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There are millions of people who can benefit from a few simple cosmetic dentistry procedures, and many would be shocked by the results. The first step, however, is to meet with a proper cosmetic dentist.

Many people with healthy teeth are told that they should consider a smile makeover, and this often leads to confusion. A smile makeover is simply a set of cosmetic treatments intended to improve the appearance of the teeth.

There are actually quite a few reasons that someone would be fitted with dental crowns including fractured, discolored, and damaged teeth. Some people also rely on crowns to cosmetically enhance a smile too.

When a tooth is seriously degraded or damaged it might have to be fitted with a full coverage crown in order to preserve the remainder of the tooth. Many people also require crowns due to the use of dental implants as well.

You knew it had to happen and you thought you were prepared. That cotton-picking crown that has been bothering you finally popped off exposing a tooth that just doesn't take well to air, much less the cold of iced tea. Okay, you call your dentist and you ask the question you've been putting off asking. You then hang up the phone and your wife notices you're as pale as a ghost. You've just been given a quote for cosmetic dentistry work that will eat up half of your paycheck. Not to fear, Kimosabe--we've got you covered with information about the latest costs and financing options for that cosmetic dentistry you need. It's not as bad as you first thought, so take a deep breath and exhale slowly. The latest figures for cosmetic dentistry are just in--literally. Here's what you're looking at paying:  Porcelain veneers start at $975 per veneer All-porcelain crowns start at $950 per crown The cost for bonding a front tooth starts at $300 The cost for Invisalign invisible braces starts at $5000 On paper it seems like a lot to pay. In reality, you can't place a true price on good oral health, self-esteem, and self- respect. Looking at it from that standpoint, you do need to realize you have payment plans, as well as financing options available to you with your good credit. There are several different types of payment plans offered as an industry standard nationwide ranging from cash payment plans to individual practice plans. Some plans will allow you to spread your payments out over a period of time, while others offer fixed cash payments depending on the treatments involved.   Most cosmetic dentistry practices offer memberships into a specific plan of which they are part. These are usually run by local banks or credit unions which will process your payments and pay the dentist for any treatment you need for a small fee. Your dentist will be able to tell you which bank the practice uses. Many popular financing plans are offered by finance companies who work with dentists on both the local and national level. One of the most popular is CareCredit, a national financing plan strictly for cosmetic dentistry. Another option is Smile Saver and of course, your good old credit card.

Cosmetic dentistry can still be a confusing subject for some people, seeming to have more questions than answers. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Is cosmetic dentistry expensive?

It depends on what type of dentistry you're getting done, who is doing the procedure, and even where you live! Prices for cosmetic dentists (and just about any professional) change depending on what area you live in. For instance, those who live in New York City may have to pay more for their procedures than someone who lives in Kansas would. And the amount of dentistry you have to have done also comes into play when discussing price. Where price and cosmetic dentistry are concerned, it's one of those "it depends" answers which never seems to fully help. The best way to know how much you'll have to pay for what you want done is to speak with a dentist who is skilled in cosmetic dentistry procedures in your area. Some cosmetic dentistry practitioners offer free initial consultations, which will help you get an idea of the cost for the procedures that you want to have done.

Is cosmetic dentistry painful?

Once again, this question is one that is difficult to answer, and is one of the most frequently asked questions about any type of dentistry. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, most of it is fairly non-painful. Patients always have the option of controlling discomfort with sedation dentistry.

Can my normal dentist do cosmetic dentistry?

Some dentists are trained in cosmetic dentistry, but the majority of them are not. Specific training is required to apply porcelain veneers, perform teeth whitening, and do other cosmetic procedures properly. While most cosmetic dentists are classically trained to be able to do normal dental procedures, most regular family dentists do not have the training to be able to do complex cosmetic procedures.

Is there a cosmetic dentist near me?

This is another of the most frequently asked questions. It depends on where you live, but due to the increasing popularity of these types of procedures, chances are good that one will be located close by. In today's world, there are cosmetic dentists in most areas, especially near larger cities, thanks to cosmetic procedures becoming more popular and less expensive.

Most people want whiter, brighter teeth, but don't have the time or patience to deal with over-the-counter teeth-whitening products like whitening toothpaste, nighttime gels in trays, whitening strips, or "paint-on" whitening products. Also, the results from these products tend to leave a lot to be desired.

Why Zoom?

If you are looking for a way to noticeably whiter teeth in a short amount of time, you should look into Zoom! teeth whitening. The Zoom! procedure takes less than an hour and get your teeth an average of eight shades whiter. These results surpass those of any of the at-home whitening treatments. The whitening trays have the ability to get teeth an average of six shades whiter; however, this process typically takes one to two weeks and the application of the gel can get messy. Whitening strips, toothpaste, and other whitening products can take up to a month to see results and they average anywhere from one to four shades of whitening. The Zoom! teeth bleaching procedure uses a special light to activate the whitening ingredient in a gel that is placed on your teeth. During the teeth whitening procedure, you can relax and watch television or listen to music. The entire procedure is safe, but you should alert your dental professional beforehand if you have a strong gag reflex, as you may not be able to sit through the entire procedure. Once your Zoom! treatment is complete, you will notice your brighter smile - there is no need to wait for results. Zoom! is a whitening treatment, but it is not a stain blocker. As time progresses and you eat and drink the same things that stained your teeth originally, you may notice a dulling of the teeth, but you can diminish these effects by utilizing Zoom! products at home in between treatments. Talk to your cosmetic dentist or other dental professional to learn more about Zoom! and its maintenance schedule.

Cosmetic dentistry is growing in popularity and many people are looking into the cost of fixing their smile. There are some characteristics that make someone a good candidate for a cosmetic dentistry procedure. Learn more about cosmetic dentistry below and find out if you are a candidate for treatment.

What makes someone a good candidate for cosmetic dental treatment?

First, it is important to understand that cosmetic dentistry candidates must be in good oral health. They cannot have any major problems in their mouth. This ensures that they can get the best results possible from their cosmetic dentistry treatment. Most cosmetic dentists work first to restore the health of their patient's mouth, then they begin cosmetic work. People who are unhappy with their smile are always good candidates for cosmetic dentistry. A cosmetic dentist can help those who are not happy with their smile transform it in just a few visits. Spaces between the teeth also make someone a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Often, spaces between the teeth make someone feel self conscious. With porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or orthodontics, they can get rid of those spaces so they will feel better about themselves. Yellowed teeth can also make someone a good candidate. In-office teeth whitening can do a great deal to brighten up a smile. It can whiten teeth many shades, and is more powerful than over the counter whitening techniques. Cosmetic dentistry can also straighten teeth. Those who have crooked teeth often turn to cosmetic dentistry in combination with orthodontic treatment to align their teeth. Lastly, those who show too much or not enough of their teeth when they smile can have their smile reshaped with cosmetic dentistry. There are a variety of procedures that can be used to give someone the smile they want.

There are a number of misconceptions surrounding the placement of dental implants.  Many of these misconceptions center on the notion that the process is more complicated than it really is.  In fact, there are some non-credible resources out there that claim dental implants involve invasive and extensive surgery on the jaw. To say that this is a complete overstatement of the procedure would be, well, a complete understatement. While dental implant surgery is a serious procedure, it is nowhere near as complicated as some make it out to be.

Dental Implants Overview

In short, dental implants involve using a screw to hold dentures in place.  This is no different then the procedures used for severe ankle breaks where a screw is used recreate a functioning ankle.  With dental implants, false teeth are held in place by the screw so they can perform the same functions that real teeth can perform. This technique has been proven quite helpful to those who may have lost a tooth or several teeth as a result of an unfortunate accident. Regardless of how one may have lost a tooth or teeth, the procedure does not change. The false teeth/tooth is held in place with a screw. The screw is inserted into the jawbone where it will naturally fuse with the bone. This is done to make sure that the false teeth remain in place and are not jarred loose by any minor trauma or impact.  Also, the sturdiness of the screw allows the denture to perform all the duties of real teeth without any impediments. But, do these dental implants actually look good? This is probably the most important question people ask. After all, what will be the value of dental implants if they detract from one's appearance or call undo attention to it. Well, there's no reason to worry. You cannot usually tell dental implants apart from real teeth. Therefore, they do not detract from your appearance. Rather, they greatly improve appearance. And that alone makes the procedure well worth it.

Porcelain veneers are a great way to fill in gaps between teeth, fix chipped or worn teeth, or even get rid of unsightly staining and discoloring for a brighter, whiter smile. Costing about $700 to $1,200 per tooth, veneers usually last 10 to15 years.

How are porcelain veneers applied?

Getting porcelain veneers is a simple a two-step process that involves some prep work to the affected teeth, followed by the actual bonding of the veneers to the teeth. During your first appointment, your cosmetic dentist will help you choose the color of the veneer that best suits the surrounding teeth. Next, he or she will smooth any chips, cracks or crooked edges and remove a small amount of the enamel on the teeth to make room for the veneers, which will be bonded (or glued) over the teeth. The final step involves having an impression made of the reshaped teeth so the laboratory can make your new custom fit veneers. It takes about two weeks for the laboratory to make the new veneers, at which time you will return to have them applied to your teeth. The application process begins by applying a mild chemical to the teeth to help the veneers attach more strongly. Next, your dentist will attach the veneers to the fronts and sides of the teeth using resin cement. The last step requires a bit of reshaping or smoothing of the veneers and teeth to ensure a perfect fit and the most natural look possible.

Risks and Benefits of Veneers

With no recovery time needed, this non-invasive cosmetic dentistry treatment is a wonderful alternative for those with basically strong and healthy teeth. There is one drawback to porcelain veneers however: their ability to chip. Those who regularly bite their nails, chew on ice, or grind and clench their teeth may experience problems with their veneers chipping if those habits aren't stopped. In addition, patients with diseased teeth or gums may not qualify for the procedure since it does affect the integrity of the teeth and does not generally adhere well to bonding agents used in most fillings.

The best tooth whitening option for anyone who wishes to see immediate results is undoubtedly in-office laser teeth whitening. However, for those interested in whitening solutions that are more convenient and cheaper than in-office whitening, many people have had success with a variety of home-based teeth whitening procedures. For less severe cases of tooth discoloration, or in cases where one simply cannot afford the time or the money involved with having in-office cosmetic dental procedures performed, then at-home tooth whitening may be the answer. Learn more about options for teeth whitening in Minneapolis at the office of Dr. Dennis Simmons.

At-home Professional Tooth Whitening Kits

One product acts as a kind of hybrid between cosmetic dentistry and at-home tooth-whitening kits. For a few hundred dollars, you can purchase an at-home bleaching kit from your dentist, and perform the treatment on yourself in the convenience of your own home, typically over the course of around ten days. The advantages of the dentist-purchased tooth whitening kit include the increased amount of the acting whitening agent, which is usually peroxide, the ability to have a mouth guard custom fitted to the shape of your teeth, and longer-lasting results.

Over-the-Counter Tooth Whitening Kits

When used according to the instructions, over-the-counter tooth whitening kits can also prove effective in some cases. Further, they are more convenient and cost significantly less than procedures or products from a dental professional. It still may be wise to consult your dentist before trying an at-home tooth-whitening solution, as they may be able to suggest a brand or style that will be the most effective. Many of these products are priced at less than $50, and treatments (which involve placing whitening strips on the teeth more than once a day) often last around two weeks, with results lasting up to six months. Another type of at-home tooth-whitening option allows you to let the kit do its work at night while you are sleeping. These kits are often less than $35, and some are less than $20. These at-home tooth-whitening solutions often come in a liquid form, which must be painted onto the tooth (allowing for greater access when compared to a whitening strip), for a period of a couple weeks. The results also may last up to six months. In addition to strips and brush-on liquids, there are also mouth trays available. These are less effective than the type sold and offered by the dentist.

Simple Teeth Whitening Solutions

There are two final options for at-home tooth whitening, one of which comes in the form of a chewing gum. The gum does not contain peroxide, instead using another matter altogether to whiten teeth. This method requires several uses of the gum throughout the day, for several minutes each time. Lastly, there is whitening toothpaste, which also does not contain bleach or peroxide, and works with mildly abrasive chemicals to polish teeth, and remove surface stains.