Our beautiful smiles are often the first impression we make on people and the most remembered ones too. If you have a friendly smile, chances are people will feel more comfortable in your presence, even if they are strangers. Moreover, people with good smiles are automatically treated with higher regard, considered more memorable, and even known to stand out in job interviews.
All in all, having a friendly smile is one of the best ways to ensure people remember you fondly. It can make you appear more open, honest, and lively. Smiles also open doors to new opportunities, making you feel and look like a million bucks.
Unfortunately, many people have stained, crooked, discolored, or misaligned teeth due to daily wear and tear. Your teeth may even have little chips or broken corners due to childhood injuries or accidents. This not only ruins your entire look, but it can also be quite harmful to your dental health in the long run. Over time, these seemingly small issues can lead to gum infections, inflammations, and rotting teeth.
In Sacramento, cosmetic dentistry applies modern dental practices to give you a bright smile with healthier gums and white
ned teeth. This smile makeover comes in various types and techniques, so you should always consult an expert family dental specialist before choosing the right ones for you. Your dentist will note down your concerns and develop a cosmetic treatment plan accordingly.
In this article, we have covered everything you should know before getting cosmetic dentistry in Sacramento. We will go over the basics of a smile makeover, learn about the various types of treatments available, and even determine whether insurance covers any of these dental practices.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry
Before getting into the more technical details, we first need to understand what cosmetic dentistry is.
Cosmetic dentistry is a field that focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and bite. It is also known as aesthetic dentistry and is often defined by dentists as a dentistry method that improves the patient’s smile and overall self-image. Having a beautiful smile is a strong indication of good oral health. Additionally, self-confidence and assuredness help people live better too.
You’re probably wondering how cosmetic dentistry in Sacramento differs from traditional dentistry. Well, conventional dental procedures only address the health of your gums and teeth. They don’t include treating discoloration or bad appearances. On the other hand, cosmetic dental practices target the appearance of your mouth, teeth, and smile.
Since your smile can only be attractive when you have optimal dental health, the two procedures often overlap. You can expect cosmetic dentistry to include many of the services that your traditional dentist offers. You may also notice your smile automatically appearing a lot better after only getting standard dental procedures. Both of these go hand in hand.
Although cosmetic dentistry is an old field practiced for ages, the materials used have vastly improved. They are more durable and resemble your natural teeth, without all the damage, of course. Recent advancements in dental science have allowed practitioners to offer many different services, including teeth whitening, dental crowns, and even translucent coverings for a proper smile makeover.
Exciting Facts About Cosmetic Dentistry
Here are some facts about cosmetic dentistry in Sacramento that may seem quite surprising to you. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry has reported these.
- Two-thirds of the total patients seeking cosmetic dentistry procedures are women.
- The average amount spent on cosmetic dentistry by a patient per year amounts up to almost $4000.
- The cheapest procedures can be done in under $300.
- Due to it being a cosmetic practice instead of a medical or necessary one, insurance mostly doesn’t cover these dental services.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry in Sacramento
The process of a smile makeover starts with the dental expert conducting a thorough analysis of your teeth, gum, and lips. His experience and knowledge of dental health will help you understand all the aesthetic services you require for a proper smile makeover. Once he’s made a note of all these, he will set up a treatment plan as per your budget. Here are the primary cosmetic dental issues that he will target.
- Chipped or broken teeth.
- Crooked teeth.
- Gaps between your teeth.
- Shortened teeth.
- Misalignment.
- Discoloration or yellowing.
- Gummy smile.
- Missing tooth.
He will further discuss all the issues with you to determine which of them to tackle first. Since cosmetic dental practices can often cost a lot, people usually get them done in sessions spread across a few years.
Below, you will find a brief description of the various types of procedures you can go for when opting for cosmetic dentistry in Sacramento.
1. Teeth Whitening
One of the simplest, most inexpensive, yet effective ways of a smile makeover is teeth whitening. It is a popular trend among people of all ages and can be done in a variety of different ways. You can get an off-the-counter whitening kit or strips to apply at home. Or a m
uch better option is to reach out to your dentist. He will use a safe bleach formula to eliminate any stains caused by smoking, drinking coffee, or other colored food. To maintain your newly whitened teeth, try to floss after every meal and brush for 2 minutes at least twice a day.
2. Braces and Clear Aligners
Despite being orthodontic treatments, braces and clear aligners are also considered cosmetic by nature. They are used to straighten misaligned teeth, so your bite is improved and puts less pressure on your gums as well as cheeks.
Braces come in various products, some almost invisible while others include metal brackets and can be found in multiple colors. They apply pressure to the teeth, so they shift back to their proper alignment. This procedure fixes any overbites and corrects crooked teeth.
Clear aligners are a subtler way of realigning your teeth, used after the braces have been removed to ensure the overbite doesn’t return. They look virtually invisible when fitted over your teeth and ensure your teeth are perfectly straightened.
3. Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is another cosmetic procedure. It changes the shape of your gums by cutting away any excess tissue that may have build-up, resulting in a gummy smile. Gummy smiles are when people have too much gum tissue above their top teeth. By contouring it out, your gum shape improves, and your smile looks a lot better.
4. Dental Veneers
This is the cosmetic dentistry procedure that gives celebrities and other famous personalities, their perfect smiles.
Dental porcelain veneers are extremely thin shells that are shaped according to the natural shape of your teeth (without any of the wear and tear). They are then attached to your teeth using dental glue, so they regain their beautiful, undamaged appearance.
Your natural teeth will be shaven down before the procedure to accommodate the porcelain shell. Therefore, this procedure can solve any chipped teeth, discoloration, and tooth gap problems. Bear in mind that it is one of the most expensive dental practice available.
5. Dental Bonding
When you get dental bonding done, the specialist applies a tooth-colored resin material to your teeth. This resin is made of a highly durable putty-like plastic and hardened with UV or laser light. This bonds the resin to your teeth, after which your dentist will trim and finely shape them.
Dental bonding can repair any rotting, decayed, cracked, or chipped teeth. It is an excellent alternative to amalgam or silver fillings that are usually done to combat cavities.
Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry in Sacramento?
Most cosmetic dental treatments aren’t covered by insurance in Sacramento as they are considered ‘electives.’
However, if your primary dental specialist deems a certain procedure as a medical necessity, then your dental insurance will probably step in and cover some of the cost.
Here is a further breakdown of these procedures so that you can be financially ready beforehand.
- Teeth Whitening – not covered by dental insurance.
- Braces – might be partially covered by dental insurance if your age and insurance plan allow it.
- Clear Aligners – might be partially covered by dental insurance if your age and insurance plan allow it.
- Gum Contouring – might be partially covered by dental insurance if your dental hygienist recommends the procedure for oral health reasons.
- Veneers – rarely ever covered by dental insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
While compiling our blog on cosmetic dentistry, we noticed quite a few concerned individuals had questions that needed to be cleared out. Always remember to clarify any doubts or queries you may have before giving the green light to a dental or medical procedure.
Is Invisalign Considered Cosmetic Dentistry?
Since Invisalign is a functional treatment for people who have trouble chewing or struggle with crowded teeth and overbites, it would be unfair to label it a purely cosmetic practice.
That being said, it depends on your purpose for getting Invisalign. If you haven’t been experiencing any form of dental health issues and still get Invisalign done, it will be considered cosmetic dentistry. The difference lies in the fact that you’re improving your smile, not getting treated for dental problems.
What Insurance Covers Cosmetic Dentistry?
Due to its aesthetic purposes, instead of medical ones, cosmetic dentistry is rarely covered by insurance. However, some insurance firms like CarePlus Dental Plans will take care of a portion of the total bill, so the cost isn’t quite as heavy on your wallet.
A smart way to go about it is to request your dentist to write up a report on why you need the cosmetic procedure (particularly for veneers) done. He can mention some non-aesthetic reasons and point out the overall dental health benefits that you will get. These reports might get accepted by your dental insurance firm, although the chances are still slim.
How Much Does a Full Dental Makeover Cost?
A dental makeover is a cosmetic procedure and can cost you quite a hefty sum. Full mouth construction services start with a minimal cost of $30,000 and can quickly go up to $150,000 – depending on the amount of work required.
Depending on the kind of dental services you’re getting, your dental insurance should cover some of the total cost. However, to be on the safe side, always double-check with your provider and plan your finances.
How Can I Fix My Rotten Teeth Without Going to the Dentist?
Although going to the dentist is always the best way to ensure optimal dental health, we understand that sometimes it just isn’t possible. You could be suffering from a terrible toothache in the middle of the night or just unable to afford expensive dental procedures. Either way, here are some home remedies to soothe your ache and offer you some relief.
P.S. Keep in mind that these remedies will only offer temporary relief from pain. They can not be used as an alternative to dental procedures, and you should seek out a dentist at your earliest convenience.
- Oil pulling with coconut oil to get rid of bacteria.
- Brush and floss regularly to prevent any further damage.
- Chew sugar-free gum for increased saliva production and better gum health.
- Apply aloe vera gel or use a toothpaste infused with it to get rid of dental bacteria.
At the End
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just a procedure to make you look good; it also ensures your dental health is improved and you have fresher breath. After getting one of these types of dental procedures done, you will notice reduced tooth sensitivity and less pain in your cheeks due to chipped teeth. You will also be able to sink your teeth into a delicious burger or take a big bite of your favorite gelato flavor without any aches acting up.
For expert dental services and cosmetic dentistry in Sacramento, request an appointment with Soft Touch today!
