WHAT IS A COSMETIC DENTIST?
We all want to be proud of our smiles. Whether you are laughing at a funny joke or happy to see someone, you want a bright smile that is warm and inviting. Sadly, because of cosmetic issues, some people feel too self-conscious to present their full smile. If you have issues with the way your smile looks, you may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry.
An Overview of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is a term that encompasses a variety of different dental procedures that improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. While some of these procedures are necessary for oral health, others are simply for aesthetic reasons. Either way, this form of dentistry can help to boost a patient’s self-esteem and encourage them to smile more often.
Different Forms of Cosmetic Dentistry
There are a variety of different forms of cosmetic dentistry. Here are some of the most popular:
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening allows a patient to improve the brightness and color of their smile. This is done with either bleach treatments that are performed in the office or at home. Generally in-office prices are a little higher, but they do offer the advantage of having a dentist apply the whitening product.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are an excellent example of a cosmetic dental procedure that also helps to improve overall oral health. When a tooth is missing, it can cause a variety of oral health issues including: gum disease, tooth decay, tooth crowding and bone loss in the jawbone.
Dental implants help to avoid these oral health issues by replacing a missing tooth with a titanium rod, which is inserted into the jawbone. This allows the patient to have a functioning tooth while also filling the gap in their smile.
Braces
Braces are a common cosmetic procedure, and they help to adjust the alignment of teeth. While braces can be cumbersome and may take a while to fully align teeth, they are very effective in accomplishing a straight smile and effective bite.
Invisalign
For cases of teeth alignment that are less severe, Invisalign is an excellent option. Invisalign works slowly—adjusting a patient’s teeth with clear trays that are easy to remove and care for.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding allows a patient to fix minor issues with teeth, such as cracks and chips. When a full crown or dental veneers aren’t necessary, dental bonding is a great choice.
Costs
Different procedures have various costs, and they will vary greatly depending on the dentist performing the procedure, the location of the dentist, and insurance coverage. While insurance may not cover some purely cosmetic procedures (like teeth whitening), they may cover more functional options like dental implants.
Is It Right for Me?
If you are suffering from low self-confidence or self-esteem due to the way your teeth look, you may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Speak with your dentist about cosmetic dentistry options that are available to resolve your cosmetic issues, and make your smile as brilliant as possible.
Contact West Mobile Dental Care
We'd be happy to go over you options with you and find out what the best course of action is. Contact us today, we offer a wide variety of Preventative, Restorative, and Cosmetic Dentistry. We're available at (251) 666-3600 or via our online contact form here.
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