Modern cosmetic dentistry options have improved greatly over the years. Treatments like dental implants can now replace teeth and last for decades. However, not every situation requires such an advanced solution.
In many cases, smaller issues like chips, cracks, or stains need simpler treatments. This guide will help you understand which cosmetic dentistry options may suit your needs.
Keep in mind that only an in-person consultation with a dentist can confirm the best treatment.
As a result, Dr. Robert Thein has put together a small reference guide should you ever find yourself guessing what procedure is best suited for your scenario. Please keep in mind this is to be used a basic guide that does not mean the answer is definitive in any way. Without an in-person consultation, a dentist will not be able to recommend the best solution.
Cosmetic Dentistry Options for Correcting Teeth Imperfections
Procedure: Dental Implants
Cost: $$$-$$$$ (cost varies based on materials used & dentist credentials)
Best Used For: replacing missing teeth.
Dental implants are the perfect solution to replacing either single teeth, or even multiple missing teeth as a sturdy base for dentures without the use of very inconvenient denture adhesives and paste. Beware of dentists that advertise dental implants for bargain prices. Cost is often reflective of the quality you will receive, which is important for a procedure in which you will obtain a tooth replacement built for an entire lifetime.
See why patients choose Dr. Robert Thein over other bargain dentists.
Procedure: Porcelain Veneers
Cost: $$-$$$ (depends on how many teeth must be worked on)
Best Used For: a quick fix to any single tooth (may also be applied to multiple teeth for added costs) that has imperfections on it such as chips, cracks, discoloration, etc. Great for use just before a major event is taking place such as a wedding.
Procedure: In-Office Teeth Whitening
Cost: $
Best Used For: very affordable method of correcting year’s worth of teeth stains due to multiple sources including coffee.
Procedure: Dental Fillings
Cost: $
Best Used For: very affordable method of correcting tooth decay & preventing it from going any deeper. Porcelain materials match the shade of your teeth for a clean, aesthetic look.
Procedure: Inlays & Onlays
Cost: $-$$
Best Used For: correcting tooth decay and minor imperfections on teeth. They are slightly better than fillings and more versatile, but not as great as porcelain crowns.
Procedure: Dental Crowns
Cost: $$-$$$
Best Used For: often used in tandem with other procedures (i.e. topping off a dental crown), but is a great way to completely replace the top half of a tooth that has suffered too many imperfections for a filling or inlays/onlays to cover.