What Are the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?
4/19/2023
Even if your teeth are strong and healthy, they may not look the way you’d like them to. Whether you are unsatisfied with the size, shape, shade, or another characteristic of your smile, cosmetic dental services can help to create or restore a more desirable appearance. At Camden Dental Care in Elk Grove, CA, Dr. Raju Dhariwal performs a complete range of cosmetic dental treatments and procedures using state-of-the-art technologies to transform patients’ smiles and self-esteem. Read on to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry and find out which services may be right for you.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the discipline within dentistry that involves enhancing or restoring aesthetic aspects of a patient’s smile (versus functional ones). These may include concerns regarding:
- Tooth size
- Tooth shape
- Color of the teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Tooth length
What dental treatments are considered cosmetic?
Dental treatments and procedures designed only to address the appearance of your teeth are considered cosmetic. Restorative dental services, on the other hand, work to correct damaged or functionally compromised teeth. In many cases, restorative treatments can also provide aesthetic improvements. Dental services that are considered solely cosmetic include:
Another treatment, the smile makeover, may include a combination of cosmetic and restorative treatments to transform a patient’s teeth. Each smile makeover is customized based on the specific concerns of the patient.
Are cosmetic dental services covered by insurance?
Treatments and procedures considered exclusively cosmetic dental services are not typically covered by dental insurance, in the same way that cosmetic surgery is not. Still, some restorative treatments that also provide aesthetic benefits — like implant-supported restorations — may be partially covered by your dental insurance plans. Following your initial consultation, our office and billing teams will work closely with you to determine which treatments may be covered under your dental insurance benefits. We are proud to provide a number of financing and payment options to help meet the needs of all of our patients.
How long do cosmetic dental treatments last?
The results of your cosmetic dental treatment, in terms of how long they will last, will depend heavily on several factors, including which services were performed, your diet and lifestyle habits, and how well you care for your teeth following treatment. On average, patients can expect dental veneers to last for up to 10 – 20 years with proper aftercare, while teeth whitening may need to be performed annually to maintain your desired shade of white. To keep your teeth looking and feeling their best after any cosmetic dental procedure, be sure to do the following:
- Brush and floss twice daily
- Rinse with mouthwash as directed
- Avoid sticky, crunchy, or very hard foods
- Do not bite your nails
- Do not smoke
- Minimize consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine
- Rinse your mouth after consuming staining foods and beverages
- Visit the dentist for in-office teeth cleaning twice yearly
Let your smile do the talking with cosmetic dentistry services in Elk Grove, CA
Having a beautiful, even, bright smile can enhance both your appearance and your self-confidence. To learn more about which cosmetic dental treatments may be right for you, call Camden Dental Care to schedule your consultation with Elk Grove, CA cosmetic dentist Dr. Raju Dhariwal today.
