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The subjects of teeth and dental care have not always been viewed the way they are today. There are some facts and statistics which may surprise you.

A smile makeover is a wonderful treat for you to give to yourself. If you have some of the common misconceptions about smile makeovers, having someone address them will give you the answers you need.

Porcelain veneers can dramatically improve a smile. Here are some frequently asked questions about this cosmetic dentistry procedure, including information on how it can be of benefit to you.

For people that have damaged or missing teeth, choosing which type of dental work to improve their smile can often be a daunting procedure. There are many different types of dental treatments that can cosmetically enhance the teeth, and each work in a different way. For those with damaged or missing teeth the most common cosmetic dental treatments sought are dentures, bridgework, or dental implants.

Dentures as a Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment

One type of cosmetic dentistry treatment that many people are familiar with are dentures. Dentures are commonly used by those people with many missing teeth or many teeth that are in very poor health and need to be removed. Dentures are often less expensive than other types of dental treatments, but they do have their downside. Unlike dental implants or bridgework, dentures do not stay permanently in place. Additionally, many people find that they have a hard time adjusting to dentures, which can cause pain to the gums if they are not fitted properly.

Dental Implants as a Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment

Dental implants are becoming more commonly used for those people looking to replace lost or damaged teeth. A dental implant provides a prosthetic tooth (or multiple teeth) that are permanently anchored into the mouth by a rod that is placed into the jawbone. The prosthetic tooth is then placed onto the rod, anchoring the tooth permanently in place. Dental implants are a good choice for those people that do not want the hassle of dealing with dentures, and are looking for a more permanent solution to their tooth loss.

Bridgework as a Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment

Finally, we have dental bridgework. Bridgework is suitable for those patients that only have a few missing teeth, as they bridge must be anchored to healthy existing teeth. However, it is also possible for the bridge to be anchored to a dental implant as well. Bridges are permanent dental fixtures that will remain in place as long as the anchoring teeth remain healthy and do not need to be removed.

Chipped teeth, stained teeth, cracked teeth, discolored teeth, or crooked teeth can leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. It may make you reluctant to open your mouth wide in public or to laugh. While you could get these problems treated with dental bonding, porcelain dental veneers, one of the most popular and versatile cosmetic dentistry options available today, can positively improve the appearance of your smile.

What are veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, semi-translucent shells made of a special ceramic material that is custom matched with your existing teeth. They are fitted and adhered to the outward surface of the tooth. This may require some preparation or shaving down of the tooth in order to accommodate the dental veneer. Certain new versions of veneers (e.g., Lumineers) will require less or no preparation of the tooth prior to placement of the veneer. Once the veneers are placed, your smile will be enhanced. Since the veneers are semi-translucent, they will look natural rather than artificial. With proper dental care such as brushing and flossing and with regular dental checkups, your dental veneers can last for a number of years after you've received them. If you are concerned about the preparation of the tooth for veneers or have other concerns with treatment, you can discuss this with your dentist, who will also let you know if you are a good candidate for porcelain veneers. If not, he or she can recommend another comparable treatment, such as dental bonding or a teeth whitening regimen consisting of in-office and at-home products and systems. For more severe dental problems, dental crowns may be a better option than porcelain veneers.

Cost of Veneers

Cost may be another concern for some prospective patients since the price of porcelain veneers can range from $700 to $2,000 per tooth. There are financing options available for those interested in dental veneers which can be discussed with your dentist during a consultation.

People put off dental care for a variety of reasons. Some find it difficult to make time in their schedule to see a dentist regularly, some avoid treatment due to financial reasons, some steer clear of the dentist because of a past traumatic experience, and some simply stay away because they are afraid. For patients who are battling severe dental phobias, sedation dentistry offers a solution.  

What is sedation dentistry?

Sedation dentistry refers to the use of oral or intravenous medication to help dental patients relax during treatment. Sedation dentistry is useful to help patients overcome dental anxiety, and is also helpful in that it allows dentists to perform multiple treatments in a single visit. Sedation dentistry may also be used for patients who are unable to remain still during dental treatment.

What types of sedation are available?

There are three basic types of sedation: oral sedation, nitrous oxide sedation, and intravenous sedation. Oral sedation involves the use of a sedative in pill form. Types of oral sedatives include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan, all of these medications help put patients into a relaxed, but awake state. Nitrous oxide sedation involves the use of nitrous oxide gas, or "laughing gas". Nitrous oxide sedation produces a feeling of euphoria during treatment. Nitrous oxide sedation is ideal for patients with a fear of needles. Intravenous sedation involves the administration of drugs directly into the bloodstream. This is the deepest level of sedation, and is used during long procedures. Patients who have difficulty staying still or have severe dental phobias may also be candidates for I.V. sedation.

Are you asleep during treatment?

Sedation dentistry is sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry", but this term does not accurately describe the varying types of sedation available. Patients who receive oral sedation and nitrous oxide sedation can respond to questions from their dentist during treatment. Oral and nitrous oxide sedation do put them into a deeply relaxed state, but they are not actually unconscious. Some patients can be put into a state of twilight sleep where they think they are asleep but are not actually unconscious. Those patients will not remember being awake during treatment.  

Is sedation dentistry expensive?

Sedation dentistry is generally not covered by insurance. The fees associated with sedation vary by the method used and the treatment time. The best course of action is to contact your insurance provider to find out what treatment is and isn't covered. Keep in mind that if your insurance plan does not cover the cost of sedation, most dental offices have financing plans available and can help you figure out a payment that meets your budget.