Approximately 85% of Americans understand and believe that proper oral care and attention are critical to their overall health, yet fewer than 20% of adults actually go to the dentist with the intent of having a procedure performed. That decision can involve several factors, but the main two include fear and finances. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on primarily aesthetic or elective treatments, so they’re often not covered by modern insurance plans. Of course, that’s not always the case and many procedures can be at least partially covered if they’re considered medically necessary. And as for the fear factor, most cosmetic solutions are so quick and effective that there’s no discomfort involved whatsoever. Regardless of the fear or financial concerns, your Midtown Manhattan Dentist has a solution for your needs that can fit your concerns and budget. But what are some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures that can almost instantly improve your smile?
Professional Teeth Whitening
Store shelves are filled with countless items promising to be the next miracle cure for whitening even stubbornly stained teeth. While whitening toothpaste can work due to abrasive properties, most others do minimal bleaching at best. Boxed teeth whitening kits do, in fact, work for most people. But the expected results are never met, even with continued use. Moreover, the concentration of bleaching agents is far less in store-bought kits than professional teeth whitening treatments. If your teeth are yellowing or have some moderate to severe staining, your Midtown Manhattan Dentist can probably make them lighter and brighter relatively quickly. However, if they have grayish or brownish hues due to cigarettes and certain medications, nothing may work to lift the stains. So contact your dentist prior to spending one cent on something that may not work.
Composite Bonding
Cracks, chips, fractures, and gaps in your teeth can lead to serious problems down the road. Even if you ignore the issues and avoid having the tooth or teeth in question repaired, the injuries or issues can creep into your daily life and lead to a serious lack of confidence. The good news is that in most causes unless the trauma or condition is severe, it can be an easy and relatively inexpensive fix. Cosmetic bonding involves the application of a dental resin putty that is applied, sculpted, and cured over the damaged tooth or teeth to create a natural appearance. It’s strong enough for daily life needs when taken care of correctly and rarely requires anesthesia unless decay removal is involved.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are among the most popular solutions for “fixing” a number of issues, including crooked teeth, gaps, cracks or chips, stains, and even conceal a missing tooth here or there. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that affix directly to existing teeth, but a minimal amount of enamel must be removed to ensure they fit correctly. So in some cases, local anesthesia is required to avoid discomfort. This procedure is an investment, but the results are usually far worth the upfront cost since they completely renew and restore your smile within a couple of office visits. But they’re not for everyone. Contact your Midtown Manhattan Dentist to discuss which cosmetic dentistry procedure is best to improve your smile.