Am I a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Many patients qualify for cosmetic treatments, but you have to meet certain requirements. For example, your teeth and gums must be healthy. If you have gum disease, a cavity, or another issue with your smile, we’ll resolve this problem first; afterward, we can consider your cosmetic concerns. During your consultation, we’ll examine you and discuss your goals and needs with you in detail. Then, we can put together a treatment plan designed specifically for giving you the smile you’ve always wanted.
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
The cost of your treatment depends on several factors, starting with which procedure you’re getting and the number of teeth being treated. Teeth whitening tends to be the most affordable cosmetic option, but the amount you pay will vary for other procedures because these treatments are customized to your unique situation. After Dr. Lee or Dr. Polito has created your treatment plan, we can go through the financial options and talk specific numbers with you.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
To some extent, the results you achieve will last according to how well you maintain your smile. With proper maintenance, teeth whitening can last a couple of years before stains can set in again. Veneers, on the other hand, can go for up to 15 or even 20 years before needing to be replaced, if you take good care of them. Our team will do our part to help you keep the beautiful results for as long as possible so your improved smile can continue to shine brightly.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Procedures?
Although there are a few exceptions, generally dental insurance plans do not pay toward treatments that are purely cosmetic. However, we can work with you to make these kinds of procedures more affordable. For instance, we accept payment through CareCredit, which allows you to make smaller monthly payments instead of paying a one-lump sum. To learn more about CareCredit or for help in the application process, just ask one of our team members.
How Long Will My Cosmetic Dental Treatment Take?
The timeframe for your smile’s aesthetic improvements will depend on which procedure(s) you’re getting. For instance, in-office whitening and bonding usually only require a single visit to achieve results. In contrast, veneers, at-home whitening kits, and metal-free crowns will involve as few as two appointments with a couple of weeks in between before you finish treatment. When you meet with us in your consultation, we can explain your options in greater detail and give you a better idea of how much time to expect. We strongly encourage you to take care of these cosmetic changes with plenty of time before a special event like a wedding or reunion.
What Should I Do If I Break a Veneer or It Comes Off?
Although veneers and other cosmetic treatments are typically durable, they can sustain damage with harsh wear and tear and over time. Taking care of them through daily oral hygiene, being careful about what you eat, and regular visits should help them last for years. If your veneer comes off or becomes chipped outside our office, just give us a call. We’ll have you come in as soon as possible. In this situation, most of the time, the veneer will need to be replaced to recreate your flawless smile.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
If you aren’t familiar with how these procedures are performed, you may worry that they might involve pain. However, your comfort is a top priority for us. When you first learn about veneers and gum recontouring, they may seem intimidating, but even these more advanced procedures don’t hurt. Using our soft tissue laser, we typically don’t even need local anesthetic at all, and there is very little discomfort or bleeding. Before we prepare teeth for veneers by removing a sliver enamel from the front surfaces, we will administer the anesthetic. While we will leave some enamel on the tooth, we still numb you more as a precaution, so you don’t have discomfort. Other treatments, like whitening or bonding, don’t require anything because they are completely pain free.
Is Improving My Smile Really Worth It?
Perhaps you see enhancing your teeth and gums as a luxury, and it’s true that cosmetic dental work is considered elective. However, you really can’t put a value on a confident smile. It may not be the only reason you get a great job or meet someone new in your social circle, but showing your self-confidence and friendliness in a beautiful smile can open doors to new opportunities and relationships. If nothing else, you can enjoy feeling more comfortable and happy with your appearance!