Many people go to the dentist to fix issues like cavities or simply get their teeth cleaned. However, many others go to their dentist to get cosmetic defects with their smile improved. If you are unsatisfied with your existing smile, your dentist will have many options to enhance your smile.

What Procedures Does Cosmetic Dentistry Include?

There are several types of cosmetic dental procedures to enhance the overall look of your smile. Some of the most popular include:

Teeth Whitening

If your teeth are yellowing due to age, or you are an avid coffee or tea drinker and want your teeth to be whiter than they are, you can undergo a teeth whitening procedure. This process uses a specialized chemical to bleach the teeth, leaving you with pearly white teeth.

Dental Veneers

One great way to fix many imperfections with your teeth is to install dental veneers over them. These are false facades that simply get cemented to the front surface of your teeth and become the new look of your smile.

Dental Implants

If you have a missing tooth, a dental implant can be the right solution. This is a false tooth that is placed on a rod that gets drilled into your jawbone. It helps to maintain the structural integrity of your jaw while providing you with a natural-looking artificial tooth.

Dental Crowns

If the exterior of your existing tooth is severely decayed, a dental crown can help. This artificial tooth is cemented onto a tooth's existing structure to enhance its overall look.

Tooth Reshaping

If you have a crooked, chipped, or misaligned tooth, then having it reshaped by a cosmetic dentist can be a great option. This process involves using a bonding agent that attaches to your existing tooth to reshape it to a more pleasing appearance. The bonding agent will be tinted the same color as your surrounding teeth, so no one will know that it has been altered except you and your dentist.

Any person who isn't satisfied with the current look of their smile can benefit from these cosmetic procedures.

Will Insurance Cover My Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?

The true answer is that it depends. Some insurance plans won't cover any procedures deemed cosmetic as they aren't seen as medically necessary. However, some insurance plans will cover some or part of the cost of basic cosmetic procedures. These may include cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening, gum contouring, teeth shaping, and veneers.

In some cases, your dentist may be able to classify a cosmetic procedure as medically necessary. For example, if you were involved in an accident that damaged your teeth. They may cover restorative and cosmetic procedures to restore your tooth to its original state. Additionally, if your cosmetic problem currently alters your natural bite, a cosmetic procedure may be covered as it is necessary to restore the natural mechanics of your mouth. It's best to check with your dental insurance provider to determine if they cover any cosmetic procedures.

Call Us Today

If you're interested in cosmetic dentistry procedures performed by Smiles by Hay, give us a call today. We'll be more than happy to discuss your options with you and our financing options for procedures that aren't covered under your insurance plan.