Cosmetic Dentistry – Raleigh, NC 

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

Cosmetic dentistry comes with very little risk of harm if the following conditions are met:

• You receive care from a qualified professional. Some DIY cosmetic dentistry hacks can harm your smile. It is best to stick with methods and care providers that have a track record of success.
• You are honest with your dentist. Your dentist will thoroughly assess your candidacy for cosmetic dentistry. If your oral health does not allow you to undergo a certain procedure, it can be postponed until it would be safer for you.
• You follow directions. You should carefully follow any instructions that come with your treatment. For example, you should be sure not to overuse at-home whitening products.

How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

If there are any aesthetic details in your smile that you dislike, you may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Some patients come to us hoping for a simple and quick fix to a minor imperfection; for example, they might want us to repair a chip in a tooth or help them to brighten up their smile. Others want a more extensive transformation; they might want a full set of veneers to help them look and feel younger.

Of course, the best way to determine if cosmetic dentistry is right for you is simply to schedule a consultation with our team. We can answer all of your questions and help you to have realistic expectations about what various treatments can accomplish.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

The longevity of your results will depend on which cosmetic service you undergo and how well you care for your teeth. Here is an overview of how long some popular treatments might last:

• Teeth whitening can brighten your smile for anywhere from a few months to a few years. It depends on your diet, whether or not you smoke, and other factors.
• Dental bonding may endure for 3 – 5 years (longer in some cases).
• Veneers and metal-free restorations have the potential to last for decades before they need to be replaced. Excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits can help them to stand the test of time.
• Invisalign is designed to produce permanent results. Of course, that depends on how diligent you are about wearing your retainer.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

We strive to make our patients as comfortable as possible. However, some minor discomfort or a temporary increase in sensitivity may occur with certain cosmetic procedures. For example, teeth whitening and the preparation process for veneers can increase sensitivity. As Invisalign places pressure on your teeth, you may notice a degree of oral soreness.

Our team can give you tips to minimize any discomfort that you may experience during your treatment journey. You should never be in extreme pain with cosmetic dentistry.

Is cosmetic dentistry expensive?

While it may be easy to assume that cosmetic dental procedures must always be expensive, this is not the case. While it’s unlikely that your dental insurance policy offers coverage for medically unnecessary elective procedures like most cosmetic work, the team at Lake Boone Dentistry offers a range of treatments that come at different price points. It’s also important to consider how cosmetic dental treatment can be an investment in your appearance and confidence that can pay dividends over time by helping you make excellent first impressions in the professional world and on the social scene. We’ll be happy to help you find a way to achieve your goals for your smile while remaining within your budget when we see you at our office for your consultation.

Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?

Most dental insurance plans do not cover elective procedures, and most cosmetic treatments fall in this category. However, your treatment may be an exception if it provides oral health benefits such as when a veneer or a metal-free dental crown is used to repair a tooth damaged by infection or injury. Your policy may also offer some coverage for orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. In cases like these, insurance may pay about 50% to 80% of the cost of treatment, but the actual rate will depend on your plan. The team at Lake Boone Dentistry will be happy to help you navigate your insurance policy and maximize your benefits when you are at our practice for your consultation.

What causes the discoloration of a tooth?

Dental discoloration can be caused by:

• Pigments and dyes in food and beverages: Items like coffee, tea, cola, juice, red wine, berries, candy, and dark sauces can expose the teeth to colored chemicals that can get stuck in the enamel.
• Tobacco: Nicotine, the addictive agent in tobacco, can leave yellowish or brownish discoloration on the teeth. Smoke can also leave unsightly dark buildups.
• Age: The whitish layer of dental enamel tends to thin out as a person ages, resulting in yellowing.
• Injury: A severely injured tooth can darken, which is usually a sign that it needs restorative treatment.
• Antibiotics: Exposure to some antibacterial drugs such as tetracycline in early childhood can lead to permanent dental discoloration.

We can address stubborn dental stains that do not respond to conventional hygiene methods with treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and metal-free dental crowns. However, the only way to know for sure which cosmetic treatments are right for you is to schedule a consultation at Lake Boone Dentistry, so feel free to contact our staff today.