Cosmetic Dentistry – Long Beach, NY

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

When you’re receiving care in the hands of a trained professional, such as Dr. Glen, Dr. Benny, or Dr. Sarit, you can have confidence in your cosmetic treatment. Keep in mind that not all cosmetic services are ideal for everyone. That’s why our team always takes the time to speak with you one-on-one and provide an honest assessment of which procedures may not be right for you. If you have an underlying oral health issue, cosmetic dentistry may not be possible. For example, we wouldn’t want to place a veneer over a decayed tooth as it will only make treatment of that tooth much harder later. While cosmetic dentistry at dental offices may be safe, we cannot say the same thing for over-the-counter products which can not only be ineffective, but damage enamel and gum tissue.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

The lifespan of your cosmetic dentistry depends on a few key factors. Some services tend to be more costly if they are capable of lasting much longer (i.e. veneers over dental bonding). A service like bonding or teeth whitening is designed to be affordable, but won’t last as long without a touch-up in the future. However, some treatments can provide more permanent results, including gum recontouring (or cosmetic removal of excess gum tissue). Alternatively, the results you get from Invisalign can last a lifetime, but it will depend on how committed you are to wearing your retainer. Having positive oral hygiene also has a major impact on the longevity of your cosmetic dentistry.

Why Is Cosmetic Dentistry So Popular?

Over the course of history, dentistry was mainly focused on prevention and treating issues like decay and gum disease. However, dentistry has become modernized over the last few decades, allowing technology and techniques to flourish outside of these traditional disciplines. Now, the average person has better oral health than ever. That means more people can complete services designed to specifically address cosmetic concerns, whether it be chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. Additionally, cosmetic dentistry is no longer exclusively for the wealthy thanks to materials and expertise becoming more accessible to the public.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Change Your Life?

Fixing minor imperfections may seem unnecessary at first, but cosmetic dentistry can offer more benefits than you have thought about previously. For example, when you’re happy with your smile’s appearance, you’re generally more likely to take better care of it to ensure it continues looking that way. That means you will probably become more dedicated to brushing, flossing, and routine checkups than you were before. You may also feel more motivated to quit smoking or other habits that not only damage teeth, but can be harmful to your well-being. In the case of straightening teeth with Invisalign, you prevent additional stress on your jaw joints since your teeth and bite are better aligned.

How Do I Know if I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

Potentially, anyone who isn’t 100% happy with the way their smile looks in the mirror can benefit from one or more cosmetic dental services. However, everyone’s situation is unique, so the procedures you need to reach your goals might differ from someone else’s.

For instance, if you’re frustrated by an off-white grin, topical teeth whitening is usually an effective way to brighten your smile by up to 8 shades with a single in-office treatment. Other patients require additional work to enhance their appearance and need dental bonding or veneers to hide chips, cracks, and other minor damage. If you’re unsure of the best way to achieve the results you want to see, the best way to find out is to schedule a consultation with one of our providers.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?

These services are intended to boost your looks more than improve your dental health, so most insurance policies categorize them as unnecessary luxury and don’t cover the cost. When you’re personally invested in the outcome, it’s only natural to wonder how much you can expect to pay./p>

Many people associate any elected procedure with steep rates, but when it comes to cosmetic dentistry, that’s thankfully not always the case. Our practice offers multiple procedures at varying price points, so you can choose options that fit within your budget. Some simpler treatments, like teeth whitening, cost less than more complex services, like having veneers designed and bonded in place.

Our team also offers flexible financial plans through Lending Tree and an in-house savings plan to help make your enhancements more affordable.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Many patients experience anxiety when it comes to dental visits, especially if they’re worried that their procedure will hurt. Fortunately, you can set your concerns aside regarding cosmetic dentistry. Most of the procedures offered are considered minimally invasive because they don’t involve needles, surgeries, or lengthy recovery periods.

It’s possible to develop discomfort after specific treatments, like removing a thin amount of enamel for veneers to fit correctly. Our team will first apply a local anesthetic to prevent the nerves in your teeth from sending pain signals to your brain. That way, you don’t have to worry about adverse effects until the meds wear off. Then, it’s normal to have some mild sensitivity, but it typically only lasts a few days before fading on its own. 

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth It?

It’s natural to wonder whether it’s worth investing in procedures that improve your appearance when it involves more significant out-of-pocket expense. However, did you know that people with dental problems are more likely to report feeling anxious or depressed? If you’re self-conscious about how you look or worried you’ll be judged unfairly, you might try to remain tight-lipped or avoid spending time with others.

Boosting your grin can contribute to your daily quality of life in several ways. When you look good, you’re more likely to feel confident and put your best foot forward. This can lead to improved professional opportunities, deeper relationships, and a more rewarding social life.