Cosmetic dentistry is one of the most expensive services offered by a dentist. If you are thinking about improving the appearance of your teeth for a special occasion or maybe even a new job interview. You might be wondering whether it’s worth the price. Cosmetic dentist charge a lot because it involves major changes to your teeth and jaw. You can’t just whiten your teeth at home and hope that people will see how much whiter they are. Let’s read about cosmetic treatments.
Instead, you’ll need to have one or more of your teeth removed. Fixed with veneers or crowns, and/or reconstructed with dental implants so that they look perfect again. And all those processes involve a lot of time, materials, and expert knowledge to make them successful. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about why cosmetic dentistry costs so much in order to make an informed decision before proceeding with any treatments.
Why does Cosmetic Dentistry cost high?
Many people wonder why cosmetic treatment costs so much when you can just whiten your teeth at home for a fraction of the price. But that’s the wrong way to look at it because the materials and expertise required as a cosmetic dentist are much greater than what’s needed for at-home teeth whitening. You see, every time you use a teeth whitening product, you are damaging your teeth in the process.
That’s why dentists rarely recommend teeth whitening instead of using a safe, professional teeth whitening product. In fact, many dentists will refuse to whiten your teeth at home because it could cause irreversible damage to your teeth. When it comes to cosmetic dentistry. You need to make sure that the materials used in your treatment don’t damage your teeth further. That’s because teeth that have already been damaged by cavities and diseases need extra protection. Which is why dental crowns, veneers, and dental implants are usually recommended in these cases.
Dental Materials and Expertise Required
First, you should know that cosmetic dentistry can either be restorative (to repair decayed or damaged teeth) or non-restorative (to improve the appearance of your teeth). Both types of treatments require a lot of materials and expertise to be efficient, which is why they cost so much. In cosmetic restorations like dental crowns and veneers, the dentist removes decayed parts of the teeth and cover them with new materials. This protects the remaining healthy teeth and make them look perfect again.
Dental crowns are made out of porcelain or a special type of metal called porcelain fused to metal (PFM). They are cemented on top of your teeth and are often used to protect teeth from fractures or to cover decayed teeth before they are extracted. Porcelain veneers are made out of a ceramic material that is bonded to the front of your teeth to make them look perfect again. They are often used to reduce the width of your teeth, straighten teeth that are crooked, change the shape of your teeth, or cover stains on your teeth caused by coffee, tea, or other food and drinks.
Materials in Restorative Cosmetic Dentistry
Dental Crowns – Dental crowns are made out of porcelain or a special type of metal called porcelain fused to metal (PFM). They are cemented on top of the remaining healthy teeth and can be used to protect teeth from fractures or to cover decayed teeth before they are extracted.
Dental Veneers – Porcelain veneers are made out of a ceramic material that is bonded to the front of your teeth to make them look perfect again. They are often used to reduce the width of your teeth, straighten teeth that are crooked, change the shape of your teeth, or cover stains on your teeth caused by coffee, tea, or other food and drinks.
Time Involved in Cosmetic Dentistry
The next major factor that influences the cost of cosmetic treatment is the time involved in the procedures. Since they require a lot of skill and experience, cosmetic dentistry treatments take a long time to complete. For example, dental crowns can take around two weeks to prepare and be ready for placement because they need to be custom-made for your teeth. And dental veneers usually take two or three visits to your dentist followed by a treatment with a dental lab where a ceramic material is applied and bonded to your teeth.
Due to the time it takes to prepare restorative treatments. Cosmetic dentistry often costs more than $1,000 for a single tooth. That also includes dental implants in some cases where teeth are removed and replaced with implants to support.
Implants vs. Veneers: Which is more cost-effective
While the cost of both treatments can vary from dentist to dentist, dental implants are usually more cost-effective than veneers. You see, veneers need to be replaced every five to 10 years because they are constructed out of ceramic. Which can chip and break over time. Dental implants, on the other hand. Are permanent fixtures that are placed into the jaw where your teeth were once located.
They can last decades depending on your overall oral health and they can be used to support. A dental bridge or denture to replace missing teeth. Keep in mind that dental implants cost more than veneers, but they last much longer. So while they cost more upfront, they will save you money in the long run. Because you won’t need to replace them after five to 10 years.
Conclusion
Cosmetic dentistry is one of the most expensive services offered by a dentist. But that’s because the materials and expertise required for cosmetic dentistry. Are much greater than what’s needed for at-home teeth whitening. Dental crowns and veneers are made out of a special type of metal or ceramic material. That is bonded to the remaining healthy teeth after decayed parts are removed. Dental implants can also be used to replace missing teeth with a dental bridge or denture for support.
