The days only only going to the dentist for cleaning or to get a cavity filled are long gone. Patients are seeking out dentists who can improve not only the health of their teeth and gums, but the appearance as well. Cosmetic dentistry has, like plastic surgery, moved from the realm of Hollywood into the mainstream.
Types
Cosmetic dentistry encompasses a variety of procedures involving the teeth and mouth. Among the most common is teeth whitening, in which the dentist uses bleaching, sometimes in conjunction with high-energy light, to undo the discoloration created by coffee, foods and passing years. Composite bonding entails fixing decayed or chipped teeth with a material that resembles enamel and dentin. Veneers are porcelain or composite laminates that a dentist bonds to a tooth that is worn, chipped or discolored beyond repair. Dental implants are artificial roots placed to support crowns or bridges that fill in for missing teeth.
Cost
In most cases, you have to pay for cosmetic dentistry from your own pocket, since dental insurance does not typically cover the work, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. The exception is when the primary purpose for the treatment--crowns, for example--is to fix a structural problem that affects overall dental health. Examples of typical costs are $450 to $650 for in-office whitening; $250 to $2,500 per tooth for veneers, depending on the material, with composites being more expensive than porcelain; and dental implants can cost $1,000 to $5,000 each.
Benefits
The obvious advantage of cosmetic dentistry is a more attractive smile, which can give you confidence in work and social situations. Some treatments have combined cosmetic and restorative benefits, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. For example, cosmetic or porcelain fillings for decaying teeth provide the same functional benefits as traditional gold or amalgam fillings. But they match the color of your teeth and can be considered cosmetic dentistry. Dental implants can improve the look not only of your smile, but the rest of your face as well, since missing teeth can cause parts of the face to sink in.
Considerations
Cosmetic dentistry works only when the treatment is tailored to the patient. Smoking can undermine whitening efforts and cause dental implants to fail to integrate with the jawbone. Veneers are not good for people who grind their teeth or clench their jaw, because such actions can cause cracking or breakage. Young people whose bones have not yet finished growing care not good candidates for dental implants, since growth would cause the implant to shift.
Expert Insight
Not every dentist can deliver top-notch results for every cosmetic procedure. In fact, Dr. David Hall, a cosmetic dentist, estimates that only about 2 percent of all dentists are good at cosmetic procedures. Most, he writes, "are mentally geared toward being 'fix-it' engineering types." But cosmetic dentistry requires a high degree of artistic creativity. It is important to ask what training your dentist has had for the procedure you have in mind and to request before-and-after photos of recent cases.
