3. • If you aren't very satisfied with the way that your
teeth look, it might be time to consider cosmetic
surgery. There was a time not too long ago that
cosmetic surgery was a treatment that was left to
Hollywood personas and politicians. Luckily, a
lot of cosmetic dentistry is now available for
everyone to enjoy. Some insurance companies
even offer to cover a portion of it.
4.
5. • The most common form of cosmetic dentistry is
teeth whitening. This is often done cheaply, and can
even be done by buying over the counter treatments.
If you are embarrassed by a yellow tint to your
teeth, or drink coffee too often, teeth whitening can
solve it. The good part about tooth whitening is that
it's inexpensive, and highly effective. Teeth
whitening can make you look years younger, and
also decrease the appearance of "smoker's mouth."
The bad news is that tooth whitening uses bleaching
agents which are actually harmful to your teeth.
People have reported tooth sensitivity after getting
these treatments.
6.
7. • Veneers are another form of cosmetic dentistry,
and are often used to both whiten teeth and
possibly fix broken teeth. Veneers, both
porcelain and plastic, are used to "cap" the teeth
that need to be fixed. They are perfect for teeth
that are too small, chipped, yellowed or even too
big. They are very expensive, however, and can
cost upwards of $8,000. Insurance might not be
able to pay for it, either. There are some veneers
that can cost as low as $250, but they do not
have a long lifespan. Veneers are not permanent,
but do last around 7 years.
8.
9. • Dental bridges and implants are used to replace
missing teeth. If you had a recent extraction,
this is a great way to keep your mouth looking
great. Implants and bridges can fall out,
however. They are still the best option for
missing teeth. They are relatively inexpensive,
and also can make chewing easier. Many
insurance companies offer some reimbursement
for bridges and implants.
10.
11. • Lastly, one of the other most popular cosmetic
dental surgeries available are dental caps and
crowns. If you have a silver filling, dental caps
can help hide them. It gives an impression of
dental health, and also looks much better in
photographs. This is a common practice among
most dentists, and also tends to be covered by
insurance.