Cosmetic Dentistry
Everyone wants a healthy smile with teeth free of decay and gum disease. But everyone also wants a beautiful smile. Dr. Tong uses his general dentistry background to keep your mouths healthy, combining their extra training in cosmetic dentistry to give their patients beautiful, perfect smiles.
Cosmetic Dentistry Services:
What is cosmetic dentistry, and how is it different from general dentistry?
When you think of the dentist, you usually think of having decay removed and a filling placed or maybe having a tooth replaced with a dental implant. These are functional issues with your oral health; those procedures fall under “general dentistry.” The idea of general dentistry is to keep your oral health in good shape.
Cosmetic dentistry is a sideline or specialty within general dentistry that focuses on the aesthetic aspects of the patient’s smile rather than the functional aspects. Cosmetic and general dentistry can have the same goal, for instance, when a dental implant replaces a damaged tooth. But cosmetic dentistry usually aims to give you a dazzling smile without addressing issues such as gum disease, decay, or other functional problems. Dr. Tong uses cosmetic dentistry to improve patients’ tooth shape, position, whiteness, alignment, and overall appearance.
Why would a person be interested in cosmetic dentistry?
You can have a healthy smile that isn’t necessarily perfectly beautiful. Maybe you have some stained teeth from a reaction to tetracycline when you were a kid. Perhaps you have a tooth that is healthy but misshapen. Maybe you have a gap between two teeth.
Whatever the flaws with your smile, Dr. Tong can use his cosmetic dentistry treatments to fix them aesthetically. These are common cosmetic issues that they address:
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Whitening badly stained teeth
- Straightening poorly aligned teeth
- Replacing missing teeth
- Fixing chipped teeth
- Covering badly pitted teeth
- Correcting misshapen teeth
- Lengthening overly short teeth
- Different people who received cosmetic dentistry
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry treatments?
Chip tooth that can be corrected with cosmetic dentistry
As mentioned above, these procedures are only cosmetic, not functional. Suitable candidates need to have healthy teeth and gums before Dr. Tong can make any cosmetic improvements.
If you have teeth with decay or deep cracks, you must address those problems before any cosmetic work is done.
Of course, this isn’t a rigid definition. For instance, a porcelain crown can save a tooth with a deep crack. At the same time, that crown can change the shape of that same tooth to make it more aesthetically pleasing.
What are the different tools used for cosmetic dentistry?
At Gentle Dentistry, Dr. Tong uses various procedures to give our patients the whitest, most beautiful smiles.
Veneers – Ultra-thin porcelain shells are placed over the front sides of the teeth. Veneers can change the color or shape of the teeth. They can correct unevenly spaced, crooked, chipped, oddly shaped, or badly discolored teeth.
Composite Fillings – We place only composite resin fillings, which are the color of your natural teeth and invisible once in your tooth.
Bonding – Composite resin can be used to fix a flaw in a tooth, such as a chip, or to change the shape of a single tooth. Bonding is less expensive than a porcelain veneer, but it doesn’t last as long.
Whitening – We offer the Boost™ in-office teeth whitening system that whitens teeth up to eight shades. We also offer at-home teeth whitening custom-fit trays and professional gel.
SureSmile – Although technically functional, moving improperly positioned teeth with the SureSmile system of clear aligners creates a beautiful result with far less irritation and pain without the patient having a “metal mouth.”
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
What is cosmetic dentistry, and how can it benefit me?
Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on enhancing the aesthetic qualities of teeth, gums, and smiles. It includes procedures such as professional teeth bleaching, dental veneers, bonding, and dental implants. Beyond aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry can also improve your oral health. Correcting misaligned teeth simplifies their cleaning, which in turn decreases the likelihood of cavities and gum disease. A confident smile often boosts self-esteem, positively impacting both your personal and professional life.
What are the costs associated with cosmetic dentistry?
There are several factors to take into consideration when determining the cost of cosmetic dentistry services, including the type of procedure you choose and the complexity of your case. Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable options, while treatments like veneers or dental implants are typically more expensive. At Gentle Dentistry, our team offers personalized consultations to provide a clear estimate of the cost of your treatment plan. We also offer flexible payment options to help everyone achieve their beautiful smile more easily.
Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Insurance coverage for cosmetic dentistry varies depending on the procedure performed and your specific insurance provider. Typically, purely cosmetic treatments, also known as “elective” services, such as teeth whitening, are not covered. In contrast, procedures that improve oral health, such as crowns or bonding for repairing damage, may be provided with partial coverage. At our office, our team specializes in helping you understand your insurance plan and works closely with you to explore coverage options, so there are no surprises.
Where can I find high-quality cosmetic dentistry in Tampa?
Gentle Dentistry is proud to be a trusted provider of cosmetic dental care in the area. Our experienced team combines state-of-the-art technology with a gentle and patient-centered approach. Whether you are seeking a subtle touch-up or a complete smile makeover, we are here to assist. Conveniently located in Tampa, our practice is easily accessible to patients throughout the region.
What steps are involved in a cosmetic dentistry procedure?
The process depends on the specific treatment. For example, teeth whitening involves applying professional-grade whitening agents in-office or using custom trays at home. Veneers are a multi-step procedure that involves preparing your teeth, creating customized veneers, and bonding them securely in place. During your initial consultation, our team walks you through your personalized treatment plan and ensures you understand every step of the process.
How can I achieve a brighter smile without breaking the bank?
We believe that everyone truly deserves a smile they can be proud to share. Affordable options, such as in-office or take-home teeth whitening, offer a noticeable improvement at lower costs. Additionally, bonding is an excellent alternative to veneers, offering similar aesthetic benefits at a more cost-effective price point. Do not hesitate to ask about financing options and special offers to make your treatment plan budget-friendly.
Why should I choose Gentle Dentistry of Tampa, Florida, for my cosmetic dentistry needs?
Gentle Dentistry of Tampa, Florida, is known for its caring and skilled team, modern office environment, and commitment to patient comfort. We take the time to understand your unique goals and custom-create a treatment plan that aligns with your vision. Our mission is to make every patient feel confident and cared for while helping them achieve the smile of their dreams. With excellent reviews and a strong reputation in Tampa, we are honored to be one of the city’s premier destinations for cosmetic dentistry.
Is cosmetic dentistry work expensive?
As you would expect, the cost of these procedures varies entirely depending on what you have done. For instance, teeth whitening and dental bonding are not expensive. A SureSmile orthodontic treatment costs far more; however, it needs to accurately shift teeth into their desired position. When Dr. Tong gets an idea of what you'd like to change or fix with your smile, we can give you an estimate of the cost.
