Cosmetic Dentistry

When you meet someone for the first time, your smile is the first thing they notice. There are very few people who are completely satisfied with their smiles. Almost everyone would change something if they were given the opportunity.

Cosmetic dentistry offers that chance. The dental professionals at Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond, TX can resolve aesthetic issues with cosmetic dental procedures. In this article, we’ll explain more about this area of dentistry and how it can change your appearance and improve your confidence.

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What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile with procedures including teeth whitening, dental veneers, inlays/onlays, dental crowns, and more. These procedures typically do not restore functionality.

However, there are some that are known as aesthetic restorations, which can restore both appearance and functionality.

Some cosmetic procedures can be performed by a general dentist, but most of the time are done by a cosmetic dentist. These professionals have received additional training beyond standard dental procedures.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry offers several benefits, including:

Cosmetic dentistry can enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. This can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem.

Certain cosmetic procedures can improve the function of your teeth, such as repairing a chipped tooth or correcting a misaligned bite.

Many cosmetic procedures, such as veneers and dental implants, can provide long-lasting results, improving your smile for years to come

Some cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening and gum reshaping, can also have health benefits, such as reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatment options, allowing you to choose the procedures that best fit your unique needs and goals.

Many cosmetic procedures are minimally invasive, meaning they require little to no recovery time and involve minimal discomfort.

While some cosmetic procedures can be costly, many are relatively affordable and can be a worthwhile investment in your overall health and well-being.

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Who Needs Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is often recommended for patients who have:

Research shows that approximately 38% of cosmetic dentistry patients are between the ages of 31 to 40 and 32% are between the ages of 41 to 50. Most of these (96%) are female.

Cosmetic Dental Procedures at Glow Up Dentistry

The team at Glow Up Dentistry in Richmond can help patients improve their smiles with a variety of cosmetic procedures. The top two are:

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Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are placed on teeth that are damaged, discolored, misshapen, or smaller-than-average to restore their appearance. The shells may be porcelain or composite resin.

Traditional veneers require some of the enamel to be removed to create space for them. The procedure is irreversible. However, the veneers will need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years- but may last as long as 20 years with proper care and maintenance.

You may also get no-prep veneers, which typically last about 5 to 7 years. These require little to no enamel removal but are still non-reversible.

Veneers usually take 2 appointments. The first one is to prep the teeth and order the veneers from the lab. The second one is to place the veneers. This is a minimally invasive procedure.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are caps that are placed on damaged teeth to restore structure and appearance. Crowns are used to:

  1. Restore broken/worn tooth
  2. Cover a misshapen or discolored tooth
  3. Protect weak tooth or tooth that has been treated with root canal therapy
  4. Hold a dental bridge in place
  5. Cover a dental implant

 

Dental crowns can be made of metal, porcelain, resin, or porcelain-fused-to-metal and, since they are expensive, are only recommended when other procedures would not produce pleasing results.

Typically, the process takes 1 to 2 weeks for the crown to be fabricated by an off-site lab, and a temporary crown is placed on the first appointment. Some clinics offer same-day crowns.

 

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Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ's

The dental team at Glow Up Dentistry is happy to help patients understand their procedures before undergoing them. If you ever have any questions or concerns, you can feel free to call the office, come by, or visit the website and send us a message. Below are some of the questions we often get regarding cosmetic dentistry:

Cosmetic dental procedures are often more expensive than general procedures. This is primarily because dental insurance typically does not cover these procedures and due to the additional training required to become licensed to perform the procedures.

The exact cost depends on several factors including how many teeth are being treated, the extent of the treatment, the type of treatment, and more. However, a smile makeover can cost $6,000+.

That being said, it is critical to keep in mind that it is an investment in your appearance, so many people believe it is worth the cost.

The cost depends on several factors including the number of teeth and the extent of treatment. A smile makeover can cost $6,000+.

Teeth whitening is typically the least expensive cosmetic dental procedure, at an average of $500. Dental implants, which are an aesthetic restoration, typically cost an average of $5,000 per tooth. Some dental insurance providers will cover implants because they offer restorative, as well as aesthetic benefits.

Our friendly office staff will be happy to contact your dental insurance provider prior to your procedure to determine coverage. If you do not have insurance or your insurance does not cover the procedure, we will be glad to explain our financing options.

An overbite can be resolved with traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners. Most dental clinics classify this as orthodontics. However, there are some that classify these as cosmetic procedures.

Crooked teeth can be disguised with dental veneers. However, to resolve this issue, you will need traditional braces or Invisalign clear aligners. These are designed to shift teeth into their appropriate position in the mouth.

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