If you’ve found your way to this page, then you’re probably one of the millions of Americans that wishes their smile could look just a little bit better. Perhaps you have a broken or decayed tooth that you’re finally ready to get fixed, or maybe you just want to get rid of the gaps in your smile. You might even want to get your teeth straightened, and you’re hoping that we have a way to do it that doesn’t involve metal braces (we do!).
We understand the tremendous effect that a beautiful, confident smile can have on a person’s life, and at Meriden Dental Group, we can make sure that you’ll always feel great when it’s time to show off your teeth. Below, you’ll find our array of services that can help give you the smile you’ve always wanted.
Invisalign®
Traditional orthodontic braces as we know them today have been around since the early 1800s. The brackets and wires do an excellent job of realigning the teeth, but if you’re concerned about the way you look with a mouthful of metal, then they may not be the best option. Fortunately, there is now Invisalign®, a discreet orthodontic system that works as well as traditional braces and often in less time. With Invisalign®, patients will simply wear clear mouth trays for the majority of the day, removing them only for meals and when it’s time to brush and floss.
Tooth-Colored Fillings
For decades, fillings were made of an amalgam of metals including copper, tin, silver and mercury. These fillings did the job of repairing a cavity, but they inevitably left a dark spot in your smile. Now, however, your cosmetic dentist in Meriden can offer you a more attractive choice. Tooth-colored fillings are made of a composite resin that is precisely matched to the color of your tooth. Furthermore, these types of fillings bond to the remaining tooth structure, thereby creating a stronger tooth than was possible with amalgam fillings.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Want people to think you’ve dropped a few pounds and a few years? Simple, just get professional teeth whitening. Seriously. Studies show that people with white teeth are thought to be much younger than their actual ages. At Meriden Dental Group, we offer both the in-office and take-home systems of Kör Bleaching. Kör works deep within your teeth to lift stubborn stains. Our staff will be glad to recommend the treatment that’s right for your schedule and your budget.
Porcelain Veneers
If your smile needs more than whitening because you have teeth that are chipped, cracked or broken, then consider porcelain veneers. These hard tooth coverings made of high-quality dental porcelain are bonded to the facial side of teeth that predominantly show when you smile. They are strong, long lasting and best of all, completely natural looking.
Dental Crowns
If you have a tooth that has been chipped, cracked, decayed, or even broken, we can easily fix it using a dental crown. This is a simple tooth-shaped restoration that slides on top of your damaged tooth, and it can restore both its look and structure at the same time. Crowns have been used for generations to help strengthen weakened teeth, and we can do the exact same for you with just a couple of easy appointments.
All-Ceramic Crowns
If you have a tooth that is broken or one that cleaves because of a deep crack, a dental crown can restore appearance and function. At Meriden Dental Group, our dentists prefer all ceramic crowns for their attractive appearance and strength. Your crown will be custom crafted in a dental lab using a precise mold so you can be sure the look and fit will be perfect.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
We understand that many patients would like to undergo cosmetic services, but they may be reluctant to commit to anything due to concerns about cost. We completely understand such feelings. You can rely on our team to be straightforward with you about pricing and make sure you know your payment options.
Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for Me?
Even though cosmetic dentistry has a reputation for being “expensive,” the truth is that these services come at a range of price points that can fit into many people’s budgets. Here is an overview of some popular treatments, along with generalized cost information:
- Dental bonding. This service uses a tooth-colored resin to reshape the teeth and hide imperfections. It starts out at just a few hundred dollars per tooth, and the results may last for a few years.
- Teeth whitening. Whitening services usually cost at least a few hundred dollars. A single treatment has the potential to brighten your smile by several shades!
- Veneers are one of the costlier options. Depending on how many veneers you get, you might end up paying tens of thousands of dollars. However, this treatment is an excellent value because it can address multiple aesthetic imperfections and provide results that last for up to 15 – 20 years or longer.
- For patients whose dental misalignment is threatening their oral health, we often recommend Invisalign clear aligners. Treatment usually costs at least a few thousand dollars.
- Smile makeover. Combining multiple cosmetic services is the most expensive option, but it is also the most efficient and effective way to achieve optimum aesthetic results.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making
Cosmetic dentistry can seem like a big financial commitment, but you can rightly view it as an investment. In return for your money, you may enjoy:
- An improved self-image.
- Increased confidence in social settings, whether you are dating, going out with friends, or simply running errands around town.
- The ability to make a powerful first impression in the workplace.
- Enhanced motivation to take excellent care of your oral health.
- An improved quality of life overall.
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
Most cosmetic services are considered to be elective, so you should not expect your dental insurance to cover them. However, there may be exceptions in certain cases. For example, if you need a ceramic crown to repair a damaged tooth, your insurance may view it as a restorative procedure rather than a cosmetic one. As a result, you may receive partial coverage. Our team welcomes insurance, and we can help you figure out how your benefits may apply.
Other provisions that might make it easier to afford cosmetic services include:
- We work with third-party lenders, such as CareCredit and Sunbit, to provide low-interest payment plans for qualified patients.
- Essential Dental plan. Unlike insurance, this discount plan is applicable to many cosmetic services.
- We offer FREE smile makeover consultations, so you can get started on your journey for nothing out of pocket!
Are you interested in learning more about cosmetic dentistry and its cost? Contact Meriden Dental Group today to request a consultation — we look forward to serving you!
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Our Meriden dental team would be delighted to help you achieve a more radiant, confident, and youthful smile. Before you visit us for a consultation, though, we understand if you would like to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and what it involves. Below, you will find answers to some important questions. If your specific questions are not addressed here, give us a call — we look forward to talking with you.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
Cosmetic dental services come at a range of price points. Some treatments, such as teeth whitening and dental bonding, start out at just a few hundred dollars. Other treatments, including veneers and comprehensive smile makeovers, may cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Our team can provide a cost estimate for your desired services during your consultation.
Although cosmetic dentistry might seem pricey, it presents an excellent value for anyone who wants to enhance their smile! Plus, we offer convenient payment options that can make it easier to afford.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
Overall, cosmetic dentistry is quite safe. Some treatments cause a temporary increase in dental sensitivity, or they might require slight modifications to your dental enamel. However, they do not cause long-term harm. As long as your treatments are performed by a qualified dental team, there is very little risk that anything will go wrong.
Our team places a high priority on patient safety, so you can be confident that we will do everything in our power to protect you from complications and adverse outcomes.
How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?
You might benefit from cosmetic dentistry if:
- You do not feel confident in your smile’s appearance.
- Your teeth have noticeable stains or discoloration.
- You have chipped or broken teeth.
- Your teeth are misaligned.
Of course, it is important to note that most cosmetic services are purely elective — it would be unfair to say that anyone “needs” them. However, they do have the potential to be highly beneficial for your confidence and quality of life.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
The results of cosmetic dentistry vary in duration.
- Teeth whitening can last anywhere from a few months to a few years.
- Dental bonding lasts for 3 – 5 years on average.
- Veneers can endure for 15 – 20 years.
- Ideally, the results of Invisalign are permanent.
Our team can provide you with tips to help your new smile last as long as possible. For example, we may advise you to keep up with good oral hygiene, avoid smoking, wear a mouthguard when you play sports, eat a balanced diet, and stick to other habits that support oral health.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Our team always strives to make treatments as comfortable as possible, and the nature of many cosmetic services is minimally invasive, which makes them easy for patients to tolerate. However, certain procedures can still cause a degree of discomfort. For example, some sensitivity is common after teeth whitening. This usually wears off within a few days. Other treatments, such as veneers and crowns, can also cause a bit of sensitivity and soreness.
Our team will provide you with tips to minimize discomfort after your treatment. For example, you might have to eat a modified diet or use over-the counter pain relievers. Severe or prolonged pain is highly unusual after cosmetic treatments; if you experience it, you should contact us right away.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth It?
Whether or not cosmetic dentistry is “worth it” is something that each individual must decide for themselves. Many people are very glad they decided to invest in their smile! That is because cosmetic dentistry can offer substantial benefits for your appearance and confidence. You may find that improving the look of your smile positively affects your self-esteem and social interactions. In many cases, patients report feeling more comfortable in personal and professional settings after treatment. Indeed, there is a chance that your entire quality of life could improve!
If you would like to learn specifics of how aesthetic treatments might benefit you, our team, as your cosmetic dentist in Meriden, would be happy to answer your questions during a consultation.
What Exactly Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is not an official dental specialty. Rather, it can refer to any dental procedures designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. These treatments focus on improving color, shape, alignment, and overall aesthetics to help you achieve the look you desire. Common procedures include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and orthodontics.
Often, there is crossover between cosmetic and restorative dentistry. For example, metal-free crowns can protect damaged teeth and prevent the need for extractions. They also look very natural and provide substantial aesthetic benefits. Orthodontia also comes with big improvements to both oral health and appearance.
Are There Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Are Suitable for Children or Teenagers?
Certain cosmetic dentistry procedures are appropriate for children and teenagers, depending on their dental needs and developmental stage. Treatments such as dental bonding, teeth whitening under professional supervision, and orthodontic options can help address minor imperfections or alignment issues.
We carefully evaluate each young patient to determine the most suitable approach. Our team works closely with families to recommend procedures that are both safe and effective for children and teenagers, always prioritizing their long-term oral health and well-being.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Oral Health?
Cosmetic dentistry can play a significant role in improving your oral health in several ways. Treatments like veneers, bonding, and orthodontics not only enhance appearance but also correct structural issues, making teeth easier to clean and reducing the risk of cavities or gum disease. Plus, after your cosmetic treatment, you may find renewed motivation to take excellent care of your smile.