Cosmetic dentistry refers to treatments and procedures that improve the appearance of your teeth. The overall goal is to provide you with a more natural looking smile, and maybe improve your oral health along the way.
Cosmetic dentistry is considered an investment, because most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Is cosmetic dentistry worth it? Consider 3 reasons to invest in cosmetic dentistry.
To Have a More Natural Smile.
Cosmetic imperfections in your teeth can affect your appearance. When you smile, things like chipped teeth, stains, and gaps may affect how others perceive you. Treatments and procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and clear aligners can correct or conceal these imperfections so that your smile looks more natural.
To Feel More Confident.
When you feel better about your smile, your confidence increases. Confidence can help you make a wide variety of positive changes in your life, both personal and professional. You may have the confidence to pursue a new romantic interest or apply for a new career or promotion. In some professions, such as performing arts, your appearance carries more weight than in others, and cosmetic dentistry may provide new opportunities.
To Improve Your Oral Health.
Many cosmetic dental procedures also offer oral health benefits. Clear aligners straighten teeth and correct bite patterns, which improves the health of your teeth and jaw. Dental crowns preserve natural teeth and their roots, allowing them to stay in place for function and appearance. Bridges and dental implants replace teeth that are missing or too damaged to save. Your smile can be just as healthy as it looks when you invest in cosmetic dentistry. And procedures that are both cosmetic and restorative are often covered by insurance when they also serve an oral health purpose.
Cosmetic Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry may include any of the following treatments and procedures:
- Teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening treatments provide dramatic results in as little as one in-office application.
- Veneers. Veneers conceal cosmetic imperfections in teeth by giving them a new facade. Thin layers of porcelain attach to the front side of the teeth that are visible when you smile.
- Clear aligners. Clear aligner systems are designed to straighten teeth and align bite patterns. They are considered to be orthodontic treatments that may qualify for insurance coverage.
- Cosmetic bonding. Cosmetic bonding is the process of reshaping teeth using tooth-colored composite material.
- Microabrasion. A thin layer of enamel can be scrubbed away with microabrasion to remove stains and provide an even surface across the teeth.
- Crowns. A crown is a tooth-shaped cover placed over a tooth that has sustained extensive damage to the enamel. It allows the natural root to remain in place for support.
- Bridges. A dental bridge can replace a few teeth in a row using the healthy teeth on either side for support.
- Dental implants. A dental implant can replace a single tooth that is missing or needs to be extracted. Implants can also support bridges and dentures to replace multiple teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
How long do cosmetic procedures take?
Cosmetic procedures vary in terms of how long they take to complete. Some may take less than an hour in a single appointment, while others may require multiple appointments over time. Each individual case is different.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Professional teeth whitening treatments include non-toxic ingredients and are applied by your dentist to ensure safety. The active ingredient is designed to be effective at removing stains without damaging tooth enamel.
How To Get Started With Cosmetic Dentistry
If you would like to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry, the first step is to schedule a consultation with R. Renan Williams, DDS. After a brief evaluation we can make a recommendation for the best treatments and procedures to help you achieve your smile goals.
Call 817-281-4801 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.