FAQ's

Is there a difference in quality of treatment?

Many times cosmetic dentistry is not always an entire new smile but rather the great difficulty of matching the existing beauty of teeth. In order to do this it required great patience, skill, and laboratory support. Below are just a few examples of matching existing teeth to greatly achieve the patient's wants.

Which of these crowns below would you rather have?

This patient had a crown that really stood out when she smiled. She complained everyone knew that she had a "fake tooth". She was very excited after treatment and she felt she could smile without anyone knowing that she has a crown on her very front tooth! This was accomplished with whitening and one single all ceramic crown!

Which of these "fillings" would you rather have?

She had leaking silver fillings which were sensitive every time she would drink something cold. She also showed these silver fillings while she was talking to people because they were easily visible on her lower molars. She had some very unique white characteristics on her teeth that she wanted to duplicate in her natural white looking restorations.

Will my insurance cover cosmetic dental treatment?
Like plastic surgery, insurance does not usually cover treatment done for purely cosmetic reasons. However, treatment that is needed to repair broken or decayed teeth, or to replace existing restorations that are defective may qualify for some insurance reimbursement. (As seen in the above cases)

My teeth are stained and yellow. Is there any way to whiten them?
Dental Bleaching (whitening) is one of the most popular cosmetic services. A simple and affordable treatment can give you a bright, white smile. To learn more about Dental Bleaching, click here.

My teeth are crooked, or have spaces. Do I have to get braces to straighten them?
The answer to this question is, "it depends." In some cases, orthodontic treatment (braces) is the best approach. However, in other cases of misaligned (crooked) teeth, other methods may be used. Porcelain Veneers are a breakthrough procedure that can help correct this problem. Spaces (gaps) and crowding can also be corrected with Veneers. In some cases, Bonding can be used effectively. Click here to learn more.

How long will my cosmetic treatment last?
There are too many factors to accurately predict how long any dental treatment will last. The condition of the teeth prior to treatment influences the longevity of the restorations. Home care (hygiene) and eating habits are part of the equation. Of course, the quality of the treatment itself influences the long term outcome as well. Regular visits to the dentist can help insure that your dental treatment is being maintained. While there is nothing we can do to render a tooth completely immune to future problems, preventive maintenance will prolong the life of your dental treatment for many years.

Is this kind of treatment expensive?
Costs for cosmetic treatment can vary widely depending on your needs or desires. Whitening would represent the lower end of the spectrum, while veneers fall at the higher end. Many cases fall somewhere in between. To be more specific, costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Cosmetic dentistry is very much like plastic surgery. It is mostly elective and serves to enhance your appearance. Of course, the investment can have many intangible returns such as increased confidence and self-esteem. Many social studies indicate that feeling good about your appearance can improve your chances at excelling in your career or social life. The best way to determine your options and costs is to arrange a consultation.