The Ultimate Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
An attractive smile has become increasingly important, and many people are turning to cosmetic dentistry to help achieve their desired aesthetic. But with so many different types of cosmetic dental procedures available, it can be difficult to navigate the various options and determine which is right for you.
Our guide will take you through the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures, their benefits, and what you can expect during and after the treatment. With this information, you can make an informed decision about which procedure is best suited to your individual needs.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized and growing part of the dental field. The term is most frequently used to describe procedures intended to improve the appearance and often the function of a patient’s teeth.
Most cosmetic dental procedures also play a major role in building and restoring self-confidence. Today, cosmetic dentists perform a wide array of procedures, from simple whitening to a full-mouth restoration.
Thanks to recent advancements in technology, cosmetic dentistry is accessible to people who may not have been able to afford it just a few years ago. Here’s a small sample of the many cosmetic dentistry procedures Dental Studio 101 expertly performs. Check out our infographic below and share it with your peers.
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Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
There are many different cosmetic dentistry options, ranging from simple whitening treatments to more complex procedures like veneers and full mouth restoration. Each procedure has unique benefits and can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
This section will explore some of the most common types of cosmetic dental procedures and what they can do for you.
1. Aesthetic Rehabilitation
This is something of an overarching term that could involve one or more procedures aimed at restoring teeth to their natural beauty. Many patients seek this cosmetic dentistry service after years of wear because their teeth look less aesthetically pleasing. Perhaps someone’s smile has become cracked or discolored.
Aesthetic rehabilitation is also used to restore teeth damaged by injury or illness. In the case of illness, sometimes the sickness itself or the drugs prescribed to treat it can damage teeth and gums.
2. Full Mouth Reconstruction
This type of cosmetic dentistry is often needed when periodontal disease takes hold. Over time, bacteria build up and develop between teeth and under gums. Periodontal disease slowly deteriorates bone and causes teeth to decay, shift and even fall out.
Dental Studio 101 uses full mouth reconstruction to fully restore a smile damaged by disease or injury. Our cutting-edge dental studio is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. We’ll develop a custom cosmetic treatment plan to ensure each patient’s restoration procedure is done to the highest standards of excellence.
3. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a great option for patients with cracked, chipped or irregularly shaped teeth. This form of cosmetic dentistry is also a great option for people who want to close a gap in their teeth or have discoloration that can’t be removed by whitening.
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of porcelain custom designed to cover the front surface of a tooth. Once a very thin enamel layer is removed, this shell is bonded to a patient’s tooth. Removing the enamel is essential to the procedure because it ensures the veneer will fit comfortably in the mouth.
The shell will then be bonded to your original tooth. The bond must be strong to ensure the porcelain veneer will withstand daily wear and tear without cracking or coming loose. A well-placed porcelain veneer will help improve natural tooth function while creating a beautiful appearance.
In many situations, these veneers are considered an excellent alternative to dental crowns as they offer a more conservative approach to repairing tooth damage. Generally, it may last several years, especially when executed and cared for properly.
Who Will Benefit from Porcelain Veneers?
The cost of porcelain veneers is minimal when compared to the long-lasting benefits. Some people find their natural teeth do not respond well to traditional whitening. In this case, porcelain veneers are a great solution yielding outstanding results.
This procedure can also greatly benefit patients looking to improve the shape and contour of their original teeth. Others are concerned about gaps, chips, or fractures and are looking for an aesthetically pleasing solution.
Dental Problems That Porcelain Veneers Can Solve
Whether it is because of genetics or poor oral habits and lifestyle, your tooth enamel will eventually weaken and get dull as you age. If you’re concerned about worn-down enamel, a chipped tooth, or uneven teeth, a porcelain veneer can make these issues go away.
In addition, veneers can fix cracked, misshapen, and crooked teeth. It may even be used as an alternative to braces.
Aside from providing cosmetic benefits, porcelain veneers also serve a functional purpose. Because they cover the surface of the teeth, they offer added strength and protection.
The Cosmetic Dental Veneer Procedure
Patients wanting veneers may be required to visit the dentist several times throughout the entire procedure.
Initial Consultation
During your initial consultation with Dental Studio 101, our experts will work with you to determine the best treatment plan to achieve your desired results. We understand that every patient is unique, and we take the time to listen to your concerns and goals.
Our in-office lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, allowing us to create custom porcelain veneers that perfectly match your natural teeth’ size, shape, and color. This unique advantage means we can complete the entire veneer process in just one visit, saving you time and hassle.
Preparation
Our team will lightly buff your teeth and remove about half a millimeter of enamel to prepare your teeth for veneers. This process may require a local anesthetic.
If you opt for porcelain veneers, our in-office lab allows us to create the veneers right on the spot, eliminating the need to send impressions out to an external lab. Our team of experts will also perform color matches right in our office, ensuring that your veneers perfectly match your natural teeth.
Dental Studio 101 uses only the highest quality materials to create durable and beautiful veneers. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services.
Application
When the veneers are set, your dentist will place each on the teeth. Before having them cemented, pay close attention to their shade.
If you’re not happy with it, the shade can be adjusted. Your teeth are then cleansed with specific chemicals prior to applying the cement. Once everything’s in place, a light beam is applied to cure the cement.
Our team at Dental Studio 101 uses only the highest quality materials to create porcelain veneers that are both beautiful and long-lasting. Our goal is to give our patients a smile they can be proud of, and porcelain veneers are just one of the many ways we can help.
We encourage you to schedule a consultation with our team if you’re interested in porcelain veneers or any other cosmetic dentistry procedure. We’ll be happy to discuss your options and help you determine which procedure is best for you.
4. Implants
Implants are an advanced and highly effective method of creating a beautiful, flawless smile with all the luster of a natural set of teeth.
The best way to determine if this process is for you is to give Dental Studio 101 a call to set up a consultation. Our expert staff uses only the latest and most effective technologies to ensure implants are beautiful and long-lasting.
How Does Dental Implant Surgery Work?
Dental implants are replacement tooth roots embedded into the patient’s jawbone and gum tissue through cosmetic dental surgery. During the dental implants’ surgical placement, the gum tissue will be incised. The dental implant will then be anchored into the jawbone through these gum incisions. The healing process usually lasts for months.
Cost of Dental Implants: Things to Consider
Dental hygiene, along with the fixations, is now a necessity. It is not a luxurious vanity anymore as compared to in the past. That is why dental care is now a part of your insurance benefits, but how much is really covered? How much will you be shelling out if you need to undergo dental implants? Implants are much more dependable than dentures, a good long-term solution to missing teeth. What do dental implants cost?
The cost of dental implants differs from the procedures performed in particular cases. Here are some factors to consider:
Tooth Material
The materials of the tooth/teeth that will be used are a major factor to consider for the cost of dental implants. Some tooth implants are made in other countries because the teeth’ materials can only be found there. The dental professional may opt for these implants because they may sustain your needs and last longer than other local implants.
Number of Implants Required
Patients may have missed a tooth or multiple teeth that may need implants. For instance, if a patient suffers from gum disease and teeth are affected, the operation may require a more complex treatment approach.
If the teeth affected are in line with each other, the dentist may suggest proceeding to have an implant bridge to install a set of teeth. In this case, the cost of dental implants may be above the normal range.
Kind of Procedure
Dental implant procedures vary in particular cases. Not all patients have the same situation, one may have a simple tooth problem that may increase the average cost of dental implants, and others may need a few procedures that need a serious amount of money.
For example, you may need implants near your nasal cavity, requiring a well-trained specialist. Sometimes, tooth implants are required for oral rehabilitation, gum treatment or bone grafting surgery. The need for bone grafting may cost more than other procedures and is performed when a patient has insufficient bone volume in the jaw to support tooth implants.
Specialist Professional Fee
Getting dental implants can be costly, even with dental insurance. Consulting a qualified, experienced dentist to do the work may be a cost-effective way to help save you time and money. However, if the procedure is complex, then the expertise of an oral surgeon may be the proper route to go.
5. Crowns and Bridges
These cosmetic dental options are usually fixed prosthetics that can only be removed by the dentist. Crowns and bridges are ideal for patients with missing or damaged teeth.
Crowns, or caps, strengthen damaged teeth by covering them entirely with porcelain or ceramic, while bridges fill in the gaps left by missing teeth using the same material as crowns.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns, each with advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:
Full Porcelain Crown
When you like your smile to be flawless, think about this full porcelain tooth crown, as it perfectly matches the color of your teeth. But it doesn’t have the same durability as the porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns.
Studies have also shown that it wears and tears the other teeth more than the other types. It has been an option for people who are sensitive to metals and don’t want stained teeth. It is a bit costly, but the color is worth it.
Porcelain-Fused-to Metal Dental Crown
The porcelain-made crown is mostly used because it mimics the real tooth’s color. It doesn’t catch attention negatively when you smile. It is not visible as a cap, but because it is porcelain, it is a bit heavier than usual crowns which tend to tear down the tooth to where it is attached.
Also, it has a metal inside to do its purpose. However, the color will show through a dark line outside the tooth as it rusts. It also chips off because it is porcelain.
Full Resin Tooth Crown
This tooth crown is the most affordable but not the most durable. It cracks and chips easily and wears the other teeth faster than other crowns. This is a good choice when you have a limited fund. You have to visit your dental specialist once you feel it is chipping to replace the cap.
How Much is a Dental Crown Procedure?
Like many cosmetic dental procedures, citing a general cosmetic crowns cost is never easy. So much has to do with an individual’s circumstances during any given procedure.
At Dental Studio 101, one of the most common questions we encounter is, “How much are crown restorations?” To help you get a better idea, we’ll go over a few of the common circumstances that will impact your price.
Why Do You Need Dental Crowns?
The reasons patients seek crowns vary widely. Sometimes, patients are looking for a cosmetic solution, while others may have structural issues with their teeth, and others may have damaged their natural teeth in some sort of injury.
Cosmetic
People seeking crowns for cosmetic reasons want to improve their teeth’ appearance, even when no health issues are involved. For these patients, it’s all about restoring self-confidence and helping them live better.
Sometimes, teeth are misshapen or too small. In other instances, discoloration can be so severe that traditional whitening will not work effectively.
Patients may notice a black line at the gum line of an old crown. This is the metal substructure of an older type of crown showing through. We avoid that with the replacement by using only high-quality full porcelain crowns without any metal.
Damage
Patients with damaged or cracked teeth are also good candidates for crowns. To determine how many crowns are in this situation would involve seeking out the guidance of a skilled cosmetic dentistry professional.
Crowns will work to cover and protect damaged teeth, helping patients eat normal foods and sparing them the potential for a painful experience if the tooth becomes even more damaged. Chips and cracks are common forms of damage that can lead to bigger and more painful issues if left unaddressed.
Tooth Replacement
Crowns are also frequently used to replace missing teeth. The color and shape of crowns can be customized to perfectly match existing teeth.
They are typically fixed through a bridge or implant. Implants are optimal for patients because they are a permanent solution requiring the same care as natural teeth. That means brushing, flossing and showing up for regularly scheduled check-ups. If you need to replace a missing tooth, a crown might be the best option.
Regardless of your reason, caring for your dental crown is important to make it last.
6. Cosmetic Dentures
When people talk about dentures, most think of the false teeth their grandparents used to have floating in a glass because they were too unbearable to wear full time. However, that is not the case in today’s cosmetic dentures. Developments in the technology of dentures have brought durable and functional dental appliances into the world.
Unlike implants and bridges, which are mostly fixed, these appliances can be removed and put back into the mouth whenever desired.
In general, two types of cosmetic dentures are available on the market: full and partial. Typically, complete dentures are for those who have lost all their natural teeth in the upper jaw and/or lower jaw, while partial dentures are for people who have lost a few teeth but do not wish to have implants or bridges. Your dentist can determine whether you require a full or partial dental appliance.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentures
Dentures can give a person’s facial appearance a boost. In addition, because cosmetic dentures can be taken out, many people find these appliances easier to rinse than other teeth replacements and even natural teeth.
Aesthetic Appeal
By filling in the spaces left by missing teeth, cosmetic dentures give patients a natural “facelift,” minimizing wrinkles near the mouth area. In turn, patients feel more confident and less conscious about their smiles and appearance. Moreover, dentures stop the remaining natural teeth from shifting, further preventing more dental problems.
Functionality
Cosmetic dentures provide several functional benefits. They allow patients to eat whatever food they want. Once patients get used to wearing one, dentures improve speech, and a typical denture lasts five to 10 years with proper care.
Affordability
Cosmetic dentures are the least expensive among all the options for replacing missing teeth. Dental implants, bridges, and other alternatives are usually more costly and require extensive treatments.
Although dentures provide cosmetic and functional benefits, people who wear them typically undergo a brief adjustment period, as cosmetic dentures never feel the same as natural teeth. Nonetheless, they are designed to help patients regain the ability to eat what they want and enhance their smile and facial appearance while looking like a natural set of teeth.
7. Orthodontics
Braces are often recommended for patients with widely-spaced or crooked teeth. It can be uncomfortable and time-consuming, but it can definitely enhance your smile and the appearance of your face and jaw.
8. Invisalign
Invisalign is another orthodontic treatment that produces the same results as braces. The difference is that Invisalign is less painful and more appealing because it’s virtually invisible.
Common Side Effects of Post-Dental Cosmetic Teeth Surgery
Since dental implants require cosmetic dental surgery, patients may experience certain side effects after the treatment. Your dentist should be able to discuss the details of dental cosmetic surgery and the risks involved in the treatment. In the meantime, here are several common side effects that a patient who has undergone dental cosmetic surgery may go through.
Discomfort and Soreness
Many patients who go through dental cosmetic surgery will notice some degree of inconvenience. But as with any kind of surgery, any discomfort or soreness is natural and will eventually dissipate after a while.
Swelling
Like soreness, swelling is a common surgical side effect that typically goes away during the healing process.
Bruising
All those surgical activities can cause the gum area around the dental implant to bruise. Again, this is normal. And with time, bruising will naturally fade.
How to Deal With the Side Effects of Cosmetic Dental Work
Although these side effects will naturally heal along with the implant wound, you can make the side effects abate faster or, at least, ease a little if they make you feel too uncomfortable. You should be able to bear these side effects by following your surgeon’s aftercare instructions and using cold compresses and dentist-recommended pain medications.
Proper Dental Care for Various Cosmetic Dentistry Options
If you’ve recently had a cosmetic dental procedure or are considering one soon, ensuring you properly care for your teeth once the treatment is finished is important. Taking the correct steps to practice proper dental care will ensure your veneers, implants, or crowns remain vibrant and beautiful for years to come.
Below, we’ve listed a few of the more common procedures and ways to make the most of your cosmetic dentistry investment through proper care.
Porcelain Veneers
Once porcelain veneers are in place, caring for them is not much different from caring for your natural teeth. Brushing and flossing daily will help keep your gums free of harmful bacteria. People with veneers should also use nonabrasive toothpaste and invest in a high-quality electric toothbrush like Sonicare.
Don’t forget to schedule hygiene treatments, regular checkups, and cleanings a few times a year. While porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining, food and drinks with heavy pigmentation may potentially stain the veneer’s adhesive where it meets the tooth.
Dental Implants
When properly cared for, dental implants will last a lifetime. Unlike natural teeth, an implanted tooth is immune to cavities. However, like natural teeth, implanted teeth will experience wear and tear over time.
Aside from brushing and flossing as usual, you’ll want to schedule visits to the hygienist periodically to make sure no bacteria is developing at the implant site. Be sure to use a low abrasion toothpaste and a soft toothbrush at home. The best mouthwash to use would be a non-alcohol antimicrobial mouthwash.
Teeth Whitening Procedures
Having your natural teeth professionally whitened can last quite a long time but may need to be touched up twice a year. Of course, your lifestyle will play the most important role when it comes to how long your whitening will last.
To make the most of your whitening, brush regularly with a whitening toothpaste and minimize your intake of staining food and drink, such as red wine. Smoking is one of the fastest ways to reverse the effect of whitening, so that should be avoided altogether.
Factors That Influence Cosmetic Dentistry Cost
With techniques being developed year after year, cosmetic dentistry has become a fast-growing field in dentistry. However, cosmetic dentistry costs are not cheap. Many of these cosmetic dental procedures and techniques utilize highly advanced technologies, which tend to reflect on cosmetic dentistry prices.
On top of that, dental insurance companies do not usually cover cosmetic dental procedures, making cosmetic dentistry a doubtful dental solution for many people.
Once you begin consulting with various cosmetic dentists in your area, you will learn that the cost of cosmetic dentistry widely differs from practice to practice. But before getting an estimate of cosmetic dentistry cost from your local dentist, understand why cosmetic dentistry prices greatly vary.
The cost of cosmetic dentistry procedures is influenced by several factors, such as:
Facilities and Equipment
Dental innovations offer greater comfort and convenience and provide less invasive dental solutions, quicker treatments, and more accurate restorations. Because this advancement comes at a premium, it is passed on to the patient.
The Clinic and Its Location
A cosmetic dental clinic in an upmarket part of the city will charge more than a clinic out of town. In addition, a well-established dental clinic with a great reputation for high-quality dental work is more widely known and, therefore, has higher cosmetic dentistry costs.
The Dentist and Their Education
Not all dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Just because a general dentist performs cosmetic procedures such as teeth bleaching, dental veneers, and Invisalign does not mean they are as highly skilled and trained as cosmetic dentists.
Becoming an expert in cosmetic dentistry takes dedication, is expensive, and requires some time away from their practice. So, on top of a more extensive experience, a reputable and highly qualified dentist will charge more if they specialize in cosmetic dentistry.
Dental Materials
As with other technologies, dental materials will factor into the total cosmetic dentistry cost. Top-notch materials require extra costs as compared to low-quality ones.
For instance, to ensure proper function and look, a top-rate cosmetic dentistry clinic may employ a high-end dental laboratory to create the materials needed for the cosmetic procedure. Because of the quality of work and products used, an increase in cosmetic dentistry prices naturally follows.
The Extent of Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Basically, if your teeth require more dental treatments and more than one technique, the more costly your cosmetic dentistry treatment will be.
Aftercare
Although not all clinics offer it, many dental offices will provide aftercare services, including follow-up consultations, exams, check-ups, and maintenance sessions.
All these factors determine and add up to the cosmetic dentistry cost. When you ask for an estimate from a qualified cosmetic dentist, the price should include a breakdown of these factors.
For many patients, the price is often the biggest deciding factor when considering cosmetic dentistry. But while most of these procedures can indeed break the bank, you should not let the cost alone be your deciding factor.
Get to Know Our Cosmetic Dentistry Services
No matter what type of cosmetic dental work you want, your cosmetic dentist will help you develop a proper plan to make the most of your investment and ensure you look and feel better between visits.
If you are in Scottsdale, AZ, and would like to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, contact Dental Studio 101 at 480-630-1910 today!
