Mevish Jaffer
It’s no secret that a person’s smile is one of the first things that people notice about them. Whether it’s a job interview, special occasion or a chance meeting a soul mate, an individual’s smile can make all the difference! However, those suffering from tooth loss, excessive spacing, decay and other types of irregularities are usually ashamed of displaying their smile to the world. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help to fix these problems and restore an individual’s smile to its former glory. Specialists in the field of dentistry, such as an orthodontist or periodontist usually perform cosmetic dental procedures on patients through the use of dental implants or dental veneers.
Dental Implant Procedure
Dental implants are most commonly used for tooth loss treatment, as they work to replace the missing teeth inside an individual’s mouth. The implants themselves are made from titanium, a strong metal that is known for being well tolerated by the human body. They are surgically inserted into the jawbone and are given a certain period of time to form a strong enough union for the purpose of supporting a prosthetic tooth. In most cases involving this type of cosmetic dentistry, the placement of dental implants consists of one surgical procedure. Once the implants are inserted within the patient’s jawbone, it takes around 6-12 weeks for them to form a secure bond. Therefore, the entire surgical process typically takes 2-6 months. Thankfully, most patients do not experience any real disruption in their daily life during this time.
Dental implants come both individually and as bridge implants for teeth. Therefore, they can also be a suitable option for older individuals who may be wearing dentures, as several implants can be bridged and placed into the jaw. There is also minimal pain involved with the surgical procedure of dental implants. This is made possible through local anesthetics which serve to make the procedure virtually painless.
Cost for Dental Implants
The cost for dental implants can be expensive; however some dental plans may cover part of the payment for the procedure. In most cases, patients have to cover the rest out of their own pocket. A typical implant operation for a single tooth can cost about $2,000. Dental implants for the entire mouth can cost the patient anywhere from $500 - $6,000, based on the following:
While there is no special maintenance required in comparison to normal teeth, dental implants do need to be looked after and properly cared for. It’s important for dental implant patients to keep up with routine brushing, flossing and checkups. It’s also recommended for those with dental implants to avoid the consumption of excessively chewy or gummy foods. Even with proper care, it’s often possible for patients to require some degree of maintenance and even replacement over time. This involves future expenses for dental implants that patients should be aware of and prepared for in advance.
Dental Veneers
Another type of advancement in the world of cosmetic dentistry that is restoring people’s smiles is dental veneers. These modern marvels are made from wafer thin shells of porcelain, and can help to create the perfect smile. Dentists insert veneers by bonding them to the front of a patient’s teeth. The purpose of dental veneers is to take on the appearance of enamel and produce a remarkably natural-looking smile. Most people are attracted to dental veneers due to their versatile usages. For example, veneers can used to fix the following types of dental irregularities:
- Tooth whitening
- Replace braces
- Camouflage discolored or chipped teeth
- Close tooth spacing or gaps
- Straighten teeth
Dental veneers are specifically meant to realign and reshape a person’s smile. Although the procedure can be costly (a single veneer can cost $700 - $1,500), most people find the procedure well worth it due to the cosmetic restoration they are able to provide. While lower-end veneers cost significantly less, the material they are comprised of usually have a much lower lifespan. Additionally, they are not able to provide individuals with the same type of quality results that porcelain dental veneers can.
Whether individuals opt for dental implants or veneers, cosmetic dentistry has the ability to bring an extraordinary change in their lives. In addition to providing tooth loss treatment and restoring their smile, these cosmetic enhancement techniques also serve to restore their self-esteem and confidence. This can make a world of difference, especially when people are confident and comfortable enough to open their mouth and let others see their beautiful smile!
[page updated December 2008]