If you've considered improving your smile's appearance but haven't yet discussed it with your dentist, you're not alone. Many patients rule out cosmetic dentistry because they feel it is unnecessary for a healthy smile.
However, cosmetic dentistry has multiple benefits that go beyond looks alone. Here are the top three reasons to invest in cosmetic dentistry:
Boost Your Oral Health
You may not realize that specific cosmetic procedures also benefit your oral health. Replacing a missing tooth with an implant, bridge, or crown keeps its neighbors from drifting, maintains tooth alignment, and closes gaps where food and plaque can collect and cause decay.
Protect Your Jawbone Health
After having a damaged tooth extracted, many patients simply leave the socket to heal without a replacement. While this strategy may seem more economical, it can cause more problems than it solves. An empty tooth socket causes the jawbone to reabsorb into the body due to a lack of chewing stimulation. Getting a dental implant or a bridge can keep your jawbone strong and healthy.
Improve Your Self-Confidence
Most patients say self-confidence is their top reason for asking about cosmetic procedures. You may feel reluctant to smile if you have discolored, broken, or missing teeth. Others may get the wrong impression about you when you hide your smile.
A bright, healthy-looking smile will increase your confidence and attract personal and professional opportunities.
Our Cosmetic Dental Procedures
- Veneers: Porcelain, composite, and instant veneers cover multiple aesthetic flaws at the same time. Porcelain veneers have the most natural appearance, while instant veneers are the fastest.
- Crowns: These restorations can cover broken, decayed, or discolored teeth. They have dual cosmetic and restorative purposes.
- Bridges: A bridge replaces missing teeth with sturdy artificial teeth attached to crowns or implants. Bridges fill gaps between teeth with natural-looking pontics.
- Teeth Whitening: We offer at-home and in-office teeth whitening using professional solutions. In the office, we can dramatically whiten your teeth in just a few visits. At home, the effect is more gradual but equally impressive.
- Bonding: Part art and part science, cosmetic bonding repairs chipped, cracked, and discolored teeth for a more even, natural smile.
- Gum Contouring: If you feel self-conscious about a "gummy" smile, we can perform a periodontal gum contouring procedure. Gum contouring reshapes the gumline and increases the tooth surface, which is visible when you smile.
- Dental Implants: Implants can complete a healthy, beautiful, and functional smile. Since the implant post bonds with the jawbone, they look and feel natural.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
In general, insurance does not cover services like tooth whitening and veneers. However, depending on your circumstances, it may cover crowns, bridges, and a portion of implant costs since these have therapeutic effects.
Is whitening bad for your teeth?
Whitening is safe and effective when supervised by a dental professional. Strong over-the-counter whitening products used without a dentist's guidance could lead to chemical burns on the gums, excessive sensitivity, and enamel loss.
Call Carmel Dental Associates
Cosmetic dentistry doesn't have to be a luxury. Contact our Carmel, NY, office at 845-225-2224 to learn about cosmetic dentistry procedures.