FAQs

The insurance covers cosmetic dentistry under certain conditions. Cosmetic dental procedures with health benefits may give insurance providers a ground for coverage, especially in accident cases. Patients can consult their providers to learn about their options.

Children can benefit from conservative cosmetic dentistry. Dental bonding is usually provided for children with broken teeth from hard falls and sports accidents.

Common cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers, dental implants, snap-on smiles and teeth whitening. These procedures take different forms, and the dentist will determine the best option after evaluating the patient. Cosmetic dentistry is essentially a personalized treatment plan to help patients feel good about their smile.

Many people who are displeased with certain aspects of their smile can opt for cosmetic procedures. If infection or any oral disease is present, it will be treated beforehand. Anyone with missing, chipped, cracked or unhealthy teeth can transform the appearance of their smile with cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Undergoing cosmetic dentistry procedures also has health benefits. A major one is that there is a reduced risk of oral infection. Filling up spaces in the dentition with a dental crown, implant or bridge inhibits harmful bacteria from thriving. Extracting unhealthy teeth from the teeth can also help keep the mouth clean and healthy.

The dentist will treat every tooth that is damaged in the mouth. They may also treat the teeth adjacent to the affected ones to prevent infection from spreading or to make the dentition uniform. During the initial consultation, the dentist may perform an X-ray or take a mold of the teeth to know which teeth require treatment.

Porcelain veneers are popular dental restorations for enhancing the appearance of the smile. The dentist will place the veneer over the front and biting edges of the teeth to mask cracks, chips and discoloration and improve the shape of the teeth. The placement is easy and usually lasts many years with adequate care.

The durability of teeth whitening treatment depends on the patient’s level of oral care. To keep the teeth looking white for a long time, patients need to avoid drinks or meals that cause teeth stains or discoloration. Additional touch-ups are generally required after a year.

Before proceeding with implant placement, the dentist will administer local anesthesia and a mild sedative. Most patients do not feel any pain during the procedure, and afterward, the dentist will provide recommendations for dealing with recovery pain.

Replacing missing teeth through dental implants definitely won’t be pain-free, but that doesn’t mean that the pain will be unbearable. Oral surgeons and dentists will work with the patient to come up with the best pain management method. During and after the procedure, there may be discomfort, but with the right pain management tools, the amount of pain that comes with the implant placement should be controlled.

After placement, the implants may cause some soreness or discomfort but again, there shouldn’t be major pain. As the implants fuse with the bone and the wounds heal, the mouth will definitely feel some discomfort. However, this can all be managed with medications.

When dentists recommend dental implants as a replacement solution, they often explain to patients that they are meant to be a permanent fix. However, just like with all dental restorations, there is a chance of complications in which the implants may fail or experience damage. In these scenarios, bone grafts or a complete replacement of the implant may be required.

Depending on the number of dental implants, the length of the healing process may vary. Each person is different but it is typically said that the healing process takes a few months. The mouth undergoes a lot of changes after implants are placed. The implant itself must fuse with the jawbone, which is a big part of the healing process.

Yes! Implants are one of the safest methods of tooth replacement because the materials are made of titanium. The body almost always accepts titanium and allows it to become a natural part of the bone structure too.

A lot of general dentists are trained and certified to place dental implants, but because surgery is involved, it is important that the dentist is certified. If the patient’s general dentist is not certified, they will likely be referred to an oral surgeon who can perform the procedure.