Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

What is the difference between a dentist and a cosmetic dentist?

A dentist cares for your oral health, focusing on preventing and treating cavities, gum disease, and other problems that damage your oral health. A cosmetic dentist focuses on the appearance of your teeth, correcting misalignments and improving the look of discolored, chipped, or uneven teeth. Both general and cosmetic dentists have to obtain a DMD or DDS degree. However, cosmetic dentists take additional courses focused on aesthetic dental and gums treatments.

What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?

Your smile is often the first thing others notice about you. The impact of not smiling can be far-reaching. If you are self-conscious about how your teeth and gums look, you may be hesitant to show your smile to the world. People may assume you are angry or unfriendly; it can make you unapproachable at work and in social situations and even hamper some career opportunities. However, cosmetic dentistry can make a real difference by improving how your teeth, gums, and smile look. Advantages of cosmetic dentistry include:

• More self-confidence
• Less risk of cavities and other oral health issues if crowns or dental implants are used to protect damaged teeth or preserve the jawbone
• It gets rid of stained teeth
• Can straighten crooked teeth
• Can change the shape of one or more teeth
• Fixing a damaged tooth can improve your ability to eat certain foods
• Cosmetic dentistry can take years off your appearance
• Can protect teeth from future damage
• Recovery time for cosmetic dental procedures is short

Can you get multiple cosmetic treatments done at one time?

Yes. Depending on the type of work being done by your cosmetic dentist, you may be able to have more than one procedure done on a single day. For instance, if you want veneers for your visible teeth and bonding for teeth with cavities, you may be able to have them done on the same day. Other treatments, like teeth whitening, should be done before proceeding with additional treatments.

What is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure?

Teeth whitening leads the pack, with over 37 million Americans using some type of teeth whitening system in 2020.

What is the difference between dental veneers and dental crowns?

Dental veneers are thin shells, usually made of porcelain, covering the teeth’s front surface. The veneers are purely cosmetic, improving the shape, color, and size of the teeth. Dental crowns fit over the top of the teeth like caps. While dental crowns can also improve the look of damaged teeth, they also prevent further damage, protecting the tooth from infection and restoring function. Crowns last longer than veneers, which need replacing about every ten years.

Do celebrities get veneers or crowns?

Many celebrities get porcelain veneers to improve the look of their teeth because veneers look the most natural and are very thin. However, dental crowns are an alternative for some celebrities if their teeth are badly damaged.

How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?

Your cosmetic dentist can give you an accurate estimate of the cost of any cosmetic procedure. Prices can vary depending on the type of treatment, how many teeth are involved, and your oral health.

Does dental insurance cover work by a cosmetic dentist?

No. If your dental work is strictly cosmetic, dental insurance does not cover it. However, if you are getting a procedure such as dental crowns that repair or restore damaged teeth and improve their appearance, some or part of the cost may be covered by your insurance.

If you are interested in cosmetic dental treatment to improve your smile, contact us at 86th Street Dental Center Phone Number (212) 579-0213 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kirsch today.