A Guide to the New Options in Cosmetic Dentistry

Traditional dentistry concentrates on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing and treating oral disease. Cosmetic dentistry concentrates on enhancing the appearance of the teeth, mouth and in particular the smile.

Smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction are two of the newest options designed to create a gorgeous smile.

*Smile Makeovers

A smile makeover enhances the look of the smile by utilizing one or more cosmetic dentistry methods such as dental implants, dental veneers and teeth whitening.

*Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstructions may consist of dealing with practical problems with the bite, teeth, muscles and bone structure along with using other cosmetic methods. Full mouth reconstruction consists of sophisticated restorative treatment intended to deal with critical wear of the teeth, pain and other troubles. Full mouth restoration commonly requires several dentists center on their precise areas of proficiency in order to attain the best result.

*Bonding

Bonding is a method of repairing broken or chipped teeth. A composite material that looks like enamel is applied to the surface of the tooth and then shaped, formed and polished, causing the chip or crack to be invisible. This bonding process will correct the defect and make a tooth shine.

Bonding is also a solution for gaps between teeth, spots from wearing braces, stains and crookedness.

Prices for this procedure can vary by location and the scope of the process you will need. Most insurance covers part of the cost of bonding. The average cost ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth.

* Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is possibly the most frequently suggested cosmetic dentistry method. Teeth are sometimes stained from food, smoking, drink (tea, coffee, red wine) or inadequate oral hygiene. You can improve the look of your smile by bleaching your teeth. There are treatments available for every budget.

Teeth Whitening can be in the form of one hour bleaching appointments at the dentist's office or home use bleaching kits that you can purchase from a drug store. Teeth Whitening is not a permanent answer and needs maintenance for a lasting effect. There are numerous methods of whitening such as mild acid whitening, chemical whitening, abrasive teeth brightening and the newest method, laser teeth whitening.

The process can be done entirely in the cosmetic dentist's office or it can be done by the patient in their home, using items provided by the dentist. The home method is used often because it saves the patient from having to go to the dentist's office. The dentist's office supplies the patient with the materials and directives and also will answer any questions the patient might have.

Again, costs can vary by location but the standard fee is about $500 in most cases. Laser teeth whitening is usually over $1000. Bleaching done at home can cost between $50 and $100 for the entire teeth whitening procedure. The drugstore strips can cost as little as $25. The cost for teeth whitening is generally not covered by dental insurance.

* Dental Veneers

Porcelain or plastic laminates affixed to the surface of a tooth to restore cracks and chips will enhance a worn look or serious tooth discoloration. Veneers can also be utilized if you have space between your teeth or if teeth whitening hasn't worked.

Dental veneers are custom made forms of tooth like ceramic material that, when put over the surface of a tooth, can hide worn tooth enamel, chips or cracks or jagged tooth alignment. Veneers generate a brilliant, white smile with superbly aligned, shapely teeth. Today's veneers, with translucent ceramic quality, give a more normal look than what's been accessible in the past.

Dental veneers are made from an impression taken in your dentist's office. The custom veneer is then glued directly onto your tooth. Veneers generally cost less than crowns and won't stain, making them very popular. Dental veneers usually last from 10 to 15 years.
Usual porcelain veneers generally cost between $850 and $2,500 per tooth. Composite veneers cost only around $250 per tooth but usually only last five to seven years.

Lumineer porcelain veneers generally cost between $700 and $1,000 per tooth. They usually last as long as porcelain veneers. Usually dental insurance does not cover tooth veneers and cost will vary by location.

*Invisalign® Invisible Braces

Invisalign ® is a new orthodontic treatment method that works to straighten teeth through the utilization of a sequence of clear plastic molds called aligners. These eliminate the metallic braces that we all knew as teenagers.

Your orthodontist will use computer imaging to generate your invisalign® braces. The dentist will obtain bite impressions of your mouth and he will use the Invisalign® three dimensional computer imaging system to create a sequence of clear retainers. The first one will fit your current teeth and each succeeding retainer will work like invisible braces, using mild pressure to move your teeth to the proper alignments.

The most obvious advantage of Invisalign® is that patients can have their teeth straightened with anyone knowing. This system also provides enhanced hygiene over traditional braces.

The cost of Invisalign® is determined by location, the length of time the system will be utilized, the degree of correction needed and the orthodontist's experience. Across the United States, the average cost is about $5,000.

A gorgeous smile is a feature that allows your personality to really shine through. The benefits to your confidence and quality of life are priceless.