Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Having missing, discolored, cracked, and chipped teeth not only damper your appearance but also your structure. Furthermore, dental imperfections such as missing teeth can cause bone loss. The solution to all these dental problems is cosmetic dentistry. Below we answer a few common questions about cosmetic dentistry.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry includes dental treatments that can improve the appearance of your gums, teeth, and bite. The treatments primarily focus on restoring the size, shape, color, and alignment of your teeth.
What Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Services Do You Offer?
At Bay Primer Dentistry we offer various cosmetic dentistry services to cater to the different needs of all our patients. The treatments include:
- Dental bonding
If you have chipped or fractured teeth, then dental bonding is the ideal treatment. The procedure involves the application of a tooth-colored resin on the affected teeth to restore the size and appearance. The dental bonding procedure can be done without local anesthesia unless you have dental decay that needs removing or tooth sensitivity.
The dentist will roughen and condition the affected tooth in preparation for bonding, then apply the resin. The bonding process can take 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
- Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin, wafer-like plastic shells that are applied to the teeth to fix minor dental problems. The veneers are applied on the surface of the teeth to improve the appearance, size, and shape. Unlike dental bonding, veneers need preparation where the enamel is trimmed off to make room for the veneers. You may need two to three dental visits for the process to be complete.
Porcelain veneers can rectify a range of dental problems such as severely discolored, chipped, cracked, and worn down teeth. The shells also close up the gaps between the teeth.
- Dental crowns
Dental crowns are caps that fully encase the entire tooth to protect weak teeth as well as restore the broken ones. There are various dental crown types, but we use porcelain ones as they resemble your natural teeth in appearance and function.
Similar to the veneers you need at least two dental visits as well as tooth preparation. Your enamel will be removed to accommodate the permanent crowns.
- Teeth whitening
Dental discoloration is common and affects a majority of people, but with our teeth whitening treatment you can make your teeth whiter and shiny. We offer at-home whitening and professional treatments, both of which offer similar results.
The whitening results won’t last for long. On average the teeth can stay white for nine months, that’s why we recommend coming for your dental whitening treatment once a year.
Do You Have Dental Implants and Bridging?
Yes, we do. Although dental implants and dental bridges are classified as cosmetic procedures, they are not. The two treatments are restorative procedures that seek to restore your dental function by closing the gaps.
Dental implant surgery is an invasive procedure that requires you to have enough bone density. Bridges, on the other hand, are not invasive, but your enamel will be removed to support the crowns. Come speak with Dr. Jonathan Colucci on the available choices and which is suitable for you.
Are The Cosmetic Dental Services Covered by Insurance?
Some of the cosmetic dental services are covered and others are not. Most dental insurance providers cover procedures that are deemed medically relevant, and several cosmetic procedures are not categorized as such. That’s not to say that cosmetic treatments are not important.
Some dental insurance plans, however, can cover 50 percent of the cosmetic treatments such as crowns and veneers as they are necessary to maintain the health of the teeth. It is important to speak to your insurance provider to confirm which treatments are covered. Plus, call our finance department for the accepted insurance and plans.
Get A Smile Makeover!
Our cosmetic dental treatments are designed to treat various dental imperfections. Contact our dental office if you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in Tampa. We will assess your dental health and help you choose the ideal treatment.