Cosmetic Dentistry

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry devoted to improving the aesthetics of your smile. Its primary focus is on appearance, but cosmetic dentistry also has therapeutic benefits, leading to a healthier, more functional smile overall.

The Difference Between Cosmetic Dentistry And General Dentistry

General dentistry prioritizes the health and function of your teeth and gums. This includes preventing and treating:

• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Root canal infections
• Other concerns that directly impact oral health

Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, focuses on the aesthetic aspects of your smile:

• Whitening stained or discolored teeth
• Correcting chips, cracks, or misshapen teeth
• Aligning crooked or spaced teeth
• Closing gaps
• Reshaping the gum line

People Eligible To Undergo Cosmetic Dentistry

Anyone looking to improve their smile’s appearance can benefit from cosmetic dentistry. Some common reasons people choose cosmetic dentistry include:

• Stained or discolored teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Crooked or uneven teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Gummy smiles
• Missing teeth

Who Can Undergo Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments?

As mentioned above, cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile. However, to be considered a good candidate, you should have healthy teeth and gums free of decay or active gum disease. If you have a dental problem, you should address it before undergoing cosmetic procedures.

Can Restorative Dental Procedures Also Offer Cosmetic Benefits?

Many dental procedures that focus on restoring the function of your teeth can also have a significant cosmetic impact. For example, crowns can cover damaged or severely discolored teeth, effectively giving you a brand-new smile.

Another restorative procedure, dental implants, can replace missing teeth. Implants restore both your appearance and your ability to chew and speak naturally. Similarly, white fillings blend in with your natural teeth, improving the function and health of your smile and its appearance.

Types Of Cosmetic Dental Work

Cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of treatments to address virtually any concern about smiles. Here are some of the most common types of cosmetic dental work:

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and most effective ways to dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile. According to a recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 58% of respondents admitted to having their teeth professionally whitened, highlighting the popularity of the procedure.

Over time, teeth naturally become discolored due to several factors, such as aging, coffee and tea, red wine, medication, and tobacco use. Others have brown or black spots on their teeth due to cavities and poor dental hygiene.

You have several teeth whitening options. Teeth whitening procedures can be performed either in a dental office or with at-home kits under the guidance of your dentist.

If you opt for at-home whitening, your dentist may provide custom trays and a professional-strength whitening gel. Alternatively, there are over-the-counter whitening kits, but they generally offer less dramatic results.

Professional in-office whitening, such as enamel microabrasion or laser whitening, delivers faster and more dramatic results than at-home options. It involves using a strong whitening gel and, often, a special light to accelerate the process.

Orthodontics (Braces)

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. It can improve the aesthetics and functionality of your smile at any age. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about one in four orthodontic patients is an adult. So, it is never too late to achieve the smile you have always wanted.

Orthodontists can use braces and aligners to address various dental problems, for example:

• Aligners can straighten crooked teeth, which can improve your appearance and make it easier to clean your teeth
• Orthodontics can close gapped teeth, which can also improve your appearance and speech
• Braces can create more space in your mouth for crowded teeth, which can help prevent future dental problems
• If you have an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, aligners can correct these bite problems. This can improve your chewing function and reduce your risk of TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain. These are bonded to the front surfaces of your teeth and are a versatile solution for addressing a wide range of cosmetic concerns.

Veneers can mask stains that teeth whitening cannot address, conceal chips, cracks, and minor breaks in your teeth. If you have gapped teeth, veneers can close them and create the illusion of a straighter smile. If you want to restore the shape and size of teeth that have been worn down or are naturally misshapen, you can consider porcelain veneers.

Dental Contouring

Dental contouring, also known as enameloplasty or odontoplasty, reshapes your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. It is a minimally invasive procedure that involves removing small amounts of tooth enamel.

If you have a chipped or cracked tooth, teeth contouring can gently smooth out the rough edges. Teeth contouring can also address uneven teeth, where some appear slightly longer or wider than others. With careful reshaping, contouring creates a more balanced and symmetrical smile.

Gum Reshaping

If you have a “gummy smile,” excess gum tissue can make your teeth look disproportionately short. Gum reshaping removes this excess tissue, revealing more of your teeth and creating a more balanced appearance. Additionally, for those with an uneven gum line, where some areas sit higher or lower than others,  reshaping can sculpt a symmetrical contour for an aesthetically pleasing smile.

Gum reshaping typically involves one of two techniques:

1. Surgical Gum Lift – This involves using a scalpel or surgical scissors to trim away excess gum tissue and sculpt the gums.
2. Laser Gum Lift – Laser technology provides a more precise and often less invasive way to reshape the gum tissue. Lasers can also minimize bleeding and promote faster healing.

Your dentist will determine the best technique for you based on your individual needs and the extent of reshaping required.

Inlays And Onlays

Inlays and onlays are custom-made dental restorations that are ideal for repairing teeth with moderate damage. Inlays are used to fill in the grooves or cusps of a tooth. On the other hand, onlays are like a larger inlay, covering one or more cusps of a tooth and extending down some of the tooth’s outer surface.

Inlays and onlays are made from different materials, including gold, porcelain, and composite resin. Compared to other treatment options like crowns, inlays and onlays require less removal of your natural tooth, maintaining its structural integrity.

Inlays and onlays are designed to last for over 20 years and are often more durable than traditional fillings. They offer a natural-looking solution that matches the rest of your teeth.

Teeth Implants

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide support for replacement teeth. They offer a permanent solution for restoring missing teeth and improving function, aesthetics, and self-confidence.

A dental implant is a multi-part replacement solution. There is the implant itself, which is a small titanium screw that is surgically inserted directly into your jawbone. Over time, this implant fuses with your natural jawbone, creating a strong and stable foundation. Next comes the abutment, a connector that attaches to the now-healed implant. Finally, the restoration—this is the part everyone sees! It’s a custom-made crown, bridge, or denture that fits securely onto the abutment.

Teeth implants offer many benefits that go beyond just a beautiful smile. Unlike removable dentures, implants provide unmatched stability; your replacement teeth won’t shift or slip, allowing you to eat and speak without worry.

The restorations attached to implants are designed to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. More importantly, implants uniquely protect your jawbone; the loss of a tooth can lead to bone deterioration over time. Still, implants mimic a tooth’s root, stimulating the jaw and maintaining your facial structure.

With proper care, implants have the potential to last a lifetime. They also improve overall oral health, as they’re easy to clean and don’t require the alteration of surrounding teeth, as is sometimes necessary with traditional bridges.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to fix minor imperfections and enhance your smile. It’s a quick and affordable option for addressing chips, cracks, or small gaps. Bonding material can also mask stains or discoloration that don’t respond well to teeth whitening.

Dental bonding is a relatively simple procedure. To start, your dentist may slightly roughen the surface of your tooth, creating a better grip for the bonding material. Next, they will apply a tooth-colored composite resin in layers, carefully shaping it to correct the imperfection and match your surrounding teeth.

Once satisfied with the shape, a special curing light hardens the resin, firmly bonding it to your tooth. Finally, your dentist will carefully polish and refine the bonded area, ensuring it blends perfectly with your natural tooth for a beautiful, seamless result.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, also known as ‘caps,’  are tooth-shaped restorations that completely cover your natural tooth. They restore the strength, function, and appearance of damaged or compromised teeth.

If you have a tooth significantly weakened by decay, where a simple filling won’t do, a crown can fully restore it and protect what remains. Similarly, after a root canal procedure, a crown safeguards the now more fragile tooth structure.

For fractured or broken teeth, crowns act like a strong protective cap, holding everything together and allowing you to chew comfortably again. Additionally, crowns play a crucial role in dental implants,  serving as the visible replacement tooth that attaches to the implant post. Lastly, dental crowns even offer cosmetic benefits, such as reshaping or improving the overall appearance of your teeth.

Crowns are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They come in different materials to suit various needs and preferences. Metal crowns, often made of gold or other alloys, are incredibly strong and durable, but due to their color, they might not be the top choice for highly visible teeth.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns have a strong metal base and a porcelain exterior that blends in better with your natural teeth. If aesthetics are your primary concern, especially for front teeth, all-ceramic or all-porcelain crowns are the way to go. They’re also ideal for people with metal allergies.

Risks and Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Like any dental procedure, cosmetic dentistry carries both potential benefits and risks. You should weigh these carefully and consult your dentist before making a decision.

Advantages Of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry offers numerous advantages that can positively impact your smile, confidence, and overall well-being. These include:

• Restore Appearance. Beyond simply correcting imperfections, cosmetic dentistry can provide a custom smile design tailored to your face, features, and goals. This can significantly affect your overall appearance.

• Restore Confidence. Dissatisfaction with your smile can destroy your self-confidence, both socially and professionally. Studies have shown a direct link between improved smile aesthetics and higher levels of self-esteem.

• Look Younger. Procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and even orthodontic treatment can address age-related changes in your smile, contributing to a more youthful appearance.

• Improve Your Overall Health. Cosmetic dentistry is primarily focused on aesthetics. However, there is often a direct impact on oral health. Correcting misalignment makes teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Replacing missing teeth promotes jawbone health.

• Improve Your Diet. Missing teeth or those compromised by damage or decay can hinder your ability to enjoy a healthy, balanced diet. Cosmetic restorations can give you a functional, pain-free bite.

• Improve Dental Health. Cosmetic procedures often fix functional problems that can negatively impact your overall dental health over the long term.

• Prevent Further Damage. Proactively addressing weakened teeth with crowns can protect against fractures, saving you more complex treatment in the future.

Disadvantages Of Cosmetic Dentistry

It is also recommended to consider the potential risks and disadvantages of cosmetic treatments. Here are the demerits:

• Some cosmetic procedures can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance.
• Procedures like porcelain veneers or dental contouring involve removing tooth enamel, which doesn’t grow back.
• You may experience short-term or long-term tooth sensitivity after some procedures, like teeth whitening.
• Cosmetic restorations, like veneers, may require replacement after a certain number of years.
• If not performed by a skilled dentist, certain procedures may lead to a higher risk of tooth damage.
• Choosing an under-qualified dentist increases the risk of procedural errors that can damage teeth or gums.

Cosmetic Dentistry Costs

Cosmetic dentistry offers a spectrum of treatments, and as you’d expect, costs can vary widely. Knowing the potential expenses helps you budget and plan your cosmetic dental treatment. Here are factors that determine treatment costs and approximate price ranges:

• Type of procedure. Simple procedures like teeth whitening are naturally less expensive than more complex treatments like veneers or implants
• The quality and durability of restorative materials influence the price
• The dentist’s experience, skill level, and location play a role in pricing
• Lab-fabricated restorations, for example, crowns and veneers, involve additional costs
• Costs for cosmetic treatments can vary depending on your location

Approximate Price Ranges

As mentioned above, cosmetic dental procedures can vary in cost, depending on the complexity of the treatment.

Teeth whitening is the most affordable option. Professional in-office treatments can run from $500 to $1000, while at-home kits with professional-grade solutions range from around $20 to $600. Porcelain veneers cost significantly more at $925 – $2500 per tooth. Dental bonding falls in a moderate price range, typically around $300 to $600 per tooth.

Dental implants are generally the most expensive option, with a single implant and crown costing between $3000 and $5000. Inlays and onlays, which are custom-made fillings, cost around $650 – $1200 per tooth. Finally, dental crowns range in price from about $800 to $1500 per tooth.

Dental Insurance

Dental insurance usually has limitations when it comes to cosmetic procedures. Many plans won’t cover procedures deemed purely cosmetic, or they might offer very minimal coverage. However, if a cosmetic procedure also serves a vital purpose, like getting a crown to fix a damaged tooth, some insurance plans may cover a portion of the cost.

The best way to know for sure is to contact your insurance provider directly. They can give you a clear breakdown of what your specific plan covers and any out-of-pocket costs for which you might be responsible.

Financing

If a cosmetic dental procedure is expensive, you will likely need financing. Many dentists understand that patients may need flexibility, so they offer in-house payment plans. These plans let you spread out the cost of treatment over several months or even years with manageable payments.

Additionally, third-party financing companies like CareCredit focus on providing medical financing solutions. They often have a range of plans with varying interest rates and payment terms to suit different budgets.

Some dental credit cards also exist, offering a credit line specifically designed for healthcare-related expenses, including cosmetic dentistry.

Finding A Good Cosmetic Dentist Near You

Choosing the best cosmetic dentist ensures excellent results and a positive experience. Below is how to find a qualified professional in your Beverly Hills:

Price

Understandably, price plays a key role when considering cosmetic dentistry, but it’s important to realize that costs can vary widely. A dentist’s experience and reputation heavily influence their fees. Those with extensive expertise or a well-established practice might charge more. Location matters, too, as dentists in cities with higher living costs often have higher prices.

The complexity of the procedure itself is significant—something like teeth whitening will be much less expensive than a full mouth reconstruction. The specific materials used, like the type and brand of porcelain for veneers, also affect the price tag. Practices investing in the latest technology may have slightly higher costs.

Experience and Reputation

Cosmetic dentistry is a science and an art. Experience and a commitment to excellence are paramount when choosing a practitioner to transform your smile.

Dentists who have focused on cosmetic dentistry for years have refined their techniques,  developed a knack for problem-solving, and can address challenging dental issues. Additionally, they have a wider range of knowledge about the latest techniques and trends.

Credentials and certifications are also important indicators of skill. Look for dentists who hold membership in respected organizations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD).

This signifies they’ve undergone additional training, demonstrated their expertise, and stayed up-to-date in the field. Similarly, seek out dentists who invest in continuing education, staying on the cutting edge of the latest techniques and materials.

Always ask to see a dentist’s portfolio of before-and-after photos. This gives you the best visual understanding of their capabilities and whether their style matches what you have in mind.  Use this opportunity to ask about specific cases, particularly if they seem similar to your own. It’s also a good idea to check online reviews, as these offer insights into how patients feel about the overall experience and their treatment results. It’s always good to read various reviews to set realistic expectations for your journey.

Location

While you might find a highly qualified dentist farther away, choosing a conveniently located practice offers some key advantages.

Quick and easy travel time to your dentist minimizes the chances of canceling or rescheduling when life becomes busy.  Being close to your dentist allows for flexibility in scheduling, popping in during your lunch break for adjustments or quick consultations.

In the unlikely event of an unexpected issue or a need for follow-up care, proximity to your dentist can provide peace of mind and minimize any logistical headaches. A nearby practice makes it easier to develop a good rapport with your dentist and their staff, creating a more comfortable and personalized experience.