Cosmetic Dentistry – Lake Zurich, IL

Which Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?

There are many cosmetic dental services available in our Grand Dental Group – Lake Zurich practice. Below is a clearer explanation of each:

• Porcelain Veneers: To cover imperfections of all types, patients can choose porcelain veneers. Made out of thin sheaths of porcelain, these unique restorations are designed to fit over teeth and conceal flaws. They are placed in just two appointments and can last a decade or more. Because a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed before being put into place, these are costlier than other cosmetic solutions.
• Metal-Free Restorations: If a tooth is decayed or damaged, a metal-free restoration can be created to protect the structure while also blending in with a person’s smile. Although amalgam is strong, those without metal possess great durability and look more appealing. Depending on how many teeth need to be treated though, this type of treatment can become quite expensive.
• Cosmetic Bonding: Using color-matched composite resin, our team can apply it directly to the tooth’s enamel to hide minor flaws. Completed in just one visit, patients can leave with a truly transformed smile, and with proper care, the results can last several years. This tends to be a more conservative and less expensive treatment option.
• Teeth Whitening: Eliminating stains and discoloration is easy with professional teeth whitening. Using high-grade bleaching gel to remove intrinsic and extrinsic stains is becoming quite popular and is highly affordable.
• Gum Recontouring: If a patient appears to have a “gummy smile” or “short,” “stubby” teeth, gum recontouring can help. Removing the excess tissue from around the teeth exposes more of the natural structures while minimizing the potential for gum disease. This procedure is permanent and can be costlier than other solutions.
• Crown Lengthening: The process for crown lengthening is much the same as gum recontouring. However, the reason for crown lengthening is usually due to a patient needing a customized restoration (i.e., dental crown) but lacking the exposed structure. By removing excess soft oral tissue, the tooth can be exposed, allowing for a protective crown to be fitted into place.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be An Investment Worth Making

Many individuals assume cosmetic dentistry is only for those who want to improve their appearance and nothing more. The truth, however, is that it has more benefits than a person might think. Apart from filling in gaps, fixing overcrowding, realigning misalignment, and eliminating stains for a more appealing aesthetic, these improvements also help to minimize possible decay, gum disease, malocclusion, and more.

While the goal of a cosmetic dentist in Lake Zurich is to create a more aesthetically pleasing smile, these unique services can also work to improve the status of a person’s oral health for a lifetime.

How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

At Grand Dental Group – Lake Zurich, we are pleased to offer patients two alternative ways to pay for cosmetic dentistry: the Grand Advantage Plan and CareCredit. Because dental insurance is unlikely to pay for any of these services, these two options make it possible for individuals to consider and pursue cosmetic services.

With the Grand Advantage Plan, patients can pay a single, low, annual fee and gain access to preventive services as well as discounts on other available treatments. With CareCredit, individuals can enroll in a low or no-interest payment plan with no surprise fees. This makes it easy to pay off cosmetic care over time instead of paying the entire amount upfront.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?

It is highly unlikely that dental insurance will cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry; however, there may be some that are viewed as an exception. Those that can also provide oral health benefits may be eligible for some form of coverage (i.e., a dental crown or veneer that builds up or protects a damaged tooth).

Also, gum recontouring may be eligible for partial coverage if there was a previous infection in the gums. In these situations, insurance companies might agree to pay 50-80% of the total cost; however, this is dependent upon the insurer and the situation. Our team at Grand Dental – Lake Zurich will help individuals to better understand their coverage and how to lower out-of-pocket expenses.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

As long as patients prepare to see a trusted professional who has extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, then yes, it is likely that treatment will be perfectly safe. While not every treatment is right for every person, it’s important that a cosmetic dentist examine a person’s smile beforehand so that the appropriate recommendation is provided. Also, some services may present a small risk should an oral health issue arise. It is best to ensure that these problems are addressed before moving forward with any kind of cosmetic procedure.

How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

Scheduling an appointment with a skilled cosmetic dentist is the first step to determining if cosmetic dentistry is a viable option. Although patients who are unhappy with their smiles may want one or more of these available services (i.e., veneers, teeth whitening, gum recontouring, cosmetic dental bonding, metal-free restorations), they may be ineligible at first.

Knowing a person’s oral and overall health history can help to determine how soon they can receive cosmetic dental care as well as the type that will best fit their needs.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

Most cosmetic procedures are not permanent, which means that patients can expect to undergo retreatment and touch-ups in the future. Depending on the type of treatment received, the timeframe for lasting results will vary. Teeth whitening and cosmetic dental bonding may only last a few months or years; however, veneers can last 10+ years with optimal care.

Gum recontouring is the only permanent procedure because gum tissue cannot grow back. Also, Invisalign results can last a lifetime if proper retention is maintained according to our dentists’ instructions.

Naturally, the better a person takes care of their smile, the longer they can expect their results to last.