We all have a thing or two about ourselves that we would like to change or improve. Some people may want longer hair, smaller feet, or maybe the perfect smile!
It is perfectly okay to want to make changes here and there to satisfy your personal wants.
Read on to learn about ways to achieve your dream smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry!
What is cosmetic dentistry?
The simplest way to define cosmetic dentistry is procedures that are used to enhance someone’s teeth to create a flawless smile. There are many procedures available for you to obtain the perfect smile; the method will vary for each person and depends on the work that is needed.
What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?
1. Prevents Future Dental Damage
The main benefit of cosmetic dentistry is that it can prevent future dental damage. Aside from improving the appearance of ones’ smile, ideally, the cosmetic procedures focus on improving the size, shape, position, alignment, and color of the patient’s teeth. Correcting or fixing these things ultimately eliminate additional dental work down the line, assuming the patient continues practicing preventative care.
2. Increases confidence
Your smile is generally the first thing that someone sees. Many people that do not have a smile that they are proud of, find themselves being self-conscious, and they try their best to avoid smiling or showing their teeth.
Increasing your self-confidence can often open new doors in your life.
3. Improved Health
Aside from repairing typical dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease, cosmetic dentistry can also improve other health factors such as diabetes and kidney issues, to name a few.
It has been proven that most people who have poor oral hygiene often also suffer from other health issues such as diabetes and kidney issues, as mentioned above.
Once a cosmetic dental procedure has been completed, and your smile has been restored, you would be much more likely to continue a proper oral hygiene routine — ultimately improving your overall health.
What are the disadvantages to cosmetic dentistry?
Cost
Many cosmetic dental procedures can be costly for most people. The price varies depending on the work required and the procedure chosen.
Cosmetic dentistry is not unaffordable; in fact, ask us about payment plans to assist patients with financial need.
2. Insurance
This disadvantage ties together with the previous one. Most dental insurance providers will not cover cosmetic procedures; this leaves the patient to pay out of pocket or reach out for financial assistance through the practice or even a financial institution. However, there are some dental procedures that are both cosmetic and beneficial for your overall health that can be covered by insurance.
What cosmetic dentistry options do I have?
There are many cosmetic dental treatments available. A few of the most common procedures are:
1. Bonding/Reshaping
Bonding is similar to the veneer procedure. The difference primarily lies in the material used. Bonding is aimed at decayed, chipped, and even fractured teeth. The material composite resin (plastic) is used during the repair. The repair is completed in a single visit.
The disadvantage of choosing the bonding procedure is that the composite resin material that is used is not as durable as the natural tooth. So biting fingernails, eating ice, and chewing on other hard things can cause the material to chip.
The bonding procedure generally lasts two to four years before needing to be repaired; this timeframe also depends on how well the teeth are taken care of during that time. With proper care, bondings can last much longer.
2. Fillings
Fillings are a way to repair a tooth that has been damaged by decay. A tooth is filled with either gold, silver (Amalgam), composite (plastic), or porcelain.
The filling used will depend on the type of damage done to the teeth.
Each filling has its advantages and disadvantages, ranging from cost, durability, and additional procedure time.
3. Crowns
Crowns are also known as “caps.” They act as a cover that goes over a tooth. Crowns can be considered both a cosmetic procedure and non-cosmetic procedure, depending on the damage to the tooth or teeth. The idea is to restore the shape, size, and overall appearance of the tooth. There are also three different types of crowning options.
Each crown option has its own disadvantage, ranging from cost, fit, and fragility.
4. Dental implants
Dental implants are the replacement of the root of a tooth or teeth. A metal piece is placed into the bone socket. The metal piece is then covered by a type of crown, which acts as the new tooth.
One of the main disadvantages of dental implants is the cost. This procedure is one of the most expensive cosmetic dental procedures available. Another possible concern is that the procedure is a surgical procedure. Any surgical procedure carries some risks to the patient.
5. Veneers
Veneers are primarily used when someone is experiencing issues with chipped teeth, teeth that are oddly shaped and even gaps between teeth. A very thin cover is placed over the tooth or teeth to obtain a more appealing look.
Since the enamel is removed during this procedure, one of the main disadvantages is that the tooth or teeth receiving the veneer may become extremely sensitive to hot and cold food and drinks.
Veneers are simply a way to make your teeth look better and do not prevent decay.
6. Bridges
Bridges are meant to close or “bridge” the gap created by one or more missing teeth. These are also known as false teeth and often are anchored by crowns.
One of the main disadvantages of dental bridges is that the structure of the patient teeth can be changed after the bridge has been placed. Also, tooth decay can still present itself if the bridges are not fitted properly.
If you are thinking about investing in your smile with cosmetic dentistry contact us at Lifetime Dental, 614-333-9442. Our professional dental staff will be more than happy to assist you with any questions.
Most people want to have a bright, white and polished smile, but are not sure how to go about doing so; or they do not think it is possible to have that celebrity smile without paying a celebrity price.
There are several ways people can try to whiten their teeth, such as home whitening strips, toothpaste, whitening kits, and even coconut oil.
Each method varies in price as well as results. Below are more details on how to get the smile you truly want this summer.
What does whitening my teeth involve?
In a nutshell, the process of whitening the teeth consist of removing discoloration and stains from your teeth. The actual details of the process depend on the method you choose.
After the procedure has been completed, it needs to be repeated to maintain your bright polished smile. The frequency of repeating the whitening procedure depends on the whitening method you have chosen.
What causes my teeth to be discolored?
There are several reasons your teeth can experience discoloration. Here is a list of the most common causes of teeth discoloration:
Poor dental hygiene
Tobacco and other drug use
Dark colored drinks/foods
Age
Medication
What are some teeth whitening methods?
A few of the most popular options available to help you achieve a whiter smile are whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, coconut oil, whitening kits, and participating in an in-office whitening procedure.
Whitening strips
Whitening strips can be purchased at just about any pharmacy or store that sells teeth cleaning products. While the instructions vary depending on the brand you are purchasing, generally the package of the whitening strips contains enough disposable strips to last you one or two weeks.
These strips are attached to your teeth and are worn anywhere from 15-45 minutes a day for one to two weeks. The results can last anywhere from two to four months. The results will depend on if the directions are entirely followed as listed on the package.
This process is a DIY process and does not require the supervision of a dental professional.
Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is known for repairing the enamel on your teeth while you brush. Repairing/strengthening the enamel makes your teeth stronger, which protect against cracks and stains.
This process also requires you to follow the directions as listed on the packaging, because each brand has different requirements. Some whitening toothpaste has a limit on how often you can use it while others will allow you to use it daily.
Coconut oil
Some people want to find more natural ways to whiten their teeth; coconut oil is one of those options. You put a bit of coconut oil in your mouth and swish it around for about one to two minutes.
The objective is for the oil to trap the bacteria, so once you spit out the coconut oil, the bacteria is also expelled. The oil itself makes your teeth slick, which makes it harder for stains to stick to your teeth. This method is also known as an oral detoxification method.
The next two whitening methods are offered at the practice.
Whitening kits
The at-home whitening kits, also known as tray whitening, consist of a take-home whitening procedure that is entirely supervised by your dentist. Our practice will gather your teeth impressions to make a custom mouth guard or tray which will contain the whitening agents needed for the whitening process. The mouth guards can be worn while you are sleeping or awake; they are incredibly lightweight and will not interrupt your day to day actives. So you will be able to whiten your smile while you work, talk, and even exercise!
This method generally takes three to six weeks to complete. You will see a more gradual and controlled change to the color of your teeth with this method.
In-office teeth whitening
This whitening procedure is usually the fastest option available. This procedure is completed by your dentist while in the office, and can often be completed in one sitting. Although the process takes a fraction of the time compared to other methods, it is still completely safe and very effective. Most people do not have to come back for touch ups until sometime between the 8-12 month timeframe.
Many people choose this option over the others because it takes significantly less time to complete and lasts much longer than the other whitening options.
Can I afford to have my teeth whitened?
The simple answer is yes!
It is true, dental care can be expensive, but don’t forget that neglecting your teeth will be more costly in the long run.
Our practice accepts at least nine different insurance types that will cover or assist in covering most services.
Are you without insurance?
No worries – our practice also offers options for families and individuals without insurance — it is called the “In-House Dental Savings Plan.” For a monthly fee, you receive bi-annual cleanings, doctor exams, and x-rays. On top of that, any treatment, including cosmetic services receive a 15% discount!
So look no further and wait no more; stop by for a consultation and be on your way to a more confident and radiant smile this summer, without breaking the bank! Call Lifetime Dental Health today at (614) 321-1895.
We all have a thing or two about ourselves that we would like to change or improve. Some people may want longer hair, smaller feet, or maybe the perfect smile!
1. 
Most people want to have a bright, white and polished smile, but are not sure how to go about doing so; or they do not think it is possible to have that 
Whitening kits