Cosmetic dentistry is generally elective, meaning you’re not going in for a dental necessity. However, there probably wouldn’t be so many whitening toothpastes in stores or people wearing braces if there wasn’t a high demand for it. For various reasons, people want to improve the appearance of their teeth and find ways to do so—cosmetic dentistry is one of the more socially acceptable of improvements a person can make to their appearance.
Is cosmetic dentistry for you or should you take a pass? Here are a few factors to consider.
Satisfaction
If you have a perfect smile, you probably don’t need cosmetic dentistry. But how many people can say they’re in this position?
According to a study commissioned by the American Association of Orthodontists, more than a third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. If you’re one of them or just want to straighten, whiten or otherwise improve your teeth, cosmetic dentistry may help you do that.
Goal
Cosmetic dentistry in Bellevue WA can help you achieve a number of goals. These include replacing, straightening and whitening your teeth. Contact a dentist for details on the option that may be best for you.
Cost
The cost of cosmetic dentistry varies from one option to another. Below are the typical costs for several common forms of cosmetic dentistry:
- Braces: $1,500 to $10,000 or more
- Dentures: $1,500 to $20,000 or more
- Implants: $2,400 to $10,000 or more per implant
- Veneers: $500 to $1,100 or more per tooth
- Whitening: Less than $20 to $1,000 or more
As you can see, you don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to improve your smile as you may be able to whiten your teeth for less than $20! While other options may cost more upfront, consider the value you’ll get. If you’re looking for a confidence boost or just want to look better for job interviews and other important aspects of your life, it may be well worth it to invest in your smile.
Your insurance may cover some or all of the cost of your treatment depending on the option you choose.As an example, most insurance providers pay at least part of the cost of dentures. Contact your insurer for information on what it covers.
Conclusion
Choosing whether or not to seek cosmetic dentistry is a personal decision. You probably don’t need it if you have a flawless smile. But if you aren’t happy with the appearance of your smile, you can have your teeth replaced, straightened or whitened. This can be done relatively inexpensively in some cases, although spending a little more to improve your smile may not be such a bad thing!
