What is the first thing you notice about a person? If you’re watching Family Feud, “Smile” is bound to be one of the top three answers on the board. From the moment we’re born, we’re told to smile. But for those who aren’t happy with their smile, this can feel like a constant source of discomfort. Thanks to the modern wonders of cosmetic dentistry, nearly everyone can have the smile they’ve always dreamed of.

What Exactly is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Basically, this covers all dental procedures that are performed more for vanity than necessity. Although they are not generally covered by most insurance plans, these procedures are priceless when they help a person feel happier with their appearance and more self confident.

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

While many think of braces when they consider cosmetic dental procedures, some other types include: veneers, lumineers, whitening, bonding, inlays and onlays.

Veneers

Dental veneers are very thin custom-made shells crafted of tooth-colored porcelain or resin that cover the front surface of the tooth. Sometimes known as “Hollywood teeth,” wafer-thin veneers are cemented to the front of the teeth changing the color, shape, size or length of the tooth. Veneers require removing about a half millimeter of enamel from the existing tooth’s surface and cost from $500-$1900 per tooth.

Lumineers

Lumineers provide the same function as veneers but are less invasive and quicker to apply. Some patients prefer lumineers as the original tooth is left unchanged. However, they are slightly more expensive than veneers at about $800-$2000 per tooth.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening can be a simple, inexpensive, and non-invasive way to improve your smile. This procedure can be performed in your dentist’s office or you can buy products from your dentist to use at home. Over-the-counter whitening products are also available.

Bonding

Bonding is a procedure often used to repair decayed, cracked, chipped or misshapen teeth or to replace amalgam or silver fillings. Dentists apply a tooth-colored putty-like resin to teeth and then harden it using ultraviolet or laser light. The dentist then trims, shapes and polishes the material. This procedure takes about 30-60 minutes and costs around $100-$400 per tooth.

Inlays and Onlays

Also known as indirect fillings, inlays and onlays are made from gold, porcelain or composite materials and used to fill decayed or damaged teeth. They are created in a dental laboratory and bonded into place. Inlays are when the material is bonded within the center of a tooth; onlays are when the filling includes one or more points of the tooth or covers the biting surface. Inlays and onlays preserve as much of the healthy tooth as possible and are an alternative to crowns costing about $650-$1200 per tooth.

Dr. Konis & and his staff are no strangers to cosmetic whitening! Contact us today for your consultation!