One would think that regular dental hygiene and routine maintenance would be enough to get a desirable smile. However, over the past several decades, America has grown obsessed with straighter, whiter smiles. Smiles that are completely inaccessible for the vast majority of the population.
Why are smiles, which every person has, such a hot commodity? The answer is simple: Cosmetic dentistry. Ever since its advent, cosmetic dentistry has helped people have straighter, whiter teeth, improving their confidence and their career prospects in one fell swoop.
What is cosmetic dentistry, and what types of procedures does it entail? Here’s what you need to know.
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What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is, as you might imagine, dentistry that focuses on how your teeth look over their health and function. While some cosmetic dental procedures can improve oral function, that’s a side benefit. The main purpose behind cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of the smile, not to make it healthier.
That said, the use of cosmetic dentistry can offer massive psychological benefits due to increased confidence. So, it’s up to you to research and decide whether or not you need such a procedure.
Examples of Cosmetic Dental Procedures
So, what are some examples of cosmetic dentistry? Some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures include, but are not limited to:
- Teeth whitening services, by far the most common type of cosmetic dentistry
- Braces, which are used to straighten one’s teeth and improve bite
- Dental implants, which can replace lost or irreparably damaged teeth
- Veneers, which cover up imperfections in the teeth
- Gum re-shaping
This list is by no means exhaustive. However, whether you’re getting cosmetic implants, braces for your teen, or looking for a whiter smile, you’ll need to visit a cosmetic dentist.
Simply put, if it makes your smile look better, see a cosmetic dentist. If it’s to improve the health of your smile, see a dental hygienist.
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
The cost of cosmetic dentistry will vary widely depending on what procedure you’re having done.
You can purchase teeth whitening solutions to employ at home, but a trained professional might run as much as $400. Braces and dental implants are much more expensive, ranging between $1000-$8000, depending on the extent of the damage or adjustment. Veneers occupy a middle ground in terms of expense and can range from $200 to $2500.
However, no matter what procedure you’re getting, prices will vary by clinic and location. You’re better off calling your local cosmetic and dental implant specialist to ask about their services and pricing.
Let’s Review the Facts
Cosmetic dentistry is a subset of dentistry that’s focused on improving how a smile looks, rather than its overall health. A cosmetic dentist can whiten and straighten teeth, replace lost teeth, or otherwise reshape your smile to match that gorgeous American standard. However, this can be expensive and is not covered by health or dental insurance.
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