5 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry

Technology advancements have opened up a wide array of options in cosmetic dentistry treatment. These advancements have been tremendous in providing patients with better oral functionality as well as a beautiful smile. The number of different options available can quickly feel a bit overwhelming. Keep reading for answers to our patients’ most frequently asked questions regarding cosmetic dentistry.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any dental work that restores or improves the appearance of a person’s teeth. Cosmetic dentistry has been known to boost self-esteem by bringing about a new smile!

How Can I Choose The Right Cosmetic Dentist For Me?

One of the best places to start is asking people you know if they have had any experience with a cosmetic dentist. Your friends, family, and co-workers can be a great resource! Most people won’t forget a cosmetic dentist who positively changed their smile. Equally valid is that anyone who has had a negative experience with a cosmetic dentist probably won’t forget that either. Friends and family are usually willing to be open about their past dental experiences if it means helping you have a good experience or avoid a bad one.

Searching online for a cosmetic dentist in your area can also be a good option. Just be sure to read reviews before calling to schedule an appointment. It is also essential to make sure that the reviews came from a credible source.

What Kinds Of Problems Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?

• Stained / Discolored Teeth: Food, beverages, and smoking habits can stain our teeth over time. Unhappy with the color of your teeth? Whitening, composite fillings, crowns, and veneers may be options for bringing your teeth back to white.
• Gaps Between Teeth: Ideally, each of our teeth should contact the teeth on either side of them, but some people experience gaps between their teeth. There could be different reasons why this gap has occurred, but there are usually many treatment options. Orthodontics, dental bonding, or even veneers may be an option if you want to close a gap between your teeth.
• Uneven Teeth: Most people want that perfectly straight smile, yet our teeth seem to have minds of their own for many of us. Consulting with a cosmetic dentist and an orthodontist may be a significant first step in straightening your teeth.
• Excessive Gum Tissue: In some cases, a cosmetic dentist can manage gum tissue by reshaping and recontouring gum tissue margins.
• Worn Down Teeth: If you have excessive wear on your teeth, your dentist may suggest options such as bonding, porcelain veneers, or porcelain crowns.

Are Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments Completely Aesthetic?

Some treatment options, such as teeth whitening, are viewed as aesthetic only because they don’t provide any real functional benefits to the teeth beyond whitening. Most other cosmetic treatments have additional benefits beyond aesthetics. For example, veneers can help your teeth look better, but they can also protect pitted enamel. Implants can help replace a missing tooth in your smile, but they also help to stop bone loss and the shifting of other teeth into the space.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?

Since cosmetic dentistry has many different options, no one price fits all. The great thing about there being so many different options is that each option’s investment or cost also differs. If someone wants to restore their front tooth that was chipped and mentioned that they had a minimal budget to do so, a composite or dental bonding might be a good and affordable option for them. If someone else had a chipped tooth and wanted a more permanent solution, they might choose to have a porcelain veneer placed. While a veneer cost more initially, it can also last 20 years if taken care of well. You can see how the same chipped tooth problem can have different solutions at different investment amounts.

When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, many patients have been ecstatic with their treatment results. People often report that they didn’t think much could be done to solve their stained or chipped tooth without an extensive procedure or costing a boatload of money. If you find yourself not liking one of the cosmetic options, ask if there are any other options. When it comes to dentistry, there is usually more than one option to a problem, and the best part is that you can choose the one that fits best with your goals, finances, and long-term plans for your smile!