Dental Health Care

Finding a qualified cosmetic dentist requires careful consideration. There is no referral system in place or third party insurance administrator involvement to assist with the selection of a cosmetic dentist. In fact, cosmetic dentistry is not an official specialty recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).

With an increasing number of dentists offering cosmetic dentistry, a variety of procedures to choose from, and the possible need for inter-disciplinary care before receiving cosmetic dentistry treatment, the choices can be staggering.

Pre-Consultation Considerations

* Your general dentist’s recommendation is a primary consideration. If you have been receiving regular dental hygiene check ups, your general dentist has a picture of the current status and condition of your mouth. If your dentist finds that your teeth, gums, supporting bone structure and occlusion (bite) is in need of further evaluation prior to cosmetic dentistry, he or she may refer you to a periodontist, prosthodontist, endodontist, orthodontist, or oral maxillofacial surgeon. The condition of your teeth, gums, supporting bone structure and occlusion has an impact on the longevity of cosmetic dental procedures. You may require treatment for these conditions before cosmetic treatment begins. In some cases a full mouth reconstruction may be part of your cosmetic dentistry treatment.
* Ask your friends, neighbors, and business colleagues who have undergone a smile makeover whom they would recommend.
* Before you set up a consultation with a cosmetic dentist, make sure you investigate their level of experience in cosmetic dentistry, including their participation and level of accreditation in organizations such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, which requires adherence to rigorous training, ethical standards and examination to qualify as an accredited member.

What to Expect at your Consultation

When you meet with a cosmetic dentist for a consultation, the following criteria should be considered:

* What is the dentist’s level of experience in cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, and full mouth reconstruction?
* How long has the dentist been practicing?
* How extensive is the dentist’s practice? Does he / she offer study models, imaging technology, and/or bonding previews for your procedure recommendations?
* Ask to see before-and-after photos of previous patients. Are the results to your liking? Are the photos of actual patients that the dentist has treated?
* How varied and advanced are the treatments offered? Check to see if the cosmetic dentist incorporates The Wand (an advanced computerized anesthesia delivery system), or sedation dentistry, both of which provide greater comfort during dental treatment. Your cosmetic dentist may also use a dental laser to easily clear away gum tissue or complete a composite tooth-colored dental filling when necessary for treatment.
* Inquire about the dental lab technician your dentist plans to involve in your treatment plan. What is the dentist’s relationship and planned means of communication with said technician?
* Inquire about the type of materials that the dentist has selected for your treatment plan.
* Ask about how long the results are expected to last and about the type of maintenance that is required in order to maintain the benefit of the procedures. For example, teeth whitening must be repeated every three to six months depending upon the procedure you choose in order to maintain the benefits; or you may be required to wear a protective guard at night to help maintain your veneers.
* What is the cosmetic dentist’s diagnosis and what treatments are offered / suggested? How clearly does he explain the plan and any viable alternatives? How practical is this treatment plan in terms of your personal, business, and social needs / constraints?
* What is the office ambiance like? Specifically, are you comfortable with the cosmetic dentist’s chair-side manner? Is the staff friendly, welcoming, and quick to address your concerns? Since cosmetic dentistry treatment can take time, it is important to establish a rapport with all individuals involved.
* Ask about special considerations that must be taken for cosmetic dental patients when traveling. For example, if a veneer breaks while you are traveling, you may want to find out which dentists in that area are familiar with the material from which your veneer was made.
* Keep a log of the materials selected for your cosmetic dentistry procedures. This information is valuable should the components used in your procedure fall off or break, and also in case you have an allergic reaction to any of the materials used in the procedure. The risk of an allergic reaction is small. In all cases, it is important to keep your own records with information about the procedure and the types of materials used.
* Ask about patient comforts provided through the practice, such as those offered in dental spa-like environments.
* Emergencies are unlikely, but do find out what provisions the practice offers. Is the emergency service provided by the dentist or a staff member? Is communication over the phone or in person?
* What are the financing options? While payment plans are available through a number of dental loan providers, your cosmetic dentist may offer in-house payment options as well.

In many cases, dental implants may be the only choice to restore all necessary functions of the teeth and supporting structures. An implant can serve as an anchor for a dental bridge or for missing back teeth that would be required for a bridge. Implants can also work with dentures, to reduce the shakiness of the denture and gum tissue irritation that can result from dentures. Another implant advantage is that they do not require preparation for bridgework. Finally, implants have been known to slow progressive jawbone loss for people who are subject to this.

Dental Implants: What are they?

Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to counter tooth loss. The loss of teeth can result from:

* Aging
* Trauma to the mouth
* Poor oral hygiene
Tooth loss can have a negative effect on eating by causing bite-related irregularities. From an esthetic point of view, the loss of teeth can have a psychological effect on people who might feel too self-conscious to smile or talk. Regardless of the nature of problems related to tooth loss, dental implants may offer a simple remedy with proven results.

Implant dentistry has benefited greatly from scientific and technological advancements. However, it is not a defined specialty inside of dentistry and the procedure does not require a specific license by law in order to be performed by a dentist.

Osteoblasts and Dental Implants

Osteoblasts are the mononucleate cells found within bone marrow that are responsible for the formation of bones. Osteoblasts play an integral role in the dental implant procedure because of their relationship with osseointegrated implants.

Osseointegrated implants are the most commonly used and successful type of dental implant. Osseointegration is the direct anchorage of a dental implant root with the bone of the jaw. An osseointegrated implant takes anywhere from three to six months to heal, at which point dentists can complete the implant procedure.
Success Rate of Dental Implants

Dental implants are considered one of the more successful types of procedure in dentistry. There is no guarantee that a dental implant procedure will be successful, but studies have shown a five-year success rate of 95% for lower jaw implants to 90% for upper jaw implants.

Dental implants may fail for a number of reasons. The cause is often related to a failure in the osseointegration process. For example, if the implant is placed in a poor position or by a dentist who is inexperienced in surgery, osseointegration may not take place. Dental implants may break, become loose, have a higher than normal peri-implant bone loss, or become infected. If you are a smoker who is considering a dental implant, your dentist will likely advise you to give up smoking before undergoing the dental implant procedure, because smokers face a higher risk of dental implant failure. Since the procedure can be extremely expensive, you risk wasting your money on dental implants if you do not give up the habit.

On the plus side, dental implants are not susceptible to the formation of cavities; however, like gum disease (periodontitis) that is associated with normal teeth, poor oral hygiene can lead to the development of peri-implantitis around dental implants.

Cost of Dental Implants

The cost of dental implants depends on a variety of factors, including the type of reconstruction, the implant dentist performing the procedure, the location where the procedure is performed, and the amount of dental insurance you have. The material used in the procedure also affects cost. Manufacturers of dental implants offer a broad range of implant prices.

On average, the cost of having an artificial tooth (plus crown) implanted in the mouth by a dentist performing implant dentistry is approximately $3,500. Single implant costs range from $1,000 to $5,000. The narrow implant cost may range from $450 to $750 per tooth. The cost of full-mouth reconstructive dental implants can range from $24,000 to $100,000.

The thought of out-of-pocket expenses can be enough to prevent many Americans from securing dental treatment. Today’s dental treatment plans may range in cost from $300 per year for simple professional dental hygiene visits to $25,000 or more for restorative dental work or cosmetic dentistry. Additonally, dental insurance plans are often comprised of reduced benefit structures when compared with medical insurance coverage.

However, today there are stronger financing options available for out-of-pocket dental treatment costs and dental insurance plans that are still meant to reduce the burden in some ways.

Dental Insurance Plans – What’s Available?

There are various types of dental insurance plans available for individuals in the U.S. It is important to note that some employers offer flexible spending accounts whereby a certain portion of income is allocated to a special flexible spending account before taxes are taken. This allows the employee to benefit from less taxation and the use of these funds for dental or medical treatment.

Individuals may not be aware that they have a flexible spending account option available through their employer for dental or medical needs. It is therefore recommended that you check with your employer about the option of a flexible spending account for medical and dental expenses.

Every dental insurance plan is unique in terms of the benefits offered. Each plan has specific limitiations and exclusions. It is important to understand the type of plan you have and the associated coverage offered for varying dental procedures. For example, if you require a dental filling and would prefer a composite material, it is wise to evaluate the benefits allocated in the plan for composite fillings. Many insurance companies will only reimburse composite filling costs at a rate equal to that of an amalgam filling.

Cosmetic dental procedures are not traditionally covered by dental insurance. However, if you have insurance and require a veneer for restorative purposes, you can ask your dentist about the possiblity of filing for reimbursement for some of the costs.

Dental Insurance Plan Choices:

1. Indemnity Plan: An indemnity dental insurance plan allows you to select your own dentist. Services are considered fee-for-service, providing limitations and co-payment options. This means that you pay a flat fee for the dental visit, have an annual limit provided for dental spending, and specific coverage limits offered for each dental procedure.
2. Self-Insurance Plan: Self-insurance dental plans may be similar in nature to indemnity plans. Yet, the option to select your own dentist may or may not be available in the plan.
3. Closed Panel Plan: Closed panel dental plans are limited to a group of facilities and a limited number of dentists through which to receive dental care.
4. Capitation Plan: Capitation dental plans designate specific dentists for intervals of treatment. These dentists have a contract which indicates that they will be paid a fee regardless of whether dental treatment was required.
5. Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) Plan: PPO dental plans are limited to a group of dentists who are available to provide dental care at a reduced cost.
6. Direct Reimbursement Plan: Direct reimbursement dental plans allow employees to receive reimbursement for dental services directly from the employer.
7. Dental Care Service Plan: Dental care service plans are comprised of a group of dentists that form a non-profit organization to provide dental services at set fees.

Understanding Your Dental Fees

It is important to ask the dentist or their finance manager about dental treatment costs prior to receiving treatment. Dental finance managers can call your insurance provider in order to pre-determine the amount of out-of-pocket costs associated with the procedure you require.

Every dental insurance plan has limitaitons for the level of reimbursement offered for certain procedures and on the annual cap for dental spending. Some plans may also have limitiations regarding a waiting period that must occur before certain dental treatment is rendered. Aditionally, plans typically have exclusions, meaning that certain dental procedures are excluded from any reimbusement benefit amount.

Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) Fees

The most common term used to identify the fee for dental treatment is called Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR). UCR fees are determined by insurance providers based on the typical costs associated with various dental procedures. For example: Assume your procedure costs $90. Your dental insurance provider may have a UCR for the procedure of $60. You would therefore be responsible for payment of the difference - $30.

Dental Financing

There are numerous independent finance plans and reputable finance companies that offer a wealth of options to meet budget and credit limit requirements for most every applicant. Funds received by dental finance companies may be used for out-of-pocket dental costs or for the dental procedure itself. There are “same-as-cash” finance options with 0% interest for extended time periods ranging from 12 to 24 months, as well as other low interest rate options requiring monthly installments, with little or no down payment requirements.

Treatment plans may start the same day of initial consultation or up to 60 days after application approval. In order to determine the right finance option, contact your dentist and ask if an agreement is in place between one or more finance companies and the practice. Individuals may complete a dental finance application in the dentist’s office, online at a finance company website, or through a toll-free number. Usually, finance approval arrives within minutes. In fact, many times credit history does not impair the approval process. Of course, in any finance situation, it is important to read the fine print to check for hidden fees. Dental finacning may make sense if you do not have dental insurance. At the same time, there are resources available to help low income individuals who are uninsured to recieve dental treatment.

The silhouette of a bright white smile has long been indicative of health, contentment and cheerfulness. Teeth whitening has become a household term for many Americans today. The tooth whitening procedure falls into the cosmetic dentistry category because the procedure is designed to enhance esthetics by reducing tooth discoloration and staining for a brighter, whiter smile.
The Height of Tooth Discoloration

Teeth discoloration and staining is relatively common. Because teeth are porous, they are not stain resistant. Red wine, sodas, coffee and teas- among other food and drink, contribute to tooth discoloration over time. In fact, medications such as tetracycline may produce yellow grayish teeth. After years of exposure to such detriments, the end result may be much less than brilliant white teeth.

The Advantage of Teeth Whitening

In-Office Whitening - The beauty of teeth whitening in the dental office is that the approach is safe and most effective. Your teeth may become 8 to 10 shades whiter within 45 minutes time. During your dental office visit for teeth whitening, you will sit comfortably in the dental chair while your teeth are prepared for whitening. Your dentist will use a tissue barrier to protect the lips and gums. Then, a whitening gel comprised of carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. The application of the whitening gel occurs in 3 sessions over the course of the visit. A special lamp is used to activate the whitening gel and speeds up the whitening process. Once the gel is activated, it remains on the teeth for 15 minutes until the next application of gel for a total of 3 sessions during a single office visit.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening - While the “once-and-done” approach to teeth whitening occurs with in office teeth whitening, some patients opt for the take-home method whereby the dentist sends you home with a teeth whitening kit. The kit may contain mouth trays that are filled with a teeth whitening gel and placed over the teeth for up to 4 hours of time. In other cases, patients may opt for an over-the-counter tooth whitening kit that may be purchased at a drug store. These kits may contain whitening strips to be placed over the teeth. The take-home teeth whitening approach requires several hours of application over a five to 14 day time period and the results may not be as satisfactory as the in-office approach, depending upon the severity of the tooth discoloration.

Teeth Whitening Considerations

Following a tooth whitening procedure, you may experience minimal tooth sensitivity for a very short period of time. It is important to note that tooth whitening may not work for some severe cases of tooth discoloration. In such cases, your dentist may recommend dental veneers.
Teeth Whitening Costs

The overall cost of teeth whitening depends on the dentist performing the procedure, your dental insurance coverage and the location where it is performed. On average, a teeth whitening procedure may cost approximately $450 and last up to six months or more; depending on the level of person’s exposure to drinks and food that may result in additional discoloration (coffee, tea, red wine, etc.).

While traditional dentistry focuses on oral hygiene and preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral disease, cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of a person’s teeth, mouth, and smile.

Cosmetic dentistry may also provide restorative benefits। For example, dental fillings are a common procedure used to treat decayed teeth. Previously, most dental fillings were composed primarily of gold, amalgam, and other materials that left visible dark spots on the teeth. Today, dental fillings may fall into the category of cosmetic dentistry, because you can select fillings made of porcelain or composite materials that closely match the color of your teeth, thus maintaining the natural appearance of your teeth and smile. Many people have their older fillings replaced with newer, tooth-colored fillings to enhance their oral appearance.

Cosmetic Dentistry Trends

Technological advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for dentists to address a wide range of challenges. Two of the latest trends aimed at creating a more attractive appearance are smile makeovers and full mouth reconstruction. A smile makeover improves the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, dental implants, and teeth whitening.

Full mouth reconstruction may include treatment for functional problems with the bite, muscles, teeth, and bone structure as well as the use of additional cosmetic procedures. Full mouth reconstruction involves advanced restorative treatment designed to address severe wear of the teeth, pain, and other problems. Full mouth reconstruction frequently involves several dentists who focus on their specific areas of expertise in order to obtain the best outcome.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry procedures currently in use include:

* Dental Fillings - As noted above, this traditional procedure can also be included in the category of cosmetic dentistry when porcelain and composite resin materials are used to provide a tooth-like appearance.
* Bonding - The repair of chipped or broken teeth may be done via a procedure called bonding. A dental composite material with the look of enamel is applied to the surface of a tooth, where it is then sculpted into shape, contoured, and polished, making the crack or chip invisible.
* Teeth Whitening - Teeth whitening is perhaps the most commonly recommended cosmetic dentistry procedure. Teeth are often stained from smoking, food, drink (coffee, tea, or red wine), or poor oral hygiene. Bleaching the teeth can enhance the appearance of your smile.
* Dental Veneers - Plastic or porcelain laminates bonded to the surface of a tooth to replace chips and cracks will improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.
* Dental Implants - Dental implants are artificial tooth root replacements that are used as a part of prosthetic (artificial replacement) dentistry in order to compensate for tooth loss. Often the result is not only an enhanced smile, but also a more youthful appearance, since missing teeth cause the face to collapse, making you look older.

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. If you are one of these people, we encourage you to read our comprehensive cosmetic procedure articles to learn about the various treatments available to beautify your smile.