Your Guide to a Hollywood Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

Reports show that the global cosmetic dentistry market is expected to reach a value of about $32 billion by 2026. Such a significant focus is due to the increasing need for treating prevalent tooth-related diseases. Hence, if you consider getting one done, it is a big decision. We don’t just wake up in the morning and come up with an idea spontaneously, “Okay, I should get a cosmetic procedure!”. It’s usually something that stays on the mind for a long time. It is also important to weigh the pros & cons, possible risks, and complications, etc. Mind that such enhancements last anywhere between 10 and 20 years – basically, they can’t easily be undone. For that reason, they need to be handled right the first time. Accordingly, we offer you to dive deep into principal points of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, their essence, prices, and types.

What are the things to consider before cosmetic dentistry? 

Many people seem convinced too easily by the promise of a better smile. Heeding to what sub-specialists say may confuse and put you at risk of gum disease. Therefore, having a full understanding of different cosmetic procedures ensures a smooth process. Before you make a decision, these are 4 basic things to consider when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. 

Do you fit the dental procedure you want?

You have to take the pressure off of your shoulders and take your time. There’s no use rushing into getting cosmetic dentistry. Yes, you really want it, but are you the best candidate for that particular procedure? A good family dentist gives you first hand, providing the available options, description of each method (whether restorative or preventive), their indications and contraindications (in case of other underlying diseases that may affect you), possible risks or side effects, and price list.  

What do you know about the procedure?

Cosmetic dentistry is not a cakewalk, particularly invasive types. Having more information on what you are about to do will help trash out any unexpected results or effects. So, think about the following questions:

• Is it going to be an invasive or non-invasive technique? 
• What will be the outcomes? 
• Are there risks of concern? 
• What is the procedural trap?

Agreeably, some dental cosmetic solutions are more relatable than others. It’s no brainer often hearing about treatments like cosmetic porcelain veneers, braces, dental crowns and bridges, and of course, teeth whitening. However, we see now there is a significant number of technologies tending to improve tooth aesthetics are springing up more and more. For instance, there’s a move to implement 3-D technologies for realizing natural smile designs, including intraoral scanning. Again, with modern medicine underpinned by technologies in the nearest years, the use of Artificial Intelligence and machine learning are becoming new sweet spots of cosmetic dentistry. 

How about the experience and expertise of the cosmetic dentist?

Experience and expertise matter a great deal here! And it’s not only with the dentist, but also with the entire team; ceramists, nurses, and the dental clinic alike. When cosmetic dentistry is entrusted to professionals, the difference is obvious. We’re talking about faster healing, lower risks of post-procedural infections, and better general management of individual cases. As a result, it’s crucial to review a specialist’s data history you choose in order to get a clearer picture of what your process will look like. All in all, it’s always safer to go for those dentists who have proof of their work like referrals. 

What are the affordable dentistry options?

Let’s start with what affordable aesthetic dentistry means. In the article about cosmetic dentistry the authors highlight the average price of procedures as per the US cosmetic dentistry market to be $700. But this is not a one-price-fit all. Of course, the cost varies in different cities, according to technique, and by dental care quality. The standard for a place like New York is definitely not the same in West Virginia or San Francisco, for example. Whichever it is, be prepared and choose what’s suitable most for you, now and in the long-run.

Fair enough, reviewing the most popular cosmetic dentistry types will help you understand what is accessible, whether by price, technique, or desired effect. So, what are the most in-demand dental aesthetic approaches? Let’s take a look.

Cosmetic Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic treatment for resetting the length and shape of teeth. One of the benefits of this procedure is that they are durable and long-lasting (up to 15 years). On the other side, it is minimally invasive, which means it requires the use of anesthetics and surgical tactics. It may lead to the development of tooth infection, staining, allergic reaction as well, and even sometimes, the veneers could crack or break. The price goes from $700 to $1200. In general, cosmetic veneers are preferred to the composite model (again because of the durability and long-lasting characteristic). 

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a straight forward non-invasive method used to white-clean the enamel without cutting, removing, or etching it. Tea, coffee, red wine, or the natural aging of teeth turn them darker or stained over time. A professional brightening is performed with the aid of active oxygen which decolorizes the color pigments present in the tooth. The procedure is cost-effective; $650 for in-office teeth cleaning, while take-home and OTC trays are about $400 and $100, respectively. However, aspects of concern are as follows:

• Restrictions. Crowns, fillings, bridges, and veneers cannot be whitened. 
• Rainbow effect. This happens when bleaching whitens only the natural teeth; crowns and fillings are not recommended to be whitened because of causing different colors. 
• Sensitivity issues: After cleaning, the teeth tend to be more sensitive than usual, and this feeling can last for a few days, depending on how strong the teeth whitening product is.
• It is not permanent. You’ll need a redo after a while. Say in the next three years.  
• Damage to the gum tissue. Since the cleansing solution is potent and comes in contact with the gum, it can, actually, irritate the tissues around it (if they are thin). Consequently, it could also lead to receding gums.

Teeth Straightening

Teeth straightening is primarily a form of cosmetic dentistry to manage erosion, decay, cavities, and periodontal diseases by straightening the front teeth. There are various ways of implementation. Take a look below: 

• Aligners. They are clear removable trays that move the teeth closer together. Although they are removable, you still need to wear them for as long as 22 hours a day.
• Braces. Dental braces are an alternative for teeth straightening. Wire of different models is used to hold the teeth and determine their movement.

Dental Crowns and Bridges

Considering the fact that our teeth grow old decay, fillings, trauma, and chewing can make our teeth also worn down. Placing a crown over a weakened tooth can help save it and do the following:

• prevent teeth from wearing down further
• restore stained or misshapen teeth
• shelter a tooth in its root canal 

A bridge is a filling used to replace missing or shifted teeth which may leave holes for housing bacteria. The main difference between dental crowns and bridges is the use of a tooth-saving strategy as against total tooth replacement. Another thing is crowns are only temporary, whereas bridges eventually become cemented and permanently fixed to the root. The two cosmetic dentistry procedures are invasive.

Achieving a beautiful natural smile is much more than simply taking on the next cosmetic dentistry. Feel free to get dental consultation from our expert dentists if you are looking for the options of cosmetic dentistry.