Cosmetic Dentist FAQ

Cosmetic Dentist FAQ Related Information:

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry refers to any work done by a dentist that is not for the health of the teeth. It is purely for cosmetic reasons to make the teeth whiter or straighter or to have teeth where there are none. Some of the procedures performed by cosmetic dentists include bleaching, bonding, lifting the gums, veneers, reshaping, braces or implants.

Cosmetic dentistry enhances and whitens the teeth. It has no effect on the physical health of the patient, but visiting a cosmetic dentist to have work done often has a direct effect of a person’s self-esteem and mental health. Most people visit the dentist when they need to have a filling, a cleaning, a root canal or have a tooth pulled. However, a dentist does much more than that, but he/she has to specialize in order to perform more complex dentist procedures. Often dentists who can do these procedures choose not to because of the money they would have to charge and the amount of time each procedure takes.

What sorts of procedures are available through cosmetic dentistry?

There are many tooth enhancing procedures available, and these include:

Bleaching. Bleaching is a process used to whiten the teeth by bleaching out the discoloration or stains on the teeth.

Bonding. This process involves using a tooth colored putty, called resin, to form a tooth or to replace a broken or chipped tooth.

Veneers. These are shells that the doctor makes to cover your teeth with a covering that looks just like your own teeth.

Reshaping. Some enamel is removed so that all the teeth are in line.

Dental implants. These are false teeth thatare attached directly to the jaw to replace missing teeth.

Gum Lifts. If you have excess gum extending down over your teeth, the dentist can remove part of the gum to make it seem as if your teeth are longer.

Are there any risks involved with cosmetic dental surgery?

There are risks involved with cosmetic dentistry. For instance, after teeth have been whitened, they stain more easily. Some patients experience tooth sensitivity to cold foods and drinks, but this usually disappears after a short period of time. The materials used in bonding can also stain and chip easily. Any reshaping of the teeth or the enamel is a permanent process. In veneers, some of the enamel of the tooth is removed. If you opt to have this procedure performed, you cannot change your mind after a few years. You have to keep the veneers for the rest of your life.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding involves having a composite resin to restore decayed or damaged teeth. Both the back and front teeth can be repaired in this manner and the resin can be used to lighten the color of any stained or discolored teeth helping them to become a whiter color. Dental bonding lasts longer than ordinary fillings, usually about 7 – 11 years.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are fixtures of titanium that are actually screwed into your jawbone. The screw is then used to help anchor a false tooth or a set of false teeth. Implants are usually used for replacing missing front teeth, but they can be used anywhere. Usually though, people do not go through this expensive process to have one or two of their back teeth replaced. In order doe implants to be successful, you need to have enough bone for the implant to attach to.

Is cosmetic dentistry covered by health insurance?

There are many types of cosmetic dentistry procedures that you can have done at your dentist’s office. Since these procedures are not covered under health insurance plans, you have to pay for them yourself. The dentist doesn’t usually recommend these procedures unless it is necessary for medical reasons. In these cases, the health insurance usually covers most of the cost involved.