Cosmetic Dentist Serving Carmel, Westfield, & Indianapolis

What Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?

Different cosmetic dental treatments come at different costs. To figure out which option is the best choice, you’ll first need to determine what kind of changes you want to make. Maybe you want to whiten your teeth, straighten them, or alter their appearance. Whatever goal you’re trying to accomplish, there’s a service that can help you achieve your desired results!

Here are some options to consider:

• Dental Bonding – If you have minor imperfections you want to address, dental bonding may be exactly what you’re looking for. Not only does it yield fast results, but it’s a cost-effective solution. However, results don’t last very long, which means you’ll need to redo the treatment every few years.
• Invisalign – Unlike traditional metal braces, this modern orthodontic uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move your teeth into proper alignment. Because it cannot help with tooth shape or color, you’ll need to explore other solutions if those are changes you want to make.
• Crown Lengthening – Does your smile look uneven or “gummy”? This procedure can remove and reshape excess gum tissue, creating a more pleasing shape. Keep in mind that it cannot address imperfections with your teeth.
• Veneers – While this option is more costly than the ones mentioned above, it’s the only one capable of transforming several different aspects of your smile at once. Best of all, you can make your results last over a decade with proper maintenance!

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making

Improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry is an investment that pays off in the long run. When you have an attractive smile, you’ll notice positive changes to your confidence and self-esteem. In turn, these boosts can greatly improve your relationships and social life. It can even benefit your career by helping you make a strong first impression during important interviews and meetings!

How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

Most dental insurance plans do not offer coverage for cosmetic dentistry. Since these procedures are mainly performed for aesthetic reasons, they’re not typically eligible for these benefits. As such, you’ll need to find alternative ways to pay for your care. Rest assured – our practice can help with that! We are partnered with CareCredit to offer patients affordable financing with 0% interest and flexible payment scheduling. If you need help with the application process, don’t hesitate to contact us!

How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

Those who aren’t proud or don’t feel confident about their smile can greatly benefit from getting cosmetic dentistry. Discolored or stained teeth can be effectively brightened with professional teeth whitening, providing results you generally won’t find with store-bought products. If you’ve chipped or mildly cracked your teeth, you can repair and protect them with either a crown or veneers for a comprehensive solution. The best way to know if cosmetic dentistry is right for you is by visiting our team for an initial consultation. We can walk you through the treatment options that are best for taking years off your pearly whites.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Some people aren’t certain about getting cosmetic dental services due to their assumption that the process will be uncomfortable. Thankfully, our team is highly-experienced and will do everything we can to ensure you’re as relaxed as possible. Firstly, most of our treatment options are non-invasive, such as teeth whitening and direct bonding. If you decide to undergo a more extensive procedure, like veneers, then we’ll completely numb your mouth with a local anesthetic before beginning the work. We can even offer nitrous oxide sedation to keep you calm and comfortable. You may feel some soreness after your treatment, but this should be short-lived and easily handled with over-the-counter painkillers.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?

Since cosmetic dental treatments aren’t usually covered by dental insurance, many patients consider them expensive. However, this doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have to pay for your procedure completely out-of-pocket. First, our team offers alternative financing through CareCredit, which can help cut the overall price of your treatment into low-to-zero-interest monthly installments to save you money. Also, you’ll want to consider the impact your procedure will make on your smile, confidence, and overall quality of life.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

If you’re receiving your cosmetic dental treatment from a trained professional, then the majority of these procedures should be entirely safe for most people. Still, not every option is best for all patients, as certain services can pose a risk if there are existing oral health problems that haven’t been addressed yet. For example, placing a veneer over a decaying tooth can simply make it more difficult to treat in the future. That’s why we’ll need to evaluate your oral health from the beginning so we can address any issues before moving forward with your chosen cosmetic treatment.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

The longevity of cosmetic dentistry treatments varies depending on which procedure you’ve had and how well you maintain your oral health. For instance, teeth whitening can last from six months to two years, while veneers can last 10-15 years with proper care. Dental implants, often considered both restorative and cosmetic, can last a lifetime!

Regular dental checkups, excellent oral hygiene practices, and avoiding habits like smoking or using your teeth as tools can help extend the life of your enhancements. If you have questions about specific treatments we offer, feel free to ask your dentist for details. Our team is always happy to help you achieve your desired results and keep your smile looking beautiful.

Why Is Cosmetic Dentistry So Popular?

There are many reasons cosmetic dentistry has gained such widespread popularity. The first is its ability to significantly improve your appearance and confidence. People at large are increasingly more aware of the impact a bright, healthy smile can have on their personal and professional lives. Social media and celebrity culture often portray perfect smiles as a symbol of status, driving many patients to ask about cosmetic enhancements of their own!

Next, advances in dental technology have made treatments more effective, less invasive, and more affordable than ever. From teeth whitening and veneers to orthodontics and dental implants, cosmetic dentistry offers solutions for patients who struggle with their self-esteem and want to live happier lives. It’s that simple!

How Do I Choose a Cosmetic Dentist?

Choosing a cosmetic dentist is no simple task! It involves several important considerations that require some thought and research. You can start by creating a short list of prospects in your area by asking for referrals from friends, family, and coworkers. You can also simply use your favorite internet search engine to look for cosmetic dentists in your area.

Once you have a list, check the website of each dentist for advanced technology, patient testimonials, and read their blog. You can learn a lot about a dental practice and their priorities in this way.

Lastly, schedule a visit to your most promising candidates and make your final decision based on how your visit goes. Was everyone friendly? Did you feel judged? This last step is the most important, but also the most subjective. So, go with your instincts!