If you're unhappy with your smile, there are dozens of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help to improve the appearance of your teeth and boost your confidence. Still, there is a lot of misinformation out there about cosmetic dentistry; by being better informed about some of the most common cosmetic services, you can make the right decisions for your dental health and avoid surprises!

Dental Implants Are Done in Two Parts

Most people considering dental implants don't realize that the procedure is done in two separate parts. During the first appointment, an implant post is drilled into the jaw bone. This is the post that will support the implant itself. After a couple of weeks of healing and follow-up appointments, your dentist will complete the implant by placing the prosthetic tooth on top of the post.

Teeth Whitening Can Lighten Up to 10 Shades

Dreaming of a whiter and brighter smile? Professional teeth whitening at your cosmetic dentist's office can leave your teeth up to 10 shades lighter in as little as one appointment! This is a much more drastic result than the typical 2-3 shades lighter than store-bought whitening kits can achieve. Before your whitening appointment, your dentist should be able to review a shade chart to estimate how much brighter and whiter your teeth are expected to become from the procedure.

Veneers Can Be a Viable Alternative to Braces

If you have slightly crooked or misshapen teeth, you might think your only solution is braces. However, other cosmetic procedures, such as contouring and veneers, are often viable alternatives to braces. They're much less expensive, achieve the appearance of straighter teeth, and can be done in as little as one appointment! Not to mention, contouring and veneers are painless, which simply cannot be said of braces.

Some Insurance Plans Cover Cosmetic Work

Depending on the cosmetic procedure you're considering and your insurance plan, it's also worth noting that some cosmetic procedures may be covered by your insurance. This is most common with cosmetic procedures that are being done to correct an issue that is also affecting your overall health. For example, if you have a chipped tooth that is poking into your gums or lip, your insurance might cover the cost of contouring or other means of cosmetic repair. Even if cosmetic work isn't covered by your current plan, you might consider upgrading to a dental insurance plan that includes coverage for cosmetic procedures.  

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