Many of us consider a beautiful smile to be an invaluable asset, one that boosts self-confidence and leaves a lasting impression on others. Thanks to advancements in cosmetic dentistry, patients now have access to an array of procedures that can enhance their smiles and address various dental imperfections. But if you’re not familiar with cosmetic dentistry, then you may not know which options are available to you.
If you want to learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile, then contact Lakewood Dental Group. Our cosmetic dentists in Dallas, TX, can help you choose treatments that enhance your smile without jeopardizing your health (or wallet!). So, don’t wait any longer–contact us today at (214) 827-1885 to schedule your consultation!
Knowing your options is key to choosing treatments that benefit your mouth and body. In this blog, we explore different kinds of cosmetic dentistry treatments, how they work, and an approximate cost range for each procedure. Let’s dive in!
Procedure
During an in-office treatment, our dentists will protect the gums and apply the bleaching agent directly to the teeth. We may use a special light to enhance the bleaching agent’s effects.
For take-home kits, our team creates customized trays that are made to fit the patient’s teeth. At home, the patient simply adds bleaching gel to the trays and wears them for the prescribed amount of time.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are dental prosthetics that resemble thin, tooth-like covers that dentists can create from porcelain or composite resin. As a cosmetic dentistry treatment, veneers are designed to hide smile flaws by adhering to the front surface of visible teeth. They are an ideal solution for masking chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth.
Procedure
A dentist first prepares the teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel to accommodate the veneers. Then, the dentist takes impressions of the teeth. A dental laboratory can use these impressions to create a unique set of veneers for the patient. Once ready, the dentist bonds the veneers to the teeth using a strong dental adhesive.
Cost
The cost of dental veneers varies based on a number of factors, including:
- The material used
- The number of teeth treated
- The dentist’s experience and geographic location
Generally, the price per veneer can range from $800 to $2,500.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a permanent way for patients to restore their smiles and replace missing teeth. They consist of a biocompatible post (usually crafted from titanium or zirconia) that a dental professional surgically implants into the jawbone. Once healed and fully fused to the jawbone, the implant serves as a sturdy foundation for dental restorations, like crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Procedure
A dentist first evaluates the patient’s eligibility for the procedure by examining the oral cavity and assessing the bone density in the jaw. If suitable, the dental implant is placed during a minor surgical procedure. After a healing period of roughly six months, a dentist can then securely attach a restoration to the implant.
Cost
Dental implants can be relatively expensive due to their complexity and the materials involved. The total cost, including the implant, abutment, and restoration, can range from $3,000 to $5,000 per tooth.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a straightforward and economical procedure that patients can use to repair insignificant dental flaws, such as:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Gaps
- Pesky discoloration
This cosmetic dentistry treatment involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to the affected area and shaping it to enhance the natural tooth’s shape and appearance.
Procedure
The dentist cleans and prepares the tooth surface before applying the bonding material. Once applied, the dentist hardens the material with a special light and polishes it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth.
Cost
The cost of dental bonding typically ranges from $100 to $400 per tooth, making it an affordable option for many patients.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional metal braces for correcting crooked or misaligned teeth. It utilizes a series of transparent, custom-made aligner trays that slowly move teeth into a more desirable position. t
Procedure
The dentist takes impressions and images of the patient’s teeth, which they can then use to curate a precise treatment plan. Using the impressions and images, the dentist creates a unique set of aligners for the patient. Once complete, the patient then wears them for about two weeks before switching to the next set of aligners.
Cost
The cost of Invisalign treatment varies depending on the complexity of the case and the number of aligners required. On average, it can range from $3000 to $8000.
Tooth Contouring
Tooth contouring (sometimes called reshaping) is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves removing small amounts of enamel to enhance the tooth’s shape, length, or surface. Patients often seek this treatment to smooth out irregularities, correct minor overlaps, or reshape pointed or uneven teeth.
Procedure
Tooth contouring is a relatively simple and painless procedure. A dentist carefully removes small amounts of enamel using specialized dental tools. The result is a more symmetrical and balanced smile.
Cost
The cost of tooth contouring is relatively affordable, typically ranging from $50 to $500 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the case.
Gum Shaping
Gum shaping (also known as gum contouring) is a cosmetic dentistry procedure designed to improve the appearance of the gumline. Dentists often perform this treatment to correct a “gummy smile”, which helps to establish a more balanced and harmonious gum-to-tooth ratio.
Procedure
During the gum shaping procedure, the dentist uses a dental laser or scalpel to carefully remove excess gum tissue, sculpting a more proportionate gumline. In some cases, gum grafting may be necessary to add gum tissue to areas with insufficient coverage.
Cost
The cost of gum shaping varies based on the extent of treatment needed and the dentist’s expertise. On average, the procedure can cost between $500 and $3500 per arch.
Cosmetic Dentistry Near Dallas, TX
Cosmetic dentistry offers a multitude of procedures to help patients achieve their dream smiles. If you’re ready to discuss your options with a skilled cosmetic dentist in Dallas, TX, contact the team at Lakewood Dental Group. We’re here to help you! So, don’t wait–schedule a consultation online or give us a call at (214) 827-1885.
