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COSMETIC DENTISTRY Frequently Asked Questions?

From simple at-home whitening procedures to "extreme" makeovers with the help of dentists, periodentists, and other "smile professionals"…today's cosmetic dental procedures offer plenty of options for you to sink your teeth into.

If you've got questions, we'll help you find the answers with this reader-friendly FAQ:

What are VENEERS?
Veneers are thin shells that are laid onto your teeth and bonded to the surface to give you a straighter, whiter, and more even-looking smile. Veneers come in a variety of materials, but porcelain is the most common choice because of its durability and realistic appearance.

Porcelain veneers are used to preserve more of your tooth's original surface and are a cost-effective alternative to crowns.

What is INVISALIGN and how does it work?
Invisalign is a technique for straightening your teeth. A small tray that has been custom-designed to the contours of your mouth acts to realign your teeth much like braces. Unlike braces, however, an Invisalign tray can't be seen and can be easily removed. It should also be noted that Invisalign corrects the cosmetic appearance of teeth, but does not address underlyling issues of bite

Standard orthodontic braces and procedures generally end up costing between $3,0000 and $8,500. The Invisalign system costs between $5,000 and $6,000.

What is CEREC?
Created by Sirona Dental Systems, CEREC is the world's only system that permits the fabrication of all ceramic dental restorations -- crown, inlay, or veneer -- in one office visit! Chipped or discolored front teeth can be also be repaired with CEREC porcelain anterior crowns or veneers.

The use of a CEREC system by the dentist means fewer injections, less drilling, and less time for the patient…all of which adds up to lower out-of-pocket costs.

What are the different techniques for TOOTH WHITENING?
Regardless of how well you care for your teeth, age and "external forces" like coffee and tobacco will make your white smile yellow and discolor over time. A tooth whitening treatment, whether at home with OTC products, at home with a dentist-supervised process or in the dentist's chair. won't stop future discoloration, but it can bring about whiter teeth and help create a more vibrant smile.

At-Home Tooth Whitening - Dentist-Supervised
Your dentist will create a customized-to-your-mouth tray to hold a mild solution whose main ingredient is carbamide peroxide, a substance that reacts with water to release hydrogen peroxide, a non-toxic bleaching element.
At-Home Tooth-Whitening - Over the Counter
Over-the-counter tooth whitening also involves the "power" of hydrogen peroxide in a tray or a whitening strip. The main benefit of over-the-counter tooth whitening is the cost -- usually not more than $35, and some are less than $10

The risk with OTC tooth whitening systems is that there is no professional to assess if whitening is appropriate and to ensure that everything works correctly. Also systems that use "generic" trays or strips may not adequately cover all your teeth, This can lead to gum irritation and/or less desirable results.
Laser Tooth Whitening
This treatment involves coating the teeth with a paste of carbamide peroxide and then applying a laser to the paste. It is performed at the dentist office and usually takes about an hour.

There is no at-home follow-up after a laser whitening which makes it a convenient option. However, while it is more convenient than at-home tooth whitening treatments, it is also more expensive and the results are not as long lasting as you'll achieve with a longer term, dentist-supervised at-home treatment.

It should be noted that tooth whitening treatments have no effect on the artificial materials used for bonds, veneers, or capped teeth.

What are DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Dental implants are fixtures that are surgically screwed into ("implanted") into your jawbone and are ideal for replacing missing teeth. The implant serves as an anchor for one or more crowns that create a perfect smile. Most people say that their implants are like their own teeth -- strong, durable, and virtually unnoticeable.

The average implant typically costs between $1,250 and $3,000. However, depending on factors like bone regeneration, sinus elevation, and wide diameter or narrow diameter implants, costs can easily escalate to as much as $30,000 to "re-construct" a full set of teeth for the upper or lower jaw.

What is DENTAL BONDING?
Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, refers to the attachment (bonding) of any composite material (either a plastic or resin) to an existing tooth. Bonding is ideal for fixing teeth that are chipped or cracked, for hiding surface discoloration, and reducing gaps between teeth.

Composite bonding is a quick process, typically lasting less than an hour, and unlike porcelain veneers and crowns bonding does not reduce your tooth's original structure. Best of all, bonding is relatively inexpensive.

What is TOOTH PROPORTIONING?
The proportion of a tooth's dimensions and its relationship to nearby teeth impact on the natural appearance and appeal of your smile. Although guidelines about proportion and coloration exist, your dentist will adjust those guidelines to reflect the unique needs of your smile.

For example, while the size of a tooth in relationship to other teeth and the face is fairly straightforward - the tooth either appears too big, too small, or just right - the shape and edging of each tooth is affected by a variety of factors, including gender.

What are CROWNS?
Crowns are dental "fixtures" that are cemented into place over a partial tooth. Made of porcelain, ceramic material, gold, metal alloys, or a combination, these dental "caps" encase the tooth to form an outer surface. Crowns are a valuable way to restore a tooth to its original shape, strengthen a weak tooth, and/or improve the cosmetic appearance of a tooth.

The total cost for a crown ranges from $600-$3100. Certain crown materials
cost more than other types, require more skill from your dentist and the lab, and may exceed your insurance plan coverage for crowns. Dental insurance typically covers only a portion of the tooth crowning procedure.

What is a BRIDGE?
A bridge is a dental appliance that replaces one or more natural missing teeth. They are cemented into place onto the surrounding teeth (the "abutment" teeth) on either side of the space. Unlike dentures, bridges are fixed in place and are not removed by the patient on a daily basis. Bridges may be placed on natural teeth or dental implants.

Dental bridges average in cost from $500 to $1000 per tooth in the bridge. Factors such as where you live, whether you need multiple bridges, and the type of bridge you requite can have an impact on costs.

What are COMPOSITE FILLINGS?
For many years, dentists filled and sealed cavities with a silver and mercury amalgam. Today's toothcare specialists increasingly turn to composite fillings as a strong, safe and more natural looking alternative. The major advantage of these fillings is that they come in a range of shades that closely match the color of an individual's tooth. Due to the increased strength of modern composite material, they can now also be used in the back teeth.

Price is the drawback for many people regarding composite fillings that may be up to twice as expensive as more traditional silver/mercury restorations. Another negative aspect is that many dental insurance plans cover the cost of composite fillings only up to the price of the silver/mercury fillings.

Disclaimer: "All services provided by general dentists. Cosmetic Dentistry is not recognized as a specialty area by the American Dental Association or the State Board of Dental Examiners".