Cosmetic Dentistry: What It Is and How It Works

Visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is important for overall oral health. Cosmetic dentistry procedures — whitening treatments, dental veneers, clear aligners — are a great complement to good dental care. These aesthetic procedures not only enhance a healthy smile but also can improve confidence and self-esteem.¹ Read on to learn more about cosmetic dentistry, including what you can expect to pay for common treatments.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the practice of creating a positive change to the appearance of your teeth. Cosmetic dental treatments are meant to enhance (not replace) general preventive and restorative dental care — such as regular teeth cleanings and fillings — that contributes to healthy tooth function.²

Cosmetic dental treatments can address a variety of smile concerns. You might consider cosmetic dentistry to:¹

• Address gaps between the teeth
• Brighten discolored or stained teeth
• Correct misaligned or misshapen teeth
• Repair teeth that are chipped or cracked

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedures.⁵ Two popular whitening procedures include:⁶

1. In-office teeth whitening. Teeth whitening in your dentist's office uses professional-grade whitening agents, which can result in teeth that are five to 10 shades whiter in about an hour. These treatments typically include a buffer gel to protect against tooth and gum sensitivity. The effects of in-office teeth whitening can last for a year or more, depending on how often you keep up with at-home maintenance and other oral hygiene habits.
2. At-home teeth whitening. Home whitening systems are popular because they're readily available, relatively inexpensive and easy to use. Examples include whitening strips, paint-on gels, mouth trays with whitening gel and whitening toothpaste. It takes more time to see results with at-home treatments, and the degree of whitening is typically less dramatic than what can be achieved in a dentist's office.

Consult with your dentist to learn more about achieving a whiter, brighter smile.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, crooked, misshapen or discolored.⁷  These thin, custom-designed tooth coverings are made of high-quality materials that are bonded to your teeth:⁷

• Porcelain veneers. Strong, long-lasting and natural-looking, a porcelain dental veneer is customized to fit the front of your tooth. Before bonding the veneer to the tooth, your dentist will first remove a small portion of the tooth’s enamel.
• Composite veneers. Less expensive than its porcelain counterpart, a composite veneer is a resin filling material that may be manufactured in a lab or made right in your dentist’s office. It may require less enamel to be removed, but it may not last as long as a porcelain veneer.

Consult your dentist to see if you're a good candidate for dental veneers and if they're the right option to achieve the results you're looking for.

Clear Aligners

There are more options than ever to address gaps and misaligned teeth, including products such as Invisalign® — clear, custom-made teeth aligners worn like a retainer to reposition your teeth into better alignment.⁸

The clear aligner process begins with an initial consultation, after which your provider takes impressions of your teeth to create a series of custom aligners called trays. The trays are changed and adjusted every few weeks or so until the teeth are properly positioned.⁸

Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing, thereby supporting better dental hygiene.⁸ And because they're clear, aligners are less conspicuous than traditional braces.

You can consult with an orthodontist or your dentist to determine if clear aligners like Invisalign are a good treatment option for you.

How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?

Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers and teeth straightening.² The look and outcome you’re going for will determine which cosmetic dental treatment is right for you.

Below are the national average costs* of these popular cosmetic dentistry treatments.³ The costs may vary depending on the materials or technology used, the number of treatments needed, the dentist's credentials and other factors.

Combining Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

While any one of the above treatments might improve your smile, combining treatments with a smile makeover may deliver even more dramatic results. For example, your dentist might recommend a course of teeth straightening with clear aligners followed by in-office whitening for a brighter smile.

Whatever your smile enhancement goals, take the time to consult with a qualified, experienced dentist or orthodontist who can assess your needs and recommend the best course of treatment for you.

Improve the Appearance of Your Teeth With Cosmetic Dentistry

Your regular dental checkups and cleanings will help ensure that you maintain overall oral health and tooth function. Cosmetic dentistry allows you to enhance the appearance of your healthy teeth with treatments that address imperfections ranging from misalignment to discoloration. Talk with your dentist about which cosmetic dentistry procedures may be right for you.

CareCredit Credit Card Financing for Cosmetic Dentistry

Whether you're investing in cosmetic dentistry or you’re simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or orthodontist near you< that accepts CareCredit to help get you on track to your perfect smile. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to orthodontics, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Anne-Marie Kennedy is a freelance writer with more than 20 years of experience covering health and wellness, personal finance and real estate/investing.