Are you considering a smile makeover? Are you wondering if cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles can help you out?
Believe it or not, cosmetic dentistry is about so much more than a straighter smile. It can give your entire face a more youthful appearance and increase your self-esteem. It can also improve your dental health.
If you’re ready to bring your A-game to your work, school, and family, it may be time to check out what a local cosmetic dentistry expert can do for you.
1. Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain is the most common material for veneers, which are tooth-colored shells that get attached to the front surface of teeth. Dental veneers can treat a number of different imperfections in your teeth. These include chips, discolorations, or breaks.
Dental veneers are stain-resistant. They’re also quite strong and don’t require the shaping that crowns do. They can last anywhere between seven and fifteen years.
Dental veneers don’t require the removal of too much of your enamel. They also require little maintenance besides your daily brushing and flossing.
2. Teeth Whitening
If you want a brighter, more attractive smile, a professional tooth-whitening could be for you. Teeth naturally become more discolored as we mature. Professional teeth whitening can get your teeth a gorgeous new shade in just under an hour.
While home whitening kits can vary in their ability to help you, in-office whitening can provide you with a pearly smile for up to three years.
3. Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is another popular dental procedure that can leave your smile gorgeous in less than an hour.
Bonding is for those with cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth. And it’s more affordable than other cosmetic dental procedures.
Your dentist will choose a shade that closely resembles that of your natural teeth. They will then apply resin and shape it to your tooth.
Dental bonding can help you hide imperfections and avoid more extensive treatment. It can also provide a safe barrier between bacteria and your teeth.
4. Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are basically caps for teeth that have been damaged. They may be cracked, weakened, or severely worn down. Dental crowns can get made from porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia.
Dental crowns can help support your teeth and prevent further damage. They can also hold cracked teeth together or cover a dental implant. Dental crowns are also quite a long-lasting option.
5. Dental Implants
Dental implants involve artificial tooth roots that are placed inside your jawbone. A crown gets placed on top to match your natural teeth.
Unlike other tooth replacement options such as dentures, dental implants can last a lifetime. You can also eat almost all of your favorite foods with them in.
Dental implants can serve to keep your adjacent teeth stable and prevent bone loss. And they can last you up to a lifetime.
Affording Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Angeles
Cosmetic dentistry is an investment. Dental veneers, for example, can cost as much as $2,500 per tooth. Dental implants can cost as much as $4,500.
The cost of your cosmetic dentistry will depend upon the condition of your tooth, as well as the experience of your dentist.
Since these procedures are cosmetic, they likely won’t be covered by health insurance. However, your dental insurance may cover at least part of the cost. Before choosing someone to correct your smile, talk to your insurance representative about how much they will cover.
You can also speak to prospective dentists about any payment plans they may offer. For example, they may let you pay your treatment off a little each month so that it’s easier to fit into your budget. Or you may get a discount for paying for the whole thing upfront.
Your employer may also offer a Health Savings Account (HSA) as an option. These allow you to put aside a certain amount of tax-sheltered money each month that can be used for medical expenses. These include cosmetic dentistry and vision needs.
If there isn’t an HSA at your company, you can ask your employer about a Flexible Spending Account (FSA.) Like an HSA, you can put away money that won’t be taxed and use it to pay for your dental care. Unlike an HSA, however, you won’t be able to roll over funds from year to year.
Choosing a Dentist
If you’re serious about your smile, you’ll want to choose the finest cosmetic dentist Los Angeles has to offer. Ask your friends and family for recommendations. Co-workers can also be a good resource because they’ll be able to recommend dentists they know are in your employer’s insurance network.
It’s also important to ask questions. Were they happy with the way the dental work turned out? Was the dentist friendly and professional?
You can check online to read honest reviews on prospective dentists. You’ll want to choose someone local, as you may need to return more than once for your treatment.
Remember that any dentist can get a poor review once in a while. However, you’ll want to be careful if you see a pattern of similar comments. So if a lot of patients are saying the staff was rude, you’re probably getting a good idea of what to expect when you go.
Smiling On
The finest cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles will leave you with a gleaming smile for years to come. With a little research and the right dentist, you could be on your way to a new look in no time.
Don’t stop getting smart about your mouth now. For expert cosmetic dentists in the Los Angeles area, contact us today.