
If you're unhappy with your smile or your teeth, then cosmetic dentistry may be perfect for you. Once you've found a dentist in Ashburn, VA, you can get a consultation and see what they can do. Keep in mind that dental and medical insurance won't cover procedures they deem as unnecessary.
Simply Smiles offers family and implant dentistry for our local community. We accept all PPO insurance and offer affordable treatment plans for our patients. Schedule an appointment online and contact us with any questions.
