Teeth Whitening, Invisalign, Porcelain Veneers – Cosmetic Dentistry Cost
Smile Makeover Treatments
The latest cosmetic dentistry advancements allow most people to achieve outstanding smiles in only a few office visits. Even severely stained, crooked and/or misaligned teeth can be transformed into dazzling smiles by using advanced cosmetic dentistry technologies and techniques, such as porcelain veneers, teeth whitening and Invisalign clear orthodontics (alternative to braces). In many cases, patients require several of these procedures to achieve the best possible results. Combinations of cosmetic dentistry procedures are known as smile makeovers. These comprehensive treatments are highly customized in order to address the needs of each patient and to create a smile that beautifully complements his or her facial features, skin tone and personality.
Porcelain Veneers
One of the procedures routinely included in smile makeover plans is placement of one or several porcelain veneers. The sophisticated veneers technology allows dentists to create a dramatic appearance change in only two office visits, providing patients with nearly instant smile makeovers. Porcelain veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are custom-manufactured to match the contour and color of the patient's teeth. After teeth are prepared, veneers are permanently attached to their front surface with a special adhesive. Once placed in the mouth, porcelain veneers become part of patients' natural teeth and do not require any special care.
Due to their durability and ease of application, porcelain veneers are used to correct a variety of cosmetic and/or functional problems. They are often placed over teeth to cover cracks and minor crevices, as well as to improve the appearance of teeth that are disproportionately short or long. Porcelain veneers are also often used to correct the appearance of crowded and/or misaligned teeth. In addition, veneers can help patients with stained teeth achieve whiter, brighter smiles. Because porcelain veneers are translucent, they reflect light similarly to natural teeth, which makes patients' smiles look radiant-yet-natural. Porcelain veneers cost varies depending on the dentist's experience and reputation, the materials used, manufacturer's fees, and several other factors. According to recent surveys, a single porcelain veneer typically costs between $900 and $2,500.
Teeth Whitening
Another cosmetic dentistry technique used by cosmetic dentists to improve teeth color is whitening. By applying special solutions and light to teeth surface, dentists are able to whiten teeth by as many as nine shades in a single office visit. Many teeth whitening procedures can be completed in one hour, which makes whitening a very convenient, popular procedure. In addition to in-office whitening (such as Zoom, Opalescence or Britesmile whitening), many dentists offer take-home whitening trays. Filled with a powerful whitening solution, these trays can be used for both teeth whitening and maintenance of whitening results. Depending on the type of whitening used, teeth whitening cost can vary from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Currently, the national average for a single in-office whitening treatment is $650.
Due to the expediency of teeth whitening, people of all walks of life pursue this procedure. While most individuals start off with sparkling white teeth, over the years, teeth often become darker due to a variety of reasons. In many cases, dietary habits, such as consumption of coffee, tea and red wine, cause teeth to become darker. Another cause of darkened, yellowish teeth appearance is smoking. In addition, certain medications, such as tetracycline, can leave unsightly stains on the front surface of teeth. Regardless of the cause of teeth discoloration, this problem can typically be resolved through whitening treatments.
Invisalign Clear Braces
It used to be the case that people with teeth alignment problems had to endure months and years of cumbersome metal braces to achieve beautiful, straight teeth. Today, however, they can achieve lovely smiles without anyone even noticing that they are undergoing treatment. Invisalign is a system of clear teeth aligners that gently move teeth into their proper positions, improving smile aesthetics and bite functionality. Invisalign clear braces can be used to correct overbite (upper teeth bite over lower teeth), crossbite (upper teeth bite inside lower teeth) and relapse (teeth shifting after traditional braces have been removed).
Invisalign aligners are custom-manufactured according to the needs of each patient. They can be removed during eating, providing patients with an enhanced level of comfort. Most Invisalign treatments can be completed in less than a year, allowing even the busiest professionals to beautify their smiles without interfering with their schedules. Invisalign cost is comparable to that of traditional braces and typically ranges in between $3,000 and $5,000. Depending on each patient's dental insurance, Invisalign costs might be covered in full or partially. However, some insurance companies do not provide coverage for Invisalign, treating this procedure like other elective cosmetic dentistry procedures. Potential Invisalign patients should inquire with their dentists as many of them offer various financing options to help cover cosmetic dentistry costs.