Your smile is a big part of what makes you, you. It affects your appearance, confidence levels, and self-esteem. Our everyday habits, like drinking a cup of Java every morning, impact the appearance of our teeth. Even with superb oral care, issues like staining, yellowing, tooth breakage, missing teeth, and gaps may occur. When they do, the impact can affect how we view ourselves. Cosmetic dentists understand the frustration and offer a range of solutions tailored to your exact dental needs.
When to Visit a Cosmetic Dentist
Unlike visits to a general dentist that should occur every six months, visiting a cosmetic dentist isn’t done at regular intervals. Patients instead schedule appointments when they aren’t happy with their smile and want to do something about it.
Procedures from the cosmetic dentist are designed to improve smiles for teens and adults. With the diverse procedures available, patients have the assurance they can achieve the smile they want, regardless of age or current oral health concerns.
I Love Your Smile: Top Cosmetic Dentist Procedures
According to NYC cosmetic dentist Dr. Davidowitz, the most commonly requested procedures in his office include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, and dental implants, although his practice offers many additional services.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening from the cosmetic dentist is not the same as tooth cleaning provided by the general dentist. While routine tooth cleaning removes tartar, plaque, and surface stains, it doesn’t improve the color of your teeth; that’s where dental whitening comes to work.
Teeth whitening is perfectly safe for the teeth, although it uses stronger bleaching agents that deeply penetrate the enamel to rescue discoloration that general cleaning cannot. Some treatments involve a laser light that accelerates the whitening process and produces more noticeable results.
Results of in-office teeth whitening last about one year.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers reinforce weak or damaged teeth using a thin, protective shell placed over the tooth. Veneers reinforce the strength and appearance of the teeth. Custom-made for each patient’s mouth, veneers are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to cover minor imperfections like chips, cracks, and staining.
Although designed for cosmetic improvement, veneers help restore integrity to damaged teeth. For example, if a tooth has a cavity, a veneer supports the tooth to prevent breakage or further damage.
With proper care, veneers offer a long-term solution for cosmetic dissatisfaction with your teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants make it easy to smile after tooth loss by providing a permanent, natural-looking solution that mimics the look and function of real teeth. Unlike dentures, which can and should be removed, implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone where they fuse with the bone. Implants offer a more comfortable, reliable alternative to missing teeth than dentures.
Dental implants enhance your ability to talk, chew food, and speak comfortably without worry your teeth will fall out of your mouth, a common concern among denture wearers. Implants also support the jawbone, which can greatly improve your facial structure and appearance.
With proper care, dental implants can last decades, giving anyone with missing teeth a long-term solution that greatly improves their quality of life.
More Cosmetic Dentistry Services
New Yorkers use the aforementioned procedures more than other cosmetic dentistry services, although a variety of additional treatments are used by men and women looking to improve their smiles.
For example, many patients opt for clear aligners to straighten their crooked teeth and resolve tooth gaps, gum contouring to reduce or improve the shape of their gum line, and dental bonding to quickly repair minor imperfections. Rest assured the dentist offers a cosmetic procedure that can reverse issues that impact your smile.
The aforementioned cosmetic dental procedures are designed to enhance the appearance and function of your smile. Like all cosmetic dental procedures, they are non-invasive and require little downtime so you do not miss out on life. Procedures are safe when performed by a qualified dentist.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ
- Is cosmetic dentistry safe? Yes, cosmetic dentistry is safe when performed by licensed and trained dentists. As with all medical procedures, however, some risks are involved. Your dentist will discuss any risks or concerns before performing any procedures.
- How much does cosmetic dentistry cost? The cost of cosmetic procedures varies depending on the procedure. For example, dental whitening costs as little as $1,000, while the cost of veneers can range between $2,000 – $20,000.
- Will my insurance cover cosmetic dentistry procedures? Dental insurance plans typically do not cover cosmetic dental procedures unless they are determined to be medically necessary. Check with your insurance provider before treatment, especially if ongoing work is needed.
- How long does cosmetic dental work last? The longevity of cosmetic dental work varies depending on the procedure and proper care. For example, teeth whitening lasts about a year, while veneers can last 10 to 15 years.
- How do I know if I am a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry? A good candidate for cosmetic dentistry is someone in good overall health with healthy teeth and gums. Patients with dental issues should address those issues with a general dentist before proceeding to cosmetic dentistry. The initial visit with a cosmetic dentist includes a consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the desired procedures.
Look Your Best With Cosmetic Dentistry
Everyone wants to look their very best. In New York City, known for its fast-paced lifestyle, entertainment, and fashion, appearance is constantly emphasized. Tooth problems can weigh heavily on a person’s confidence, health, and well-being, but with services from cosmetic dentists, everyone has access to a beautiful smile that maximizes their confidence and helps them feel their best.
The diverse array of procedures ensures cosmetic dentists can help restore everyone’s smile and confidence, regardless of the issues impacting them. When you want to boost your confidence, health, and self-esteem, schedule an appointment and say, “I love my smile!”