What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?: Everything You Need to Know

Are your teeth chipped, missing, or discolored? Are you wondering if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

Believe it or not, cosmetic dentists are different from general dentists, although your family dentist may perform certain cosmetic dental procedures in their office.

What is cosmetic dentistry, and how can you benefit from it?

Let’s take a look at The Village of La Jolla.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is designed to improve the look and feel of your smile.

While a cosmetic dental procedure isn’t medical in nature, it may help with general dental problems you may have. Dental implants, for example, can help stimulate bone growth and prevent you from losing more bone.

Cosmetic dentistry can provide better overall dental health as well as make you appear younger and boost your self-esteem. The type of dentistry you need will depend upon your unique dental situation.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are like artificial tooth roots that bond with your natural bone and become the base for crowns, or artificial teeth.

Dental implants look like natural teeth and restore the force of your bite. Unlike dentures, you won’t need to worry about slippage or taking them out each night.

Unlike other forms of cosmetic dentistry, dental implants won’t need to get replaced every few years. While the procedure could be a little more expensive now, the results could last a lifetime.

Dental implants can help keep adjacent teeth stable, and they may also serve to prevent gum disease. For those suffering from tooth loss, dental implants provide a wonderful option.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are popular options for those with chipped, cracked, or missing teeth. They provide a thin cover that adheres to your teeth and creates a classic look.

Dental veneers are durable and they won’t stain easily. While dentures may require regular refitting, dental veneers provide you with a great smile right away. They don’t require much enamel removal, and they can prevent discoloration of your teeth.

Generally, your gum tissue will tolerate porcelain dental veneers quite well. They also won’t require the reshaping of your natural teeth the way crowns do.

Dental veneers also require little maintenance besides your regular brushing, flossing, and professional dental cleanings. They also resist staining and can make your teeth whiter instantly.

Tooth Whitening

Professional tooth whitening is an in-office procedure that allows you to get white teeth without the confusion of an at-home whitening kit.

A professional tooth whitening can help eliminate stains and discoloration. They are often safer than over-the-counter options. A professional dentist will be able to avoid damage to your gum tissue, which can lead to tooth sensitivity.

Tooth whitening gives you the look you’re looking for by providing you with a healthy, vibrant smile. While the procedure is more expensive than at-home options, many find that their new glow was well worth the money.

Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontic treatments can be used to treat overbites, underbites, gaps, and crowding.

Most folks think about traditional metal braces when they consider correcting their teeth with orthodontics. These are the most affordable option, and they’re popular among teens.

Today’s orthodontics, however, provide more options that are more appealing to adults.

Ceramic braces, for example, use clear or tooth-colored brackets to blend into your teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires. While ceramic braces are a bit more expensive, some are willing to make the extra investment for less noticeability.

Invisalign is also growing in popularity. These plastic aligners get replaced every two weeks as your teeth gradually shift into place. Invisalign also allows you to eat and drink almost anything since they can be removed and put back in.

Lingual braces are the least visible and most expensive type of orthodontics. Their wires and brackets are placed on the inside of your teeth. Lingual braces require a bit of care when it comes to cleaning, so they may be best for more mature wearers.

Affording Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a booming industry, according to all of the top insights available.

While both your body and mind can enjoy great benefits from cosmetic dentistry, you may be wondering how you can afford it.

The best way to get started is to talk to your dentist about your options. Some professionals, for example, may offer you a payment plan where you make smaller payments each month. Others may offer a discount for paying for the entire procedure upfront.

If you have dental insurance, it may cover some of the cost of cosmetic dentistry.

Other ways to make cosmetic dentistry affordable include Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs.) Check with your employer about which ones they have available.

Both HSAs and FSAs allow you to put aside tax-sheltered money each month from your paycheck. This may increase what you’re able to keep from your income because you’ll be paying less in taxes. The money can be used to pay for medical costs, including cosmetic dentistry and vision care.

The main difference is that HSAs are owned by you rather than your employer, and you can any unused funds over from year to year.

The Magic of Cosmetic Dentistry

What is cosmetic dentistry? For many, they are effective procedures that give them the smile and confidence they’ve been longing for. Treatments like dental implants, whiteners, and orthodontics can straighten out your smile and keep you looking and feeling healthy for years to come.

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