Frequently Asked Questions
(Click on any question to jump down to the answer.)
- How do I choose a dentist for my cosmetic needs?
- Can I get rid of these ugly, black fillings?
- My teeth are stained and yellow. Is there any way to whiten them?
- Will my insurance cover cosmetic dental treatment?
- My teeth are crooked, or have spaces. Do I
have to get braces to straighten them?
- I have teeth that are chipped. What can be done?
- I have a single dark tooth in the front. Can it be
lightened?
- I had some crowns placed some time ago, and I noticed that now I
have a dark line at the gumline. What can I do?
- My teeth are really broken down and
worn. Can the youthful smile I had years ago, be recreated?
- How
long will my dental treatment last?
- Is
this kind of treatment expensive? Can I make payments or get
financing?
- I have
a question about my smile. How
can I get a complimentary
consultation?
A very important question. For the best results, it is important to know the qualifications
and experience of the
treating dentist. The term "cosmetic dentistry" has become
trendy and many dentists are promoting themselves as cosmetic dentists.
At this time, cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty (like
orthodontics, for example). However, it is a discipline of dentistry that
requires a thorough knowledge of science and an artistic eye. Ask your dentist about his
or her training in this
area. Ask about continuing education courses
and experience. A very effective way to understand your
dentist's skills is asking to see "before and after"
photographs. Dentists who are dedicated to the art of cosmetic dentistry
always take photographs of their cases.
Yes! Silver fillings ("Amalgam") are becoming a thing of the
past. There are many ways to restore teeth with materials that virtually
disappear and blend with the natural color of your teeth. To learn more,
click on white fillings.
Dental Bleaching (whitening) is one of the most popular cosmetic
services. A simple and affordable treatment can give you a bright, white
smile. To learn more about Dental Bleaching, click on Whitening.
Like plastic surgery, insurance does not usually cover
treatment done for purely cosmetic reasons. However, treatment that is
needed to repair broken or decayed teeth, or to replace existing restorations
that are defective may qualify for some insurance reimbursement. To
learn more about fees, finance options, and insurance, click here.
The answer to this question is, "it depends." In some cases,
orthodontic treatment (braces) is the best approach. And, today we can
offer 6-Month Braces in our office.
However, in some
cases of misaligned (crooked) teeth, other methods may be used. Porcelain
Veneers are a breakthrough procedure that can help correct this problem.
Spaces (gaps) and crowding can also be corrected with Veneers.
In some cases, Bonding
can be used effectively. To learn more, click on
Porcelain Veneers or 6-Month Braces.
Small chips or fractures can often be repaired with a "bonding"
procedure. A tooth colored material is used to recreate the lost tooth
structure. The color and shape are blended to match the natural
tooth. The result is undetectable and restores your smile. In some
cases, veneers may be needed. To learn
more, click on Bonding.
This is a common problem. It is usually caused by a "dead"
pulp in the tooth. Sometimes as the result of trauma to a tooth, the pulp
dies. Often this can happen without any symptoms (pain). The pulp is
made of nerve and blood vessels. When the pulp dies, the blood
cells break down
and stain the tooth from the inside. Treatment usually begins with
root
canal therapy (a painless treatment). After that, in many cases, a
bleaching procedure may be used to lighten the tooth. In other cases, a
crown or veneer may be the best approach.
Many patients have this complaint. Until recently, crowns were
done one of two ways: gold, or "porcelain fused to metal."
The porcelain fused to metal crowns (PFMs) have been the standard way to make a
white, or tooth colored crown, for many years. The porcelain is baked onto
a metal substructure. The metal was necessary for strength.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to mask out the dark color of the metal.
This results in porcelain that looks opaque or chalky. The margin of the
crown (where the crown meets the tooth) is often in metal. This is what
causes "dark line syndrome." Dentists would often try to hide
this metal margin underneath the gumline. This results in the gum
appearing dark in this area. Or even worse, if the gum recedes, the metal
is exposed creating a very unattractive appearance.
Today, we have a solution! Today's all-ceramic
(all-porcelain) crowns eliminate metal completely. That means no darkness
at the gumline... ever! To learn more, click on crowns.
In many cases, the answer is YES. If you have teeth that are worn,
shifted, missing, broken, or a combination of these, full-mouth reconstruction
may be the answer. Full-mouth reconstruction can restore your smile and,
at the same time, make eating easier and more comfortable. To learn more,
click on Full-mouth Reconstruction.
It's also important to address the cause of the problem, which is often a
night-grinding habit to prevent future problems
and preserve the investment in your reconstruction.
There are too many factors to
accurately predict how long any dental
treatment will last. The condition
of the teeth prior to treatment
influences the longevity of the
restorations. Home care (hygiene)
and eating habits are part of the
equation. Of course, the quality
of the treatment itself influences the
long term outcome as well. Regular
visits to the dentist can help insure
that your dental treatment is being
maintained. While there is nothing
we can do to render a tooth completely
immune to future problems, preventive
maintenance will prolong the life of
your dental treatment for many years.
Costs for cosmetic treatment can vary
widely depending on your needs or
desires. Whitening would represent
the lower end of the spectrum, while
veneers fall at the higher end. To be more specific,
costs can range from a few hundred to
several thousand dollars. Simple whitening and minor bonding might be in
the range of a nice television. Some complex full mouth reconstructions
may require an investment comparable to the cost of an average car. Many cases fall somewhere in
between. Cosmetic dentistry is
very much like plastic surgery. It
is mostly elective and serves to enhance
your appearance. Of course, the
investment can have many intangible
returns such as increased confidence and
self-esteem. Many social studies
indicate that feeling good about your
appearance can improve your chances at
excelling in your career or social
life. The best way to determine
your options and costs is to arrange a
consultation.
To learn more about fees, insurance, and financing, click
here.
Click on Internet
Offer to find out how to receive a complimentary
cosmetic evaluation.
- E-mail us at:
- Ask the dentist
Serving Boynton Beach,
Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, West Palm Beach, and the extended Palm
Beach County areas.
