What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry, in general, is reproducing what could be there naturally to make things more beautiful, to enhance your smile, make it brighter, and more appealing to others. It involves various parameters, but the function must also be considered. It can't just be pretty; it must be functional to last. All these aspects need to be integrated for it to be both beautiful and durable.
What is the difference between general and cosmetic dentistry?
The difference between general and cosmetic dentistry is essentially that general dentistry focuses on health. If you have cavities, you'll take care of them by putting fillings in, or if you have a broken tooth, you'll put a crown on it. It will look nice, potentially nicer than before, which might be considered cosmetic. A higher level of cosmetic dentistry involves taking a smile that's pretty good and making it amazing, often through aligning, whitening, and other techniques. Cosmetic dentistry can change a lot of lives.
How can a cosmetic dentist fix or improve my smile?
A smile can be fixed or improved through various techniques. We always like to start with conservative methods. If your teeth are a little crooked or overlapped, we can straighten them with Invisalign quickly and readily. We can contour and polish them to achieve a "movie star" look, whiten them, and protect them with a night guard and retainer for nighttime. Your teeth should look amazing and last for years. Other techniques include crowns for teeth with lots of fillings or veneers and white composite fillings to bring teeth to a healthy state aesthetically.
Can cosmetic dentistry fix an overbite?
Cosmetic dentistry can fix an overbite to a certain point. In some cases, Invisalign or orthodontics might be needed to adjust the bite and lock them in position with retainers. A slight overbite can definitely be maintained and improved with cosmetic dentistry.
Can a cosmetic dentist fix crooked teeth?
Fixing crooked teeth is one of the main things we do with our Invisalign program. It depends on the level and state of the teeth. After a full diagnosis, we determine what can be done. Often, people had orthodontics as kids but didn't wear retainers, leading to crowding. We can fix that quickly and easily with Invisalign and then lock them in position.
How old should a child be before considering cosmetic dentistry?
Children can benefit from cosmetic dentistry, but it shouldn't be a primary goal. If a child has a lot of crowding or tooth overlap, seeing an orthodontist or us for a palatal expander can help. Planning for future growth is essential. If a child has decay, dark teeth, or injuries, we can use white crowns to improve appearance until they lose those teeth. The focus should be on making the child feel comfortable.
Is there any point where someone could be too old for cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is for all ages. We've had patients in their 70s and 80s correcting their front teeth or using Invisalign. Some have lived with minor issues their whole life and are thrilled to have them fixed. There's no age limit to enhancing someone's aesthetics or comfort.
What are the advantages and benefits of cosmetic dentistry?
People want to feel comfortable with their smiles, especially with so many photos being taken these days. Cosmetic dentistry can boost confidence, leading to personal and professional growth. It's about feeling better and more confident, not just looking better. It's rewarding to see these positive changes in our patients.
Is cosmetic dentistry or any of its procedures painful?
Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are about making things prettier and are generally not painful. Some procedures might be slightly uncomfortable but nothing more than a filling. Invisalign and contouring are typically painless, making cosmetic dentistry a fun and enjoyable experience.
After getting cosmetic dentistry, will I need to follow any specific directions?
After cosmetic dentistry, you should protect your investment with good oral hygiene. It's about maintaining basic hygiene skills, like brushing for a couple of minutes in the morning and at night. Without proper care, decay and other issues could arise, leading to replacements sooner than expected.
How does insurance and financing work for cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is usually elective, so insurance may not cover it completely. However, if teeth need crowns due to decay, insurance might cover that. Elective procedures like whitening aren't covered. We offer financing options, including zero-interest financing for 6 to 9 months, which helps make cosmetic dreams a reality.