What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Many of our patients think cosmetic dentistry is just about aesthetics, but cosmetic dentistry also addresses function and overall oral health. While the most basic definition of cosmetic dentistry is procedures meant to improve the appearance of your teeth and gums, making those cosmetic changes can correct your bite, alleviate headaches, and even boost your self-esteem. Read on to learn more about cosmetic dentistry.

A cosmetic dentist can treat teeth that are chipped, yellowed or stained, or misaligned. Some of these treatments overlap with other specialties, like restorative dentistry or orthodontics, but a cosmetic dentist can take care of all of these issues under one roof.

Not everyone with these issues feels the need to fix them and that's okay! But we see many patients who are self-conscious about their teeth, sometimes to the point where it impacts their daily lives. If your smile causes you that much embarrassment, it's time to make the changes needed to feel better about yourself. We would be thrilled to work with you to give you the smile makeover you deserve so you never have to feel self-conscious when you smile ever again.

There are many cosmetic dentistry procedures available today to address a wide range of aesthetic issues. Some of the most popular treatments include:

• Invisalign, which straightens teeth and corrects bite problems.
• Composite bonding to repair discolored or chipped teeth.
• Dental veneers, which are ceramic veneers adhered to natural teeth for improved appearance.
• Teeth whitening, either done in-office or at home, to remove stains and yellowing.
• Enamel shaping, a quick and affordable procedure in which teeth are smoothed and reshaped for immediate results.
• Cosmetic crowns and implants, when either of these devices are placed primarily for aesthetic reasons rather than functional.

There are cosmetic dental procedures for just about every budget and sometimes the most affordable procedures, like bonding and whitening, can produce the most noticeable results. We offer financing through CareCredit and may have new patient specials that could be applied to your treatment. Don’t let worries about the cost of cosmetic dentistry keep you from scheduling a consultation--we are happy to work with you to make your dream of a beautiful smile a reality.

Unfortunately, dental procedures that are purely cosmetic are rarely, if ever, covered by dental insurance. Some treatments present a gray area--Invisalign and crowns, for example, may or may not be covered, depending on your insurance plan and the primary reason for treatment. When insurance may be an option, our office will provide you with an estimate of what your carrier could cover and what you will be responsible for.

You may already see us for your regular dental exams and cleanings, but did you know that we also offer cosmetic dentistry services right here at 376 Dental Studio? It's true! Contact us at 781-373-3068 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation.