IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY WORTH IT?
Plenty of patients have found cosmetic dentistry to significantly improve their smile and confidence, especially those who suffer from dental issues that hinder their self-esteem. Taking the time to evaluate your confidence level can help you decide whether cosmetic dental treatment is the right investment for you. If your teeth have kept you from smiling, laughing, or speaking in front of others, it may be time to consider cosmetic dentistry. With our high-quality treatment options at Mary Qian Dental Group in Palo Alto, you can achieve a confident smile that glows from the inside out.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR COSMETIC CONSULTATION IN PALO ALTO
CANDID CONVERSATION
Dr. Qian will begin your consultation by asking how you truly feel about your smile. Are there issues or imperfections that make you feel self-conscious? What would you change? What are the parts you like and appreciate about your smile? Every detail helps Dr. Qian craft the perfect cosmetic treatment plan for you.
THOROUGH EXAM
By conducting a comprehensive oral exam, Dr. Qian will be able to identify any issues that may not make you a suitable candidate for a particular treatment. Since cosmetic dentistry should only be performed on healthy teeth, your dentist will let you know if any restorative dental work is required for your smile.
TAILORED TREATMENT PLAN
After examining your mouth and discussing your problems and preferences, Dr. Qian will then provide you with a recommended treatment plan.
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Dr. Qian will offer multiple different options to restore a smile, so you can choose the one that best suits your lifestyle, budget, and priorities.
SCHEDULING & PAYMENT
After you and Dr. Qian have found the perfect cosmetic treatment plan, our friendly team will guide you through payment options and schedule your upcoming treatment appointments.
COSMETIC TREATMENT OPTIONS
TAKE-HOME TEETH WHITENING
Whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home! Take-home whitening kits provide more subtle, gradual results over the course of about a week.
We’ll start off by taking impressions of your teeth, using either dental putty or digital images with an intraoral scanner. These impressions will help us create a set of reusable custom whitening trays made just for you.
After the process is complete, we’ll provide you with your custom trays, whitening product, and instructions for proper use. Simply follow your Dr. Qian’s instructions, and you’ll get professional-grade results right in your own home.
DENTAL BONDING, SHAPING & CONTOURING
Dental bonding uses a special tooth-colored dental resin that is applied directly to your tooth during treatment to match the shade of your smile. By carefully shaping and sculpting the resin, Dr. Qian will correct the shape of your tooth and restore your smile’s overall look and functionality. Each tooth treatment takes only about 30-60 minutes, and the process is completely non-invasive.
Shaping & contouring is also called enameloplasty. This cosmetic process is often used alongside bonding. To shape and contour, a thin layer of enamel is removed from uneven, chipped, or pointy teeth to grant you a more even, appealing smile.
VENEERS
Veneers are thin, tooth-colored porcelain shells that are attached to the front of teeth to treat small gaps between teeth, severe staining, misshapen or uneven teeth, and much more. Durable and long-lasting, veneers can completely transform your smile. Veneers are permanent and cannot be removed, because they require the removal of some of your natural enamel, which is an irreversible process.
COSMETIC DENTAL MAKEOVERS
If you’re unsure if any of the aforementioned treatments are the right fit for you, or if you think you may need multiple treatments to restore your smile, ask Dr. Qian about a cosmetic dental makeover.
A cosmetic dental makeover is a highly customized, multi-treatment plan that’s specifically tailored to treat all issues you may have with your smile. Because each patient is unique, all processes are a little different. All involve multiple cosmetic and restorative dental procedures. The goal for every patient is to have them feeling proud of their brand new smile after all procedures are complete.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT COSMETIC DENTISTRY? EXPLORE OUR ANSWERS.
WHAT DENTAL ISSUES CAN COSMETIC DENTISTRY SOLVE?
Whatever issue you’re facing that relates to the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry can solve. Teeth whitening treatments are used to whiten stained or yellowing teeth and can help you look younger. Misshapen and uneven teeth, or teeth with minor tooth damage can be repaired through bonding shaping, and contouring. Dental crowns are occasionally used for cosmetic purposes, too. Every issue mentioned can be fixed with veneers or Lumineers. These versatile cosmetic treatments can also correct gaps between teeth, more severe tooth staining, and slightly crooked or crowded teeth.
CAN I GET MORE THAN ONE COSMETIC DENTAL PROCEDURE DONE AT THE SAME TIME?
Absolutely! It’s common to have multiple cosmetic dental procedures done at the same time. Dental bonding and enameloplasty, for example, are often done in the same appointment. If you’re looking to find out if you can have multiple cosmetic procedures done at once, ask Dr. Qian for more information.
IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY COVERED BY DENTAL INSURANCE?
Unfortunately, it is not common for cosmetic dentistry to be covered by dental insurance. Insurance providers often list cosmetic treatments as elective and unnecessary to the health of your smile. For most cosmetic cases, you will need to pay for treatment out-of-pocket. In some instances, your insurance may cover a small amount of costs for treatments like cosmetic crowns or veneers, but this is not common. If you’re looking for more details on your dental insurance coverage, contact your insurer. Be sure to also contact our practice to see if we can assist you with discounts or payment plans to help you cover treatment.
HOW MUCH DO COSMETIC TREATMENTS COST?
This depends on the extent and severity of your cosmetic concerns with your smile. One thing to consider is that cosmetic dentistry is not covered by dental insurance unless the procedure also serves a restorative purpose that is medically necessary.
Dental bonding may be covered by insurance if it is necessary to prevent a tooth from breaking. The most costly cosmetic treatment would be dental crowns made of porcelain materials or veneers.
However, we also offer affordable cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening. Dental bonding can range in price depending on how many teeth you are getting bonded. Botox and fillers also have a wide range of costs depending on where you need it administered and how much of it you are receiving.
ARE COSMETIC TREATMENTS PAINFUL?
No, cosmetic dental treatments are not painful because we numb your mouth with local anesthetic whenever using needles, drills, or other invasive dental tools. Many cosmetic treatments are minimally invasive and don’t even require any anesthetic, such as teeth whitening and dental bonding.
When it comes to administering Botox and fillers, the needles are very small and feel like a slight sting that is over within no time. We can also apply a topical numbing cream to the area. We take every step possible to ensure the comfort of our patients.
If you are nervous about your appointment, have low pain tolerance, or have dental anxiety, we can offer you dental sedation to help you relax. Overall, cosmetic dentistry is minimally invasive and does not involve uncomfortable surgeries.
IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY WORTH IT?
The power of cosmetic dentistry cannot be overstated. Your confidence in your smile is just as important as the health of your teeth and gums. Patients who report feeling happy with their teeth are more likely to take care of them by practicing good oral hygiene.
Improving the appearance of your smile can also do a world of good for you socially, professionally, and internally. Many cosmetic dental treatments are not purely cosmetic – they can also restore damaged or worn-down enamel that can increase your risk of breakage or tooth infections.
Dental bonding is as much a restorative treatment as it is cosmetic. Botox can be used for medical purposes like relieving pain associated with TMJ and preventing bruxism. Patients should feel comfortable in their own skin and that’s what our services deliver – the ability to enjoy social function, pose for photos, and feel confident in themselves.
At Mary Qian Dental Group, we offer free consultations so you have nothing to lose by exploring your aesthetic goals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mary Qian.
Did you know...
Unlike your natural teeth,
dental implants can't get cavities.
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Get ready for 5-star Experience
Dr. Qian is responsive, precise, and goes the extra mile to keep patients comfortable. I’ve had lots of dental work, and as a new patient in the past year, she guided me through the treatment of 2 complicated toothaches. On the lighter side, I was also very pleased with my teeth whitening procedure. Her staff is warm, helpful and professional.
Barb Mitchell