People seek out cosmetic dentistry for several reasons. For some, it's to improve their smile and boost confidence. For others, it may be to correct dental problems that have impacted self-confidence for years. Whatever the reason, cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular in recent years.
In this blog post, we will discuss the six most popular types of cosmetic dentistry in Vista, CA, and the differences between cosmetic and regular dentistry.
What is the difference between cosmetic dentistry and regular dentistry?
Cosmetic and regular dentistry are two different fields of dentistry with distinct goals and objectives, so it's important to understand the differences between them to make informed decisions about your oral health and dental care.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that works to improve the appearance of one's smile. It's typically considered elective and focused on boosting the aesthetics and beauty of one's natural smile goals. Some of the more common cosmetic procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, or Invisalign.
Cosmetic dentists also specialize in dental implants, crowns, bridges, and more complex procedures such as gum contouring or smile makeovers to help patients achieve perfect-looking yet natural-looking teeth.
What is regular dentistry?
Regular dentistry focuses on preventive and restorative treatments to maintain good dental health, such as treating cavities and other diseases and preventing further damage from occurring in the mouth.
Regular dental check-ups typically include cleanings, exams for detecting decay or disease, as well as X-rays to examine the jaw and surrounding areas. Regular dentists can also perform complex procedures such as root canals, tooth extractions, fillings, and more. The main goal of regular dentistry is to help maintain optimal oral health by preventing disease and decay.
While cosmetic and regular dentistry are considered to be different dental branches, both practices work towards helping patients feel better about their smile, which includes maintaining a healthy mouth and good oral hygiene.
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
The cost of cosmetic dentistry can vary greatly depending on where you live, the type of cosmetic dental services desired, and the chosen dentist. On average, the cost of a teeth whitening treatment in the Vista, CA area ranges from $100 to $1,400.
It is always good to keep in mind that individual dental practices will have different prices for certain treatments, so make sure to speak with your dentist to discuss your options and pricing.
Why is cosmetic dentistry so expensive?
Cosmetic dentistry or aesthetic dentistry is often thought to be costly. Various factors that contribute to the cost include:
- Most cosmetic dental treatments are typically not covered by insurance plans since they are considered elective services.
- The quality of materials used in cosmetic procedures tends to be more expensive for purposes of aesthetics and longevity.
- Equipment used for cosmetic dental procedures can be expensive.
- Special training and experience can also impact the cost of which dentist performs the treatments and the level of expertise.
- If a cosmetic dental procedure requires surgery or anesthesia, it can contribute to a higher cost of treatment.
- The type of procedure and the complexity required will also impact the cost.
When looking at the various facts that make up the potential costs for cosmetic dental work, it’s no wonder why aesthetic dentistry can be so expensive. However, many individuals find that the results are often worth the investment when performed by an experienced professional using high-quality materials. Ultimately, a beautiful smile is priceless.
What are the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry?
The field of dental cosmetics has steadily grown in recent years, increasing the number and variety of dental cosmetic treatments available. In Vista, California, many patients seek out cosmetic treatments to make their teeth look brighter and straighter, and to improve their function. Below are seven of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment procedures.
1. Dental implants
Dental implants are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures used to restore missing or damaged teeth and involve placing tiny titanium implants into the jawbone, which act as a replacement for the roots of missing teeth. The implants serve as anchors to which artificial teeth can be attached, providing natural-looking replacements that are durable and comfortable.
2. Dental crowns
Dental crowns, also known as caps, are used to protect a cracked tooth, restore the functionality of a tooth with excessive decay, or replace a pre-existing crown. Crowns can also help to improve the strength and stability of weakened teeth and prevent further damage.
3. Invisalign®
Invisalign clear retainers are a type of orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth or crooked teeth without having to use visible metal brackets and wires. These clear aligners are made of strong plastic which is designed to fit snugly over your teeth and can be removed when you eat, drink, or brush your teeth. In Vista, CA many people prefer Invisalign to traditional braces or other alternatives due to its comfort and cosmetic appeal.
4. Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin layers of porcelain that adhere to the surface of the tooth and help improve the color, shape, and size of teeth that have been stained, chipped, or discolored. They can also be used to close gaps between teeth or to make slightly misaligned teeth look perfectly aligned and straight.
5. Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry option around the world, used to lighten the natural color of your teeth. Professional whitening solutions offer superior results compared to over-the-counter methods and can help you achieve a brighter, more vibrant smile in less time.
6. Inlay and Onlay restorations
Inlay and Onlay restorations are custom-fabricated dental laboratory-made fillings that fit directly onto damaged or decayed areas of your teeth without compromising healthy tooth material. The procedure is often used when a filling or crown cannot restore a damaged tooth due to its size or shape.
7. Dentures
Dentures are removable prosthetic devices made of acrylic resin that replace missing teeth. They’re designed to look natural while also providing support for your cheeks and lips. Dentures come in several types such as complete or partial depending on how many teeth you need to be replaced.
Are dentures considered cosmetic?
Dentures are considered to be cosmetic, as they replace missing teeth and provide support for facial muscles while improving one's overall aesthetic appearance; this plays an important role in improving confidence and self-esteem.
No matter which cosmetic procedures you desire or choose, it is important to find an experienced and qualified dentist who will work with you to achieve the best results possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose a cosmetic dentist?
Choosing a cosmetic dentist is an important decision, as you want to ensure the best results possible for your desired dental goals. To ensure that you make the right choice for yourself, there are several criteria you should consider before making a decision.
- It's essential to research dental offices in your area to find one that specializes in cosmetic dentistry and specific dental needs.
- Inquire about the practice's dental technology and equipment. A dental office with up-to-date dental technology can offer more advanced treatments and an overall better experience for patients.
- Look into dental practitioner credentials, as well as reviews from other satisfied customers.
Is cosmetic dentistry permanent?
Cosmetic dental procedures aim to enhance the appearance of teeth, making them look brighter, straighter, and more uniform. While cosmetic dental work is designed to last several years, maintenance after a certain amount of time is not uncommon to maintain optimum performance and appearance.
Can cosmetic dentistry fix damage from cavities?
Cosmetic treatments can offer a wide range of procedures that can help restore the look and feel of teeth that have been affected by decay or other damage. A variety of treatments including fillings, crowns, bridges, and implants are available to fix cavities.
Keep in mind, cavity-specific treatment may be covered under your dental insurance plan, so speak with your provider to inquire about costs.
Conclusion
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to find a reputable dentist who is highly skilled and can give you the results you want
At Main Street Dental, we offer all of the most popular types of cosmetic dentistry procedures. Our experienced team will work with you to feel comfortable and create a treatment plan that fits both your needs and budget.
Schedule a consultation today to learn more about what we can do for you and your smile!
