Cosmetic dentistry has evolved a lot over the past few years, and today there is virtually nothing you can’t conceal or correct with the latest treatments.
With cosmetic dentistry in Champaign, IL, you can hide tooth flaws, conceal misalignment, and even change the gum-to-tooth ratio, giving you a beautiful and symmetrical appearing smile sooner than you think!
Let’s explore everything modern cosmetic dentistry has to offer and how today’s various treatments can transform your smile, giving you the look you’ve always wanted.
A Consultation Is the First Step to Your New Smile
Before learning about cosmetic dentistry options and how they can work for you, it’s essential to know whether you’re a candidate for treatment. You schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Champaign, IL, to do this.
This comprehensive appointment not only determines your candidacy but lets us know if you require pretreatments to make your smile goals a reality. You’ll also learn about the cost of cosmetic dentistry and what to expect during and following your cosmetic dental treatments. This is also the perfect time to ask questions and share your concerns with your dentist in Champaign.
Cosmetic Dentistry: The Treatments and Procedures
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental options around. They are shells of porcelain fixed to the fronts of teeth. And they can conceal gummy smiles, stains, short and unsightly teeth, small gaps between teeth, and minor misalignment.
Because your dentist removes a bit of enamel to secure your custom dental veneers, it’s crucial to think of them as permanent… meaning if you damage a veneer, it must be replaced to prevent decay and loss of the veneered tooth.
However, with healthy choices, your veneers can last a very long time.
Dental Implants
Dental implants restore tooth roots and crowns, providing oral health benefits and aesthetic enhancement. And most dentists recommend implants because they function like natural teeth, are long-lasting, and help prevent bone loss in the jaw.
With dental implants, you’ll not have to concern yourself with relines or loose-fitting prosthetics. Whether you choose single implants or implant-supported dentures, you can count on a stable smile and restored bite.
Clear Orthodontics
Clear aligners like SureSmile means straightening your teeth without traditional braces. SureSmile is a system of clear aligners customized to fit over your teeth. These aligners move teeth into position over time, providing gentle and comfortable treatment.
Tooth-Colored Restorations
Tooth-colored restorations allow your dentist to restore tooth health without drawing attention to treatment. For example, you can choose tooth-colored fillings over silver amalgam. And our tooth crowns are always customized to match your teeth. Additionally, we use CEREC technology. For you, this means same-day dental crowns in Champaign, IL.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is inexpensive but effective. Relying on the same composite resin used in tooth-colored fillings, your dentist can hide tooth flaws like chips, shape abnormalities, and discoloration. We apply the composite to the tooth or teeth, shape and fill any chips, and then set the material with a special light.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is another popular cosmetic dentistry option; it is heads above anything you can purchase in the store. In fact, we urge you to steer clear of online whitening systems and store-bought kits and gels. These products may be too harsh for your teeth, leading to enamel damage and tooth sensitivity.
Our dental office offers in-house teeth whitening and custom take-home kits. And your cosmetic dentist always ensures the ingredients are safe for your smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
Q: What is cosmetic dentistry?
A: Cosmetic dentistry is any system or series of dental treatments designed to enhance the appearance of your smile. And some cosmetic dentistry options also promote better oral health, including:
- Dental implants
- SureSmile
- Tooth-colored restorations
Cosmetic dentistry is an elective dental treatment in most cases, but that doesn’t mean it can’t enhance your oral health and boost your confidence.
Q: How can I finance my cosmetic dentistry?
A: Everyone deserves a beautiful smile, and we want you to enjoy the look you’ve always wanted. As a result, we offer financing through CareCredit.
CareCredit is a medical and dental credit card that allows you to pay for treatment over time. Many programs are even interest-free.
In some cases, insurance may cover some of your treatments or pretreatments. For example, some plans offer an orthodontic benefit. Other plans may cover dental crowns if the tooth you’d like to treat is damaged or at risk for extraction.
We also accept most major credit cards.
Q: What can cosmetic dentistry do?
A: Modern cosmetic dentistry can correct most aesthetic flaws, including
- Stained and discolored teeth
- Missing or worn teeth
- Crooked or overlapping teeth
- Gummy smiles and tooth height discrepancies
- Cracked or misshapen teeth
- Gaps or odd spacing between teeth
Q: Can cosmetic dentistry fix crooked teeth?
A: SureSmile can correct many orthodontic issues, including bite misalignment and moderately crooked teeth. For slightly crooked teeth, dental veneers are also an option.
Q: What are pretreatments?
A: At your consultation, the dentist may recommend pretreatments to make you a better candidate for cosmetic dentistry.
- Pretreatments may include teeth cleaning before teeth whitening to promote a better outcome.
- Bone grafting or sinus lifts before dental implants to ensure their success.
- Tooth-colored fillings to treat any cavities before orthodontics
- Extractions before SureSmile, complete dentures, or because of overcrowding
- Teeth whitening in order to choose lighter restorations and prosthetics
Q: Can I combine cosmetic dentistry options?
A: If you have multiple cosmetic issues, you can opt for a smile makeover that includes any combination of treatments. And your Champaign, IL, dentist can work on a timeline that suits your needs and budget.
For example, you may want a whiter smile but also straighter teeth, making SureSmile and professional teeth whitening a good combination.
Are You Considering Cosmetic Dentistry Near Champaign, IL?
If you have questions not addressed in this Ultimate Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry in Champaign, IL, or if you would like further details, we are always happy to chat with you.
And if you’re ready to arrange your cosmetic consultation with the dentist, a team member at Anderson Dental is standing by to get you started today.