Dental Treatments
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Restorative and cosmetic dentistry procedures are changing the face of oral care; they allow just about anyone to have an attractive and functional smile. Whether you have minor chips and stains, missing teeth, or other dental problems, a cosmetic dentist can help you obtain a beautiful, lasting look with porcelain veneers, dental crowns, fillings, and other treatments.
Browse DocShop's dentistry section to find comprehensive information about dentistry costs, risks, and benefits of various dental procedures. We have a detailed education section complete with before and after photos, videos, and procedural facts so patients can learn more about their dental treatment options.
Porcelain Veneers
Custom-fit, natural-looking porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of your smile. Veneers can be used to create more symmetry, change the shape of your teeth, or fix aesthetic flaws such as gapped, chipped, crooked, or discolored teeth. The procedure involves the removal of about 1/2 millimeter of each treated tooth's surface, after which an impression is taken of the teeth. The impression is sent to a dental lab where the veneers are fabricated. When the veneers are ready they are secured to the teeth, masking problems and producing a stunning smile.
Porcelain Veneers Procedure Stats
- Cost: $700 to $2,000 per tooth
- Insurance coverage: No
- Number of Dental Appointments: Two to three
- Results: One to two weeks
- Side Effects/Risks: Sensitivity, tooth enamel removal, infection, allergic reaction
- Replacement Treatment Needed: 10 to 15 years
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns, or caps, are used to restore weak or badly damaged teeth that need more structural support than an inlay, onlay, or filling can provide. They are typically placed in patients that have cracked, worn down, or decayed teeth, in addition to teeth that have large fillings. They can be used to anchor dental bridges, cover a dental implant, or mask a discolored or irregularly shaped tooth. In the past, dental crowns were made of gold or other metals; today, they are made of tooth-colored ceramic or porcelain materials that result in a more natural appearance.
Dental Crowns Procedure Stats
- Cost: $500 to $900 per tooth, gold and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are less expensive than porcelain or ceramic crowns
- Insurance coverage: Yes; coverage varies based on carrier and plan
- Number of Dental Appointments: Two to three
- Results: One to two weeks
- Side Effects/Risks: Sensitivity, loose crown, infection, allergic reaction
- Replacement Treatment Needed: Five to 15 years
Dental Bridges
Dental bridges are an excellent treatment option for patients that are missing one or two teeth, but have some healthy teeth remaining in their mouths. A dental bridge refers to one or two artificial teeth that are anchored to the teeth on either side of the bridge. Crowns are placed over the teeth that support the bridge so they do not become weak or damaged by the tooth replacement device. When performed by a qualified cosmetic dentist, the dental bridges procedure can restore the health, beauty, and function of your smile.
Dental Bridges Procedure Stats
- Cost: $500 to $1,200 per tooth in the bridge, plus the cost of dental crowns
- Insurance coverage: Yes; coverage varies based on carrier and plan
- Number of Dental Appointments: Two to three
- Results: One to two weeks
- Side Effects/Risks: Sensitivity, loose or collapsed bridge, removal of natural tooth structure, infection, allergic reaction
- Replacement Treatment Needed: Eight to 15 years
Dental Implants
Living with missing teeth can be limiting, inconvenient, and embarrassing. A restorative and cosmetic dentistry innovation, permanent dental implants can bring back the appearance and function of your natural teeth for a firm, stable tooth replacement solution.
Dental Implants Procedure Stats
- Cost: $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth
- Insurance coverage: No
- Number of Dental Appointments: Three to four
- Results: Three months for dental implants in the lower jaw, six months for dental implants in the upper jaw
- Side Effects/Risks: Infection, allergic reaction, tissue damage, problems with osseointegration, sinus problems
- Replacement Treatment Needed: 10 to 25 years
Orthodontics
Get your teeth in line with orthodontics performed by a skilled local dentist. With options including traditional braces, retainers, and Invisalign® custom invisible aligners, you can have straight, beautiful teeth and a comfortable, functional bite.
Orthodontic Procedure Stats
- Cost: $3,500 - $10,000
- Insurance coverage: No
- Number of Dental Appointments: Monthly appointments
- Results: Six months to four years
- Side Effects/Risks: Pain, difficulty removing plaque, allergic reaction, mouth sores
- Replacement Treatment Needed: Never; results can be maintained with use of a retainer
Teeth Whitening
Stunning smiles with a brilliant sheen are no longer reserved for celebrities and politicians. Now, numerous teeth whitening options allow you to choose between in-office and at-home whitening treatments to give yourself a beautiful smile.
Teeth Whitening Procedure Stats
- Cost: $30 to $500, depending on the type of treatment
- Insurance coverage: No
- Number of Dental Appointments: One
- Results: One hour to two weeks, depending on the type of treatment
- Side Effects/Risks: Sensitivity, uneven whitening
- Replacement Treatment Needed: One to five years
The Answers You Need from Doctors You Can Trust
If you are considering a cosmetic or restorative dentistry procedure, our online directory can help you locate a qualified dentist in your area. Our easy-to-use listings allow you to view each doctor’s practice areas and lead you to physicians’ websites where you can learn more about the procedures offered and schedule a personal consultation.
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