Cosmetic Dentistry – Lansing, MI

Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for Me? 

At your consultation, our Chelsea cosmetic dentist will help you determine which smile-enhancing treatment is best for you. Here are a few of the most sought-after ones and some general information about the price of each:

• Veneers – It’s true; veneers typically have a higher upfront cost compared to dental bonding and teeth whitening. However, they also have the ability to address discoloration, chips, misalignment, and other imperfections simultaneously. Perhaps even better, they can also last for 15+ years with the right best practices in place!
• Dental bonding – Dental bonding is one of the most cost-effective treatments upfront. Since this cosmetic dental treatment can also correct stained, misshapen, and gapped teeth, it can completely transform your smile too!
• Teeth whitening – Teeth whitening is usually mid-range in terms of cost. It’s also incredibly reliable, effective, and safe. In fact, in-office treatments can lighten your teeth up to eight shades in a single visit! As a result, this is a great option for patients looking to blast away stubborn stains on a timeframe, like before a wedding, important job interview, or other milestone event.
• Gum recontouring – If you have a “gummy” smile, then gum recontouring may be the most ideal treatment for you. While the upfront investment is typically a bit higher, the results can last for a lifetime, making them extremely cost-effective in the long-run.

Why Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making

Many patients wonder if cosmetic dentistry is really an investment worth making. After all, it only impacts the appearance of your smile, right? In reality, it can positively affect so much more! In addition to boosting your self-esteem, studies have shown that a beautiful smile can help you make a better first impression, improving your personal and professional life in the process. If that wasn’t enough, many cosmetic dental treatments also benefit your oral health by addressing misalignment, providing support to weak teeth, and giving you the motivation you need to brush and floss more consistently!

How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

Although dental insurance rarely covers cosmetic dental treatments, you won’t have to worry about your smile transformation being “too expensive.” We offer two additional financial solutions: flexible financing and a dental savings plan. While the first allows you to space out your payments into manageable chunks, the second gives you access to covered preventive care and discounts on other services. To learn more about either of these options, get in touch with our team!

Am I a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

When considering a patient for cosmetic dentistry, we first need to make sure that their smile is healthy enough. After all, resolving a cavity or gum disease takes priority over how your teeth look. With a healthy smile, most patients qualify for cosmetic work, but the only way to know for sure whether you do is to set an appointment with one of our dentists here at Healthy Smiles Dental Care of Lansing. Once we examine your mouth, we can determine which procedure(s) can help you achieve the look you want.

How Long Will Treatment Take?

It depends on which treatment(s) you are doing. In some cases, such as when patients only do teeth whitening, you can see results as quickly as one appointment. In others, especially if you are undergoing multiple procedures, the process may require several appointments. When you come into our Lansing office for your consultation, we’ll put together a detailed treatment plan. At that point, we can provide a clearer idea of the timing of treatment. 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Procedures?

In general, dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dental work. However, our team is knowledgeable when it comes to insurance and can help you understand and maximize your coverage. In addition, we offer an in-house savings plan, which comes with a 20 percent discount. Regardless, you may also qualify for financing and divide the cost of treatment into easy monthly payments.

Will My New Smile Last Forever?

That largely depends on you and how well you take care of your teeth. When you brush and floss daily and come to us regularly, we can make sure that your results stay beautiful and bright. At some point, you may require touchups or maintenance, but with diligent upkeep, you can enjoy a confident smile for many years to come.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

As long as you undergo your procedure with a trained professional with years of experience, most cosmetic dental work should be completely safe. That said, not every treatment will be ideal for every person. Some cosmetic procedures can end up being detrimental if you have a developing or underlying oral health concern, such as cavities and gum disease. For instance, cementing a veneer over a decayed tooth can lead to more difficulty in addressing the issue in the future. That’s why your dentist will assess your mouth for any problems that’ll need to be treated first, and then they’ll determine the best approach to creating your dream smile.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

The longevity of your cosmetic dental treatment will depend on the option you choose to get. Certain procedures are cost-effective and much quicker to complete, such as professional teeth whitening and dental bonding. While these options are more convenient, their results will only last a few years, whereas more extensive treatments like veneers can go as far as 15+ years with proper care. Gum recontouring typically provides a permanent solution for smiles, as gum tissue won’t regenerate. Other treatments like Invisalign will offer lifelong results, but only if you wear your retainer afterward as instructed. In general, you can prolong your improved smile by maintaining good oral hygiene, wearing a mouthguard/nightguard, avoiding dark-colored foods/drinks, refraining from bad oral habits (like smoking), and visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry

If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks in the mirror, then you’ll most likely benefit from undergoing cosmetic dentistry. While it may be tempting to opt for store-bought products (like teeth whitening kits) for their convenience, they often won’t offer the long-lasting and lustrous results your dentist can. If you’re struggling with mildly damaged teeth, such as chipped or cracked ones, then your smile could be at risk of harmful bacteria. You’ll want to consult your dentist so that they can determine the best options to protect your teeth, including veneers and metal-free restorations. If you’d like to make great first impressions or simply look younger, then cosmetic dentistry can certainly lift the years off your smile. You’ll be able to show off your brand-new pearly whites, boosting your confidence and quality of life!

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Like with most dental procedures, our team will do everything we can to make sure you’re comfortable and safe throughout your appointment. Fortunately, many of our cosmetic treatments are simple and pain-free, as options like teeth whitening and dental bonding won’t even require a local anesthetic. However, if you choose a more extensive procedure, like veneers, then we’ll be sure to completely numb your mouth before starting any work on your smile. If you’re feeling a bit anxious about your visit, we’ll be able to provide sedation options to help you relax. Once your appointment is over, you might experience some mild discomfort, soreness, or sensitivity. This is usually short-lived and can easily be managed by taking over-the-counter pain relievers.