Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is non-medically-necessary dental work typically performed on structurally sound teeth. However, some of the more common cosmetic dentistry procedures (like bonding and veneers) can also be considered non-cosmetic depending on why the treatment is being performed.

The most common issues cosmetic dentistry addresses are:

Chips:
A chipped tooth or teeth is unsightly and can cause problems on teeth they come in contact with. In this case, the tooth or teeth can typically be repaired with bonding, hidden with a veneer or covered by a crown.

Stains:
Stained teeth, whether caused by age, smoking, coffee or anything else, ruin pictures and can cause you to feel less confident in all aspects of your life (like smiling for pictures, job interviews, social interactions etc.). In this case, the tooth or teeth can be whitened or covered with bonding or a veneer, or both. Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dental procedure to address staining. Your dentist will first evaluate your teeth to ensure that you are a candidate for teeth whitening. And while you can find over-the-counter tooth whitening aids, having your teeth whitened professionally is the safest and most effective option available.

Crookedness:
Crooked teeth negatively affect aesthetics and can, in some cases, impair eating. Veneers and dental bonding can often be used to correct or camouflage the crooked tooth or teeth. Alternatively, orthodontics can be used to straighten the teeth using standard braces or an Invisalign treatment may be possible. In extreme cases, the tooth or teeth can be removed and replaced with dental implants.

Accentuated, Asymmetrical or Recessed Gums:
Sometimes your gums can be larger than normal, uneven with the rest of your gums or lower than normal, which can impact your smile. If you are not happy with the way your gums look or the way your teeth look sitting in your gums, we can often correct this. Treatment typically involves manipulating the tissue and/or underlying bones to correct the gums, offering a beautiful, long lasting result.

Bite realignment:
If years of grinding your teeth or conditions like acid reflux have altered the alignment of your bite, you can elect to restore the vertical dimension of your mouth with crowns, veneers, implants, orthodontics and/or bridges.

Cosmetic dentistry typically has no medical benefits, but the psychological benefits can be profound. If the way your teeth look makes you uncomfortable talking to others or smiling for photos, cosmetic dentistry can help you find a renewed sense of confidence.

Your regular dentist can perform almost any cosmetic procedure you would like to have performed. At your appointment, you can discuss your cosmetic concerns with your dentist and they will be able to tell you if your mouth, teeth, gums and jaw are healthy enough to receive treatment and the results that can be achieved.

This depends on what needs to be addressed. At your initial consult, your dentist will discuss the treatment options available and prepare a cost estimate for each option. You should know that some cosmetic dentistry may be covered by your dental insurance. Once your dentist has had an opportunity to examine the area, they can send a cost estimate to your insurer to determine if the proposed treatment is covered under your dental plan.