Maintaining a healthy, beautiful and bright smile is one of the most important parts of your beauty regimen. The mere thought of sitting in the dentist chair can been so overwhelming that adhering to routine dental exams and cleanings can seem like an arduous task. Sooner or later, you might need more than just a simple cleaning, and things like chips, stains or misaligned teeth require a visit to a cosmetic dentist. We asked top dentists to weigh in on common misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry that may deter you from getting the work you need to improve your oral health and the appearance of your teeth.
Every dentist is not a cosmetic dentist.
While every dentist is taught to do various procedures within the realm of cosmetic dentistry, not every dentist is a cosmetic dentist. “While every dentist has the potential to be a cosmetic dentist, aesthetic requirements of dentistry are not intuitive. Specific aesthetic courses and extensive training through groups focused on cosmetics dentistry are needed in ordered to be considered a cosmetic dentist,” explains San Francisco cosmetic dentist Niloufer Hamsayeh, DDS. “The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the American Society for Dental Aesthetics are certifications to look for when selecting a cosmetic dentist.”
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It doesn’t take forever.
Time can be a deterrent when deciding on getting cosmetic dental work done, but it doesn’t have to be. “Most cosmetic dental procedures are not nearly as invasive as other surgeries. Professional teeth whitening, bonding or a gingivectomy (gum lift) are examples of procedures that can be finished in just one dental visit,” says Woodbury, NY, cosmetic dentist Alan Jurim, DDS.
It’s more affordable than you think.
Dr. Jurim assures his patients that the cosmetic dental procedures that will immediately improve their smiles don’t have to be costly. “They can be, but don’t always have to be. It all depends on how extensive the work that needs to be done is. Cosmetic treatment can range from tooth whitening to reshaping one’s mouth. Each carries its own cost. In our office, we discuss all options with our patients.”
Some procedures are covered by insurance.
“Procedures such as crowns, fillings, orthodontics and some bondings are usually covered,” says Dr. Hamsayeh. Many cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance, but some medically necessary procedures that restore tooth structure and improve oral health do receive full or partial coverage.
