Does Insurance Pay for Cosmetic Dentistry?

I had always heard that cosmetic dentistry was an expensive elective procedure not covered by insurance.  After talking to my local cosmetic dentist I discovered not only the variety of available procedures but that many of them may be covered by insurance. I learned that braces and other straightening procedures are covered by many dental plans. Chips, cracks, and other damage are often covered as well. Porcelain crowns, a variety of dental veneers, and other cosmetic dental work is available for repair of such problems.

Other damage caused by injury is likely not only to be covered by dental insurance but by medical insurance as well. Additionally, wear and tear of previous procedures is often covered as frequently repair and replacement of previous cosmetic dental work will be covered. Replacing veneers that have deteriorated, crowns in need of repair, and other maintenance is also usually approved. 

Talk to your local cosmetic dentist today and receive a consultation on what insurance options are available for you.

Simple Gesture of a Smile

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Plato

 

Sometimes the simplest gestures of kindness are all that a person needs to brighten up their day.  One of those simple gestures includes smiling.  A smile is a universal symbol of joy, happiness, and acceptance.  So if you’re afraid to show your smile, whether from embarrassment or pain, you’re denying both yourself and the people you can positively impact, by not smiling.

 

Cosmetic dentists are specialists in rejuvenating smiles.  Ranging from simple composite or tooth colored fillings and bonding to more complex procedures like bridges and implants, cosmetic dentists can restore your teeth and dramatically improve your smile.  Good oral health leads to greater overall health—and healthy people have a reason to be happy.  Happy people are more likely to smile.  And those who smile are more likely to positively impact those around them.  So be kind to yourself and your smile and contact a cosmetic dentist today. 

What is a Cosmetic Dental Makeover?

The term “cosmetic dental makeover” can mean many different things.  It can not only consist of cosmetic dental procedures, but also reconstructive and health treatments. 

 

Some of the most common procedures in a cosmetic dental makeover are teeth whitening, bonding, crowns, veneers, and dental implants.  These treatments are most often required for stained or discolored teeth, chips or rough spots, cavities or cracks in teeth, uneven teeth, gaps between teeth, and broken or crooked teeth.

 

A cosmetic dental makeover can vary in price range depending on what and how many procedures you have completed, so talk to your cosmetic dentist about what treatments would be best to make up your cosmetic dental makeover.  

Cosmetic Dentistry: Katie’s Story

The more I think about it, the more people I know that have needed dental implants, which are effective and natural-looking replacements for missing teeth. My best friend, Katie, has had about four. The process is as follows:

The implant process is usually a three-step procedure. After the dentist evaluates the mouth and takes x-rays to make sure a dental implant is right, the surgical implant will be placed into the jaw, the top of the implant near the top of the bone. A screw is inserted to prevent anything from getting in the implant, and the gum is secured.

Three to six months later, the implant is uncovered and the dentist attaches an extension, which is called a plug. The post will be used to attach a crown that has been matched to the color of your teeth.

Even though they are a process, implants can be a wonderful addition to your smile. Katie now has a full mouth of dazzling teeth. Contact your cosmetic dentist to see if dental implants are right for you.

Porcelain Veneers: the Long Lasting Solution

With so many options out there to enhance your smile, it is hard to distinguish which ones are effective and popular from those falling by the wayside. One procedure which seems to be rising above the rest is porcelain veneers. These thin shells of fired porcelain are placed on the front and sides of a tooth. Not only are they strong and long lasting, but they are resistant to staining and wear.

The use of this procedure in cosmetic dentistry has seen a huge increase over the past few years. According to the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry), usage of porcelain veneers has increased by 250 percent over the past few years. More and more people are turning to dental veneers as long-lasting solutions to cracked, discolored, and rotten teeth in order to makeover their smile. Contact a cosmetic dentist to find out if porcelain veneers are right for you.

Teeth Whitening on the Rise

Turn on the TV, listen to the radio, or look in a magazine. What you will find is advertisement after advertisement about products that give you a beautiful white smile. The proof is in the numbers as Americans spend $1.4 billion every year on teeth whitening products. Americans are constantly looking for effective, long-lasting teeth whitening procedures. The AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) has even found that teeth whitening procedures have increased 300 percent in recent years!

Cosmetic dentists everywhere are offering tooth whitening procedures that offer the most economical way to enhance your smile. With affordable options and long-lasting brilliance, your local cosmetic dentist is the right choice to give you the smile you are seeking. Search for all available teeth whitening options near you and join the millions of Americans who have already whitened their smiles.

Consider Cosmetic Dentistry Before Your Big Day

Getting married can be one of the most wonderful, exciting, and exhilarating times in a person’s life. No attention is spared on even the smallest of details. Women search for their dream dress and men seek out tuxes that will make them look sharp and compliment their beautiful bride. Venues are explored, flower arrangements are meticulously selected, bands are auditioned, and cakes are chosen for both their aesthetic beauty and delectable taste. Only the best photographer will do.

A person’s wedding is a day they want to always remember, each photograph filled with smiles, joy, and allure. When you look back at those pictures, you want to see a smile that reflects the happiness you felt on that day. This is why so many men and woman opt to have cosmetic dentistry before their weddings.

The most popular treatments include teeth whitening (or bleaching) and veneers. But many people also opt to have dental bonding, tooth reshaping/filing, tooth-colored composite or porcelain fillings, and sometimes inlay/onlay work.

When people look back on their big day, their smiles should reflect the happiness they felt. If you are engaged or planning a wedding, consider consulting a cosmetic dentist. It may make a huge difference in how you look back on your smile in the pictures you’ll cherish for the rest of your life.

What is Endodontics?

While at the dentist, you may have overheard your dentist speaking with his/her team about endodontics and wondered what it was.  You may be surprised that you already know what it is, just by another name.

 

Endodontics is the technical term for root canal treatment.  A root canal deals with the pulp or nerve inside your tooth that delivers nutrients to it.  When this pulp becomes damaged from disease or injury, a root canal eventually should be performed to prevent losing the tooth.  The pulp is removed and the canal is cleaned and filled with a plastic-like material.

 

Often when beginning cosmetic dentistry procedures, endodontics must be performed on damaged teeth, especially when dental health has been neglected.  In order to receive crowns or veneers, any damage teeth must be repaired.  Talk to your cosmetic dentist about what procedures you may need.

Pete’s Office Smiles Tip # 1

As the saying goes, “A smile is a present that can be shared every day.” When work is stressful and busy a smile and some kind words can ease the tension and make everything better. For your office’s smiling pleasure I present Pete’s Office Smiles Tip # 1:

Find a coworker and tell them something that you really value about them. Your kind words and a smile will be infectious. Even those too afraid to smile because of unattractive or damaged teeth will find themselves smiling, even if it’s only for a moment. This morning I gave such a present. In our office I always appreciate Genevieve’s can-do attitude. She is always up to any challenge and completes the task with a smile on her face.

To give an even greater gift of smiling, you can introduce your embarrassed and frowning coworkers to cosmetic dentistry and guide them to any reconstructive and aesthetic dentistry needed. From veneers, bridgework, and tooth colored crowns, to laser teeth whitening and Invisalign®, a cosmetic dentist can design a perfect smile. Find your local cosmetic dentist today and start brightening people’s day everywhere you go!

10 Reasons to Smile

According to Mark Stibich, Ph.D., on Longevity.About.com the Top 10 Reasons to Smile are:

 

1. Smiling makes us attractive

2. Smiling changes our mood

3. Smiling is contagious

4. Smiling relieves stress

5. Smiling boosts your immune system

6. Smiling lowers your blood pressure

7. Smiling releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin

8. Smiling lifts the face and makes you look younger

9. Smiling makes you seem successful

10. Smiling helps you stay positive

 

With so many reasons to smile, there is no excuse not to. Don’t hide behind a smile that you are ashamed of. Cosmetic dentistry is an easy solution designed to give you the beautiful smile you have always wanted. Procedures such as dental veneers, tooth colored fillings, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, and much more are available from your local cosmetic dentist. Find one today and start enjoying these “Top 10” benefits and so much more!