What is Cosmetic Dentistry? Treatments, Cost, and Insurance
A smile can greatly affect confidence levels and other aspects of life. If you are looking to enhance your smile, cosmetic dentistry may be a great option. According to research, 15.8% to 62.6% of individuals from ages 15 to 74 years old could benefit from cosmetic dental care.
Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile. This article will give complete information about cosmetic dentistry - procedures, costs, and insurance.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
What is cosmetic dentistry? Cosmetic dentistry, or dental cosmetology, can beautifully transform your smile. In this section we will inform you on the purpose of cosmetic dentistry.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the overall appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile in general. Cosmetic dental procedures like restorative dentistry may also improve dental function. Services like teeth whitening, dental veneers, implants, and bonding procedures are common cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of your smile.
Who Needs Cosmetic Dental Treatments?
Who can benefit from cosmetic dental work? Cosmetic teeth can make up a beautiful smile for anyone. Learn more below.
Cosmetic dentistry can be beneficial for most individuals. Cosmetic dental services can transform smiles with teeth gaps, misshaped teeth, tooth misalignment, discoloration, fractures, and many other dental issues. Cosmetic dental services are typically performed after any active dental disease is eliminated, such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry services offer several benefits. Keep reading to discover the pros of cosmetic dentistry.
- Restore Appearance
Cosmetic dental procedures restore the overall appearance of your smile. The treatments appear natural-looking and beautiful.
- Improved Dental Health
Cosmetic dentistry can significantly improve dental health. Many cosmetic dental procedures, including dental crowns, implants, and orthodontics, can help restore the function of the teeth so that you can maintain good oral health.
- Prevent Further Damage
Prevention is the best way to keep your smile healthy. Cosmetic dental procedures can help prevent further damage from occurring by increasing tooth stability and restoring function.
- Restores Functionality
Cosmetic dental procedures can improve the function of your teeth and bite. Many cosmetic procedures help improve chew and speech efficacy.
- Simple & Long Lasting Results
Most cosmetic services provide long-lasting results with proper care. This allows you to enjoy your smile for a lifetime.
- Restore Confidence
A healthy and happy smile can restore your confidence. Cosmetic dentistry will help give you a confident smile.
- Corrects Dental Imperfections
Most people are impacted by dental imperfections, like teeth misalignment or discoloration. Cosmetic dental procedures can help treat these imperfections.
- Natural-Looking Results
One of the best benefits of cosmetic dentistry is that is produces natural-looking results. Your teeth will appear healthier and it can even make you naturally look years younger.
Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures
There are several different types of cosmetic dental procedures. The most common types include teeth whitening, dental veneers, implants, crowns, bonding, inlays and onlays, gum contouring, and orthodontics. We will discuss these cosmetic procedures in detail below.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures. Teeth naturally become darker overtime due to stain-causing foods, drinks, medications, habits like smoking, or from natural aging. The most safe and effective teeth whitening method is in-office professional teeth whitening, which can brighten teeth up to 5-8 shades . Other whitening methods like over-the-counter products (i.e. toothpaste, mouth rinses, and whitening strips) can also whiten teeth, but to a much lesser degree than in-office teeth whitening.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin dental restorations that are placed on the front surfaces of your teeth. They are custom-fit and shade matched to your natural teeth. They are often made from porcelain, resin, or ceramic material. These restorations can fix numerous dental issues, such as dental crowding, damaged enamel, discolored teeth, and gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants have become increasing popular. If you are missing one or more teeth, dental implants may be a great cosmetic procedure option for you. Dental implants replace missing teeth and help you maintain your jaw bone in the affected area. They are inserted into your jaws and a natural-looking dental crown is placed onto the dental implant.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple cosmetic dental procedure used to repair fractures, misshaped teeth, tooth decay, or teeth with other abnormalities. Dental bonding can also be referred to as a dental filling. Your dentist will apply a resin material that they will shape to make your teeth appear natural.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is a dental restoration that fully covers the surfaces of your tooth. Dental crowns can repair teeth with damage like tooth decay, fracture, or severe discoloration. They are often made from metal, ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal, or resin material.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays are dental restorations used to restore teeth. These restorations are sometimes referred to as indirect fillings. These fillings are designed to blend into your natural teeth and are created in a dental laboratory. They are then bonded to your teeth in the area where damage occurred.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring can be used to enhance the appearance of your smile. Some individuals may have excess gum tissue, which can be removed and reshaped via gum contouring. This allows your smile to appear more balanced in appearance.
Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment can be considered a cosmetic procedure. Common orthodontic services include braces and clear aligners. These treatments can help address misaligned teeth, teeth gaps, improper bites (i.e. overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite), among many other oral issues.
How Much Time Do the Procedures Require?
The length of time for treatment can depend on the type of cosmetic dental service you are receiving. Most cosmetic procedures are completed in a single appointment, but some may require more. One of the fastest cosmetic dental procedures is in-office teeth whitening, which often takes around 30 minutes to an hour. Composite bonding, gum contouring, and tooth contouring are also relatively quick procedures, typically taking under an hour to complete. Dental veneers and crowns usually take more than one appointment to complete, as lab fabrication of the veneers is often necessary.
Who Can Provide Cosmetic Dentistry Services?
Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized dental specialty by the American Dental Association, which allows any dentist to provide cosmetic dentistry services. Some dentists may have additional training and experience in certain cosmetic dental procedures.
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost? Continue reading to learn the average costs of common cosmetic dental treatments. Cosmetic dental procedures can differ in costs based on factors like practice location and the dentists’ expertise.
| Cosmetic Dental Procedure | Cost Range (USD) |
| In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening | $400 - $1,800 |
| At-Home Whitening Kits (Professional) | $200 - $400 |
| Orthodontic Treatment: Traditional Braces | $2,500 - $7,000 |
| Orthodontic Treatment: Invisalign Aligners | $2,000 - $8,000 |
| Veneers: Porcelain | $500 - $2,500 per tooth |
| Veneers: Composite | $250 - $1,200 per tooth |
| Single Dental Implant | $1,500 - $6,000 |
| Dental Bridge | $500 - $1,500 |
Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dental Work?
Is there cosmetic dental insurance? Cost is an important factor to figure when making treatment decisions.
Most dental insurances do not offer coverage for cosmetic procedures. For instance, insurance does not typically cover teeth whitening and dental veneers. However, dental procedures deemed medically necessary may be partially covered by insurance.
Gentle Dental offers a variety of dental payment options that can make cosmetic dental procedures more affordable. Contact us today to discuss our quality and affordable cosmetic dental services.
Stunning Before and After Transformations with Cosmetic Dentistry
The Cosmetic dentistry before and after results are amazing. Cosmetic dental services like veneers can significantly transform a smile. Take a look at a smile transformation below.
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your front teeth, porcelain veneers may be a great option to help improve your smile. Veneers are natural-looking and can help hide tooth discoloration, gaps, and other dental defects. They are color-matched to resemble your natural teeth. Consult with your dental professional to determine if veneers are right for you.
Experience the Best Cosmetic Dentistry at Gentle Dental
Gentle Dentall provides the best cosmetic dentistry! Our team of dental experts and specialists provide award-winning care that is tailored to your individual needs and smile goals. Whether you are interested in brightening your smile, addressing tooth chips, fixing dental crowding, or have any dental concern, our dental professionals are here to help. If you are looking for a healthier and happier smile, schedule an appointment with us today at Gentle Dental
Conclusion
Cosmetic dentistry is a great option if you are looking for ways to enhance your smile. This type of dentistry revolves around perfecting the appearance of your teeth and surrounding oral structures. Popular cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, orthodontics, veneers, and tooth and gum contouring. Cosmetic dental procedures can beautify your smile, boost your confidence, improve your overall health.
