Lumineers, Invisalign, Teeth Whitening – Cosmetic Dentistry Costs
Customized Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
Cosmetic dentistry is a term used to describe procedures that are designed to improve the appearance of one's smile. By performing advanced treatments, such as placement of dental implants (get dental implant information), porcelain veneers and Invisalign braces, cosmetic dentists can create outstanding smile makeovers. In many cases, a radiant smile not only enhances a patient's appearance but also provides a great boost to his or her self-confidence. In addition, psychology studies have demonstrated that a bright, warm smile conveys an image of a friendly, outgoing personality — an impression that can greatly enhance one's social and professional life.
In order to deliver the finest possible smile makeover results, dentists perform thorough consultations, during which time they learn about each patient's needs, concerns and aesthetic desires. In addition, dentists typically perform a set of evaluations and exams to assess the patient's oral health and determine the most appropriate procedures. At the conclusion of the comprehensive pre-treatment process, the patient is presented with an individualized treatment plan. His or her cosmetic dentist then carefully explains all proposed procedures and answers any questions the patient might have. The aim of this process is to prepare the patient for the procedures and create realistic expectations regarding treatment length and results.
Porcelain Veneers: Traditional and No-Prep
One of the more popular smile makeover procedures is placement of porcelain veneers. Custom-manufactured using thin sheets of porcelain, veneers are placed on the front surface of the teeth, creating perfect yet natural-looking teeth appearance. Porcelain veneers are used widely due to their versatility and expediency. Thus, veneers can be applied to cover cracks, chips and minor fractures in tooth surface. They are also often employed to improve the appearance of teeth that are too short or too long. In certain cases, porcelain veneers can be used to conceal wide spaces between teeth and to improve the appearance of crowded teeth.
Porcelain veneer placement procedure can often be completed in only two office visits. Thus, during the first visit, a dentist carefully evaluates a patient's teeth and, if he or she is a candidate for veneers, creates an impression of the teeth. This mold is used to manufacture custom-fitted porcelain veneers. During the second office visit, patient's teeth are prepared and veneers are attached to their surface using a special adhesive. Once the procedure is completed, veneers become a permanent part of the patient's teeth.
Recent advances in cosmetic dentistry technologies and techniques have further improved porcelain veneers method, allowing for nearly instant veneer placement. Several no-prep and minimal preparation veneers have been introduced to the market, promising "no-shot, no-prep, no-pain" porcelain veneer placement. One of the more popular brands of no-prep porcelain veneers is Lumineers. Unlike traditional veneers that require filing and/or grinding of the teeth to achieve a precise fit, Lumineers can be placed on teeth with minimal or no preparation. As a result, only the enamel (the outermost layer of the tooth) is affected, which is why patients usually do not require any type of anesthetic. However, Lumineers are not suitable for all veneers patients. Only a thorough consultation with your dentist can help you determine if this procedure could help you realize your smile makeover dreams.
Invisalign Clear Braces
While many people associate braces with unsightly metal devices placed on teeth and worn for months and even years, today's braces are not ugly nor cumbersome. In fact, Invisalign braces are made of clear plastic and are often unnoticeable to other people. In addition, they can be removed during eating, social events and at other times when patients prefer not to wear them. However, it is recommended that patients wear Invisalign for at least 20 hours a day to achieve the best possible effect. This is because each aligner works by gently pushing the tooth into its proper position, a process that requires time.
Invisalign aligner placement is usually completed in two office visits. During the first consultation, a dentist makes an impression of the patient's teeth. This mold is used to manufacture customized aligners that fit precisely and exert mild pressure on teeth, moving them into appropriate spaces. During the second office visit, the patient is fitted with his or her first set of aligners. The braces are changed about every two weeks to accommodate for and facilitate proper adjustment of teeth. While some individuals delay pursuing Invisalign due to financial considerations, many of them are surprised to find out that Invisalign cost is comparable to that of traditional braces. Furthermore, in many cases insurance companies cover all or some of the costs associated with Invisalign procedure, which makes this treatment not only convenient but also affordable for many people.
Cosmetic Dentistry Costs
Many people desiring to improve their less-than-stunning smiles are hesitant to visit a cosmetic dentist due to financial concerns. Recognizing that cosmetic dentistry costs can sometimes prevent patients from realizing their dreams of attractive, beautiful smiles, many dentists offer a variety of payment plans and financing options. In addition, they often work with patients to help them maximize their dental insurance coverage for cosmetic dentistry procedures that might be partially reimbursed. For example, dental implants cost can be broken down into costs associated with implant site preparation, which falls under the category of general dentistry, and costs associated with implant placement, which usually falls under the category of cosmetic dentistry. This separation is important because insurance companies sometimes pay for the general dentistry part of the dental implants procedure. Similarly, in certain cases porcelain veneers cost can be divided into general dentistry costs (such as tooth surface strengthening) and cosmetic dentistry costs (expenses associated with manufacturing and placement of the veneers). Other procedures, however, are considered purely cosmetic and usually are not covered by dental insurance companies. For example, patients typically have to cover teeth whitening cost out of pocket.