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Cosmetic dentistry, a specialized but growing part of the dental field, involves procedures that improve the appearance and function of a patient’s teeth.
Most cosmetic dentistry procedures improve oral health and appearance and also build patients’ self-confidence. Cosmetic dentists today may help patients undergo many procedures, from teeth whitening to a full-tooth rebuild.
Learn more with our guide to cosmetic dental treatments and how dental savings plans can help you afford treatment.
What Are Cosmetic Dental Treatments?
The following are a few cosmetic dental treatment options you can choose from.
Teeth Bleaching
You probably already know about tooth bleaching or whitening, a popular and simple way to change your smile.
Tooth bleaching also offers one of the more affordable options to brighten up your smile. You can choose to do teeth bleaching in the dentist’s office or at home. However, over-the-counter bleaching products don’t always provide the brightest smile. You can assure the best smile possible by going to the dentist to get it done.
Dental Bonding
People who have deeply stained or chipped teeth may opt to go with dental bonding. This composite bonding material, which is the same used for dental fillings that blend in with the teeth, can mold into any shape you and your dentist discuss. Enamel bonding doesn’t last quite as long as dental veneers, the next type of cosmetic treatment we’ll discuss.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers, or thin porcelain shells, also fix deeply stained, fractured or chipped teeth. Here’s how they work: A dentist gently files down the enamel of your tooth, and takes an impression. A dental lab creates custom veneers to place over the surface of your teeth.
Enamel Abrasion
Enamel abrasion also removes discoloration. In this procedure, a dentist uses a fine pumice in a microabrasion machine to remove surface stains due to tobacco products, wine, soda, tea and coffee. Enamel abrasion doesn’t work for stains inside the tooth.
Crowns
A dental crown or cap completely fits over a damaged tooth above the gum line. It can completely change the look and health of your mouth and tooth. Crowns can solve cracked tooth problems and take care of the look of misshapen teeth that you can’t fix by whitening.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays, crown alternatives, use gold, porcelain or composite materials to fill decayed or damaged teeth. They come from a dental laboratory and your dentist bonds them into place. “Inlay” means the material bonds within the center of your tooth and an “onlay” covers one or more points of a tooth. Why Get Cosmetic Dental Treatments? Cosmetic dentistry offers a type of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth. Often, they are considered elective procedures but also can offer restorative benefits. Here’s a few reasons you may want to consider cosmetic dental treatments.
Reason 1: Restores confidence.
Getting your teeth in shipshape — whether you fix that tooth that’s always been a shade darker than the rest or fix that gap in your front teeth once and for all — makes you feel that much more confident about your smile.
Reason 2: Fixes issues.
Not only do cosmetic dental procedures make you feel good about your smile, they also:
- Correct crowded or crooked teeth. Patients can transform crowded or misaligned teeth. Small, narrow or overly large teeth affect your smile.
- Helps avoid problems later. Crowded or misaligned teeth more often develop tooth decay. Restoring teeth now can also prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bone loss in your jawbone.
- Helps chewing issues. Broken or cracked teeth can affect how you chew. Cosmetic dental treatments restore the function of your teeth.
Reason 3: It can strengthen teeth.
Allowing a dentist to take a look at your teeth helps them get an overall feel for where they could help you look and feel your very best. Your dentist may recommend a few different ways to enhance your smile and improve your overall oral health.
How Are Cosmetic Dental Treatments Done?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental work that improves your teeth, gums and/or bite. It can involve different techniques to improve the color, position, shape, size, alignment and overall appearance of your smile. It may involve bleaching agents, filing of your enamel, adding composite to your existing teeth and more. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about the procedure you may undergo. What Do Cosmetic Dental Treatments Cost? Cosmetic dental treatments vary in cost depending on the type of procedure and your location. Some can cost hundreds, while others can be thousands. Your dentist can advise you on the best type of dental treatment for your specific teeth. And there are ways to save money too!
Dental savings plans can save plan members 10-60% on most dental procedures. These plans are an affordable alternative to traditional dental insurance and are accepted by more than 140,000 dentists across the country. See what you can save by using the DentalPlans.com Savings Calculator.
Learn more about dental savings plans here.
About the Author:
Melissa Brock is the Money editor at Benzinga and the founder of College Money Tips. She loves helping people save money and live their best lives possible.
