Factors that Affect the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry

With more patients seeking to cosmetically improve their smiles, the question becomes, “How much does it cost to get cosmetic dental treatment?” There is typically no one price that comes attached to a cosmetic treatment plan. Each dental patient is different in terms of their oral health and what they’re hoping cosmetic dentistry will be able to help them achieve.

If you’re considering cosmetic treatment to make your smile look bright and healthy, all of the following will factor into the overall cost of your plan for care.

Materials

The goal of any cosmetic treatment is to help your teeth look naturally healthy, which is where selecting the right restorative materials becomes important. Certain prosthetics used in dental cosmetics, such as crowns and bridges, can be made from a base of metal that is coated in tooth-colored porcelain – these are typically the most economical. The most life-like prosthetics, though, are those made from solid porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, which can be more costly, depending on the size of the restoration.

Pre-Treatments

Setting the stage for best results often includes pre-treatment to ensure longevity of care and proper aesthetic.  For some patients, a cosmetic dentist may recommend periodontal therapies before placing a dental implant or a crown. Some other patients may need a tooth extracted and replaced, or may need natural teeth whitened before a veneer can be placed for good color matching. It’s important to consider any additional care you may need, based on outstanding oral health issues, when thinking about the cost of a cosmetic treatment plan.

Surgical Care

Dental implants are a popular cosmetic and restorative dental treatment, as they are long-lasting, strong, and look just like real teeth. Dental implants are durable because they are implanted through surgical processes into the bone in your jaw, where they naturally integrate.  A cosmetic treatment plan that includes surgical procedures will incur additional costs, especially for any sedation medication used during surgery.

The best way to find out what costs your cosmetic dental plan may include is to speak to the dentists at Dynamic Dental Center. We go over all of your options for care, so you can select the procedures and materials that will give you the smile you want, at a cost that you are comfortable with. If you have questions, please call our Queens, NY cosmetic dentists for a consultation.

Dental Implants vs. Fixed Bridges: Which Should I Get?

Dental patients with missing teeth now have more options for fixing their smiles than they’ve ever had. Of the more permanent restorations available, there are fixed dental bridges and dental implants. You’ve probably heard these terms mentioned before and understand that, in general, bridges and implants are capable of the same things: closing the gaps in your smile created by tooth loss.

However bridges and dentures are very different in terms of how they’re placed in your smile and the ways they contribute to your overall oral health. If you’ve been researching ways to replace missing teeth, consider what each treatment has to offer, and who is candidate for which restoration:

Dental Bridges

In contrast to removable prosthetics, like dentures, bridges are secured in-place by a bonding agent that allows them to last for years with proper care. The standard bridge is a unit made of three pieces: a fake tooth with a dental crown on each end. But dental bridges can be much longer for patients who need more teeth replaced – as long as nine pieces. Bridges work best for patients who have still have teeth on each side of the gap caused by missing or extracted teeth. If these neighboring teeth exist, they can accept the dental crowns that are located on each end of the fixed bridge. 

Most dental patients with a few missing teeth can benefit from receiving a dental bridge and can have their bridges made to look life-like and natural with porcelain and other tooth-colored materials. Bridges are often an economical choice in effectively restoring your smile.

Dental Implants

Getting an implant involves oral surgery to place a new tooth root into bone in your jaw. Implants are extremely versatile and can be useful for patients who have just one missing tooth, or are missing large groups of teeth. Implants are independent as well, so they don’t need to rest on teeth on either side of a gap in your smile. However, not everyone is a candidate for implant surgery. In order to successfully place an implant, you must have healthy bone quality in your jaw. Without healthy bone density, an implant is more likely to fail and become loose.

Dental implants can also be more costly, as fees for surgery factor into the overall price of the treatment plan. But for patients with large amounts of missing teeth, implants offer the most effective, long-lasting and durable solution.

So, Which Treatment is Right for You?

Only you and your dentist are able to come up with the best solutions to meet your treatment goals. But generally speaking, patients with one or two missing teeth often prefer fixed dental bridges over oral surgery for dental implants. For other patients who are experiencing total tooth loss, the investment in dental implants can offer significant benefits for oral function and overall wellness.

If you have questions about the best ways to replace missing teeth in your smile, call our Queens, NY cosmetic and restorative dental office. We’re proud to offer porcelain dental bridges and implant dentistry to provide you with the care you need.