Dental Care for All of Us

The dentist can help repair fillings and remove tartar, but they can also provide cosmetic procedures to give you a beautiful smile. Cosmetic dentistry can help boost your self-esteem and may even improve the health of your teeth. If you would like to know more, check out these three commonly asked questions regarding cosmetic dentistry.

1. What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is a series of procedures that are commonly used to improve the overall appearance and aesthetics of your smile. This is different than restorative care, which is usually considered medically necessary to save the tooth. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry, but many general dentists offer some cosmetic procedures too.

2. What Are Common Cosmetic Procedures?

There are many cosmetic dental procedures, but some of the most common include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and Invisalign braces.

Teeth Whitening. While there are many tooth-whitening over-the-counter products, none are as effective as professional whitening. Professional whitening is done in the office, or the dentist will sell you a kit to take home. This option takes longer but costs less. Tooth whitening is great at removing organic stains, like stains from food, beverages, and tobacco. It does not respond as well to intrinsic discoloration, like those from trauma or overexposure to fluoride. Veneers and bonding, however, can hide any stain, regardless of the cause.

Veneers and Bonding. Veneers and bonding are similar because they both replace the front enamel of the teeth. They are normally only used on front teeth because front teeth don't need to be as durable or strong as molars. Veneers look better but are more natural looking compared to dental bonding. Both options can fix many issues, such as short- or long-looking teeth, crowded teeth, and gaps.

Invisalign. Finally, Invisalign braces are a common alternative to braces because they are invisible and more comfortable than braces. They can be removed, which is useful for brushing and eating, but if you don't wear them, they won't work. 

3. Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?

In most cases, insurance doesn't cover the cost of cosmetic procedures. However, some cosmetic procedures may be partially covered. For example, many people have orthodontic coverage, which can be used for Invisalign. It probably won't be enough coverage to fully pay for the treatment, but it will cover some of the cost.

Similarly, some procedures are medically necessary and cosmetic. For example, if you want veneers, but you have weak teeth from decay, the dentist may recommend porcelain dental crowns. Because dental crowns strengthen weak teeth, the insurance carrier may cover some of the cost.

Cosmetic dentistry can help give you the smile you've always wanted. There are many procedures to choose from, so finding the right one for you is possible. If you would like to know more, contact a dentist in your area today. Visit a dentistry website, such as https://valleyoakdentalgroup.com/, to learn more.