Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry · 2020-01-15 · Looking for a guide to cosmetic dentistry? Your smile...
Transcript of Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry · 2020-01-15 · Looking for a guide to cosmetic dentistry? Your smile...
Guide to Cosmetic DentistryEverything you need to know.
Do I Need Cosmetic Dentistry Services? 3Do you often smile with a closed mouth in photographs? Do you have a very special event coming up? Have your teeth suffered damage or decay? Cosmetic dentistry services are for everyone
Cosmetic Dentistry 101 4Teeth Whitening Aesthetically Pleasing Repairs Orthodontics
Finding Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry 5Don’t get everything fixed at once Talk to your insurance provider to be clear on what’s covered Talk to your dentist about affordable cosmetic dentistry Be sure your dentist has advanced credentials
Is there cosmetic dental insurance? 6Cosmetic Dental Insurance Cash Pay Payment Plans
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost in the Long-run? 7Braces Dental implants Full mouth reconstruction
Table of Contents
GUIDE TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY 2
Only you can decide if you need cosmetic dentistry services. While
these procedures are often considered “elective,” having a smile
you can be proud of is a tremendous confidence-booster. And a
confident, radiant smile can carry you far. Here are a few questions
to ask yourself as you consider the possibility of cosmetic dentistry.
Do you often smile with a closed mouth in photographs?If so, you might want to consider why. Maybe you don’t like your
teeth and need a smile confidence boost. Perhaps you have damage
or decay that needs to be addressed. Or maybe you just wish your
smile was whiter and brighter. If any of these describe you, you
might want to have a conversation with a cosmetic dental specialist.
A qualified cosmetic dentist can offer you a detailed consultation
and help create a treatment plan that fits your needs. Having
confidence in your smile can make all the difference; don’t wait.
Do you have a very special event coming up? Are you getting married? Or perhaps you’re the maid of honor or
the mother of the bride? Is your 10 year (or 20 year) high school
reunion just around the corner? If so, now would be a great time to
get your smile in tip-top shape! Perhaps an in-office or take-home
whitening treatment is right for you. Chat with your dentist to
see how you can make your smile its brightest for those timeless
photographs.
Have your teeth suffered damage or decay?Perhaps you have tooth decay, or damaged teeth from an injury or
accident. Even the most complex dental concerns can be repaired
with the latest technology. You would be amazed at the potential
results. Set up a consultation with your dentist to explore your next
steps and come up with the ideal treatment plan for you.
Cosmetic dentistry services are for everyoneFlawless smiles rarely come naturally. They often need a little help
along the way. Almost everyone can benefit from cosmetic dentistry
at some point in their lives, from whitening and braces, to repairs
and veneers.
Do I Need Cosmetic Dentistry Services?
GUIDE TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY 3
Looking for a guide to cosmetic dentistry? Your smile is the first
thing people notice about you. And it’s much less about your
appearance, and much more about the confidence you radiate when
your eyes light up and you grin from ear to ear. The right cosmetic
dentistry can help you have that confidence in your smile. Here is a
quick guide to some of your options:
Teeth WhiteningTooth whitening can be achieved in many different ways. The
simplest way to brighten your teeth is with a whitening toothpaste
at home. Though this option is the least expensive, the results
will be the most subtle. Your dentist might also recommend a
take-home kit that they can provide for you in-office for more
dramatic results. Take-home kits incorporate an easy-to-use, low-
concentration peroxide gel that remains on the teeth for an hour or
longer. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made trays that
resemble mouth guards. For the most dramatic whitening results,
you can choose an in-office whitening procedure. This usually only
requires one visit, and ensures even whitening over every surface of
the teeth.
Aesthetically Pleasing RepairsThese cosmetic dentistry options include inlays/onlays, composite
bonding, dental veneers, dental implants, and dental contouring.
1. Inlays/onlays can be an attractive way to provide a “filling”
to teeth that suffer from damage or decay. They are made of
porcelain or a composite material, and are expertly fitted and
bonded to the teeth by your dentist.
2. Composite bonding can repair chipped or broken teeth and
make them look brand new. Your dentist uses a composite
material and carefully hand-sculpts it into shape, resulting in a
flawless restoration of the tooth and a bright smile.
3. Dental veneers are often made of porcelain, and can be bonded
to the surface of a tooth to correct chips, cracks, or large gaps.
4. Dental implants are an artificial tooth replacement that repairs
tooth loss. The results of dental implants are often a more
youthful appearance, as missing teeth can prematurely age the
face.
5. Dental contouring involves gently reshaping the teeth to
remove rough edges, sharp points, or too much length.
OrthodonticsOrthodontics can correct crooked teeth or a poor bite utilizing
traditional braces or invisible aligners. Ask your dentist if
orthodontics is the right answer to your dental concerns.
Cosmetic Dentistry 101
GUIDE TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY 4
Finding Affordable Cosmetic DentistryFinding affordable cosmetic dentistry can be intimidating. Many
dental insurance plans don’t cover “non-essential” procedures, and
the cost of creating the smile of your dreams can add up quickly.
But when the right cosmetic dentist is on your side; they will do
their absolute best to create a treatment plan that fits your budget.
Here are some tips and tricks to finding affordable cosmetic
dentistry in your area.
Don’t get everything fixed at onceIt can be a great idea to take your time and spread your smile
makeover out over months or even years. Take baby steps toward
reaching your goals, rather than paying a huge lump sum all at once
for multiple methods. This not only makes the process more gradual
and even comfortable, but keeps beautiful results well within your
budget.
Talk to your insurance provider to be clear on what’s coveredWhile many elective cosmetic procedures are not covered by dental
insurance, some procedures that you may need as a result of an
illness or injury may be. For example, tooth whitening is rarely
covered, but veneers or other forms of resurfacing or reshaping the
teeth may be covered. You never know until you ask.
Talk to your dentist about affordable cosmetic dentistryMany dentists offer low-interest payment plans to their patients,
making your dream smile that much more attainable. Also, be sure
to have an in-depth consultation with your dentist about your smile
goals before making any decisions. They are the experts, and may
have insight into helping you achieve your goal with even fewer
procedures.
Be sure your dentist has advanced credentialsYou want to find a dentist who is certified by the American
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). These dentists are at the
top of their field, and can recommend the ideal procedures for you
at the most reasonable available pricing. A great dentist will take
their time with you in consultation, ensuring you feel comfortable
with every aspect of your treatment plan. They will also get excited
with you about attaining your dream smile!
GUIDE TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY 5
Is there cosmetic dental insurance?Seeking cosmetic dental insurance can feel like a daunting task.
Many insurance companies don’t offer complete dental coverage to
begin with, so finding coverage that includes “elective” procedures
can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. Depending on the
types of treatment you may need, there are many financial options
that can help you stay on-budget and still get the smile you’ve
always dreamed of.
Cosmetic Dental InsuranceEven plans that offer great dental coverage may be lacking in
discounts for cosmetic procedures. Be sure to talk to your insurance
provider in detail about the level of coverage available for the
treatment you are hoping to get. For example, it’s almost impossible
to find a plan that will discount tooth whitening. But depending
on the level of damage or decay that your teeth are suffering,
procedures like veneers or dental implants may be covered as a
medical necessity. For maximum coverage, look for an indemnity
or fee-for-service dental insurance plan, which can only be found
through private insurers (not the Marketplace.) Plans like these will
often cost twice as much (or more) than typical dental coverage.
The trade-off is that the customer will be able to choose any doctor
they want, and have nearly any procedure covered after they meet
their deductible.
Cash PayMany providers offer a discount, (often significant), to patients who
are willing to pay cash for their care. Talk to your provider about
the possibilities of a reduction in fees if you are able to pay cash
on the spot. If you have a non-urgent cosmetic procedure that you
would like to have done, start setting aside some funds now so you
can schedule your procedure in the near future.
Payment PlansTalk to your provider about the possibility of a payment plan for
your cosmetic dentistry needs. Many dentists will offer low-interest
financing to their patients so that they can get the care they need
right away. If you are concerned about the cost of any procedure,
talk to your doctor about it. They want to do everything in their
power to provide you with the best care possible. A good provider
will be able to help you work your care into your budget to the best
of their ability.
GUIDE TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY 6
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost in the Long-run?How much does cosmetic dentistry cost? That question has widely
varied answers depending on the type of procedure you may need
or want. Cosmetic dentistry can vary in price from a few hundred
to several thousand dollars, but the only way to get an accurate
quote is to have a detailed consultation with your dentist to assess
your needs. However, reparative and preventative cosmetic dental
care can actually cost less if addressed now than the potential
problems a lack of treatment may cause in the long run. Here are a
few procedures that can do just that.
BracesOrthodontia, like braces or invisalign, can correct not just crooked
teeth, but a host of bite and jaw problems as well. Dental issues like
these, when corrected early, can prevent much greater problems in
the future. While braces & retainers may seem like a big investment
now, they are well worth it in the long run. Invisalign can cost an
average of between $3,000-$8,000.
Dental implantsDental implants are often used when a tooth is lost due to infection
or injury. Leaving the space open can invite new infections, and
potentially affect speaking and eating. Dental implants, while
restoring your beautiful smile, are also a long-term solution to
missing teeth. With proper care, an expertly placed dental implant
can last a lifetime, making it well worth the initial financial
investment. On average, a single dental implant can cost between
$1,000-$5,000.
Full mouth reconstructionA full mouth reconstruction will profoundly improve the aesthetics
of your smile, while also treating and correcting functional
problems with the bite, teeth, and bone structure. The results can
be beautiful and natural looking, while correcting a whole lifetime
of problems. The cost of a full mouth reconstruction can only be
determined after a detailed consultation with your dentist.
Think of cosmetic dentistry as an investment in your health and
in your confidence. Talk to your dentist today about how cosmetic
dentistry may be able to correct and prevent dental problems, all
while perfecting and beautifying your unique smile.
GUIDE TO COSMETIC DENTISTRY 7
Congratulations!
Now that you know what is available, give us a call.
Here at Fredericksburg Smile Center, we offer a wide range of cosmetic dentistry services that will give you a smile you can love.
Our friendly, professional staff will work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs!
Book an appointment