Cosmetic Dentistry – Naperville, IL

Which Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?

Knowing which cosmetic dental service is right for a particular person cannot be determined until they are seen by a cosmetic dentist in Naperville for an initial consultation. Some of the most common and popular options provided in our office include:

• Veneers: Made of thin sheaths of porcelain, flawed teeth are covered by these customized restorations, which can take two visits to apply. They’re considered stain-resistant and can last up to a decade with proper care. Because veneers can change the size, shape, and color of teeth, they are viewed as a permanent cosmetic option and can be costlier than other options.
• Metal-Free Restorations: Some patients prefer metal-free restorations to improve the look of their smile. This can get quite expensive if used solely for aesthetic purposes; however, if a tooth is damaged or decayed, dental insurance may help with the cost should you choose a metal-free restoration.
• Cosmetic Bonding: Cosmetic bonding is known to be a more affordable solution as opposed to veneers or metal-free restorations. Fixing minor imperfections, the composite resin is malleable and is designed to match the color of the person’s remaining teeth. In just one visit, the individual can walk away with a healthier, more beautiful smile.
• Teeth Whitening: Whether a patient opts for in-office or take-home whitening kits, teeth whitening is a great way to rid smiles of stains and discoloration. In just one hour (in-office) or two weeks (take-home trays), patients can see results in no time.
• Gum Recontouring: Gum recontouring is an ideal solution for individuals who have excess gum tissue around the teeth. When gummy smiles keep people from feeling good about their appearance, we can work to create a more balanced look that also minimizes the risk of gum disease.
• Crown Lengthening: Crown lengthening is often confused with gum recontouring because the two are quite similar. Removing excess gum tissue is the point of both; however, when an individual needs a customized restoration but lacks the available tooth structure, crown lengthening can be an ideal way to achieve results.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be An Investment Worth Making

Investing in yourself often looks different to everyone. While many might focus more on changing the look of the body, others might prefer to eliminate fine lines and wrinkles from the face. Someone else might choose to take a break from social media and spend more time reading. For someone who wants to improve the look of their smile, it requires a financial and timely commitment, but it is one most certainly worth making.

When a person’s teeth appear healthy, they are more likely to make a good first impression. This can lead to positive benefits such as landing a job interview or hitting it off with future in-laws. And although cosmetic dentistry focuses primarily on the aesthetics of a person’s smile, their oral health will also improve because of a desire to take better care of their teeth and gums.

How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

There are two options the team at Grand Dental Group – Naperville offers patients who do not have dental insurance or who cannot expect to use their plan to pay for cosmetic treatment – the Grand Advantage Plan or CareCredit.

The first is an in-house membership plan that requires a person to pay a yearly fee and gain access to basic preventive services. In addition, they will also receive discounts on other available treatments, some of which include cosmetic care. CareCredit involves enrolling in a low or no-interest payment plan that promises no surprise fees. This type of solution allows patients to break up the total cost into monthly payments, allowing for the ability to remain well within budget.

How long does cosmetic dentistry last?

The lifespan of your cosmetic dentistry results is dependent on you. Unless you pursue gum recontouring, which is permanent, you will need to consider the follow-up treatments that will be required throughout your life. Veneers, cosmetic bonding, metal-free restorations, and teeth whitening are all services that do not last forever.

But you can adopt helpful tips and tricks to make your results last as long as possible. Some of these may include keeping your regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings, maintaining good oral hygiene at home, avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and eating ice, consuming nutrient-rich foods, and wearing a mouthguard if you play sports.

Is cosmetic dentistry worth it?

Apart from being able to enjoy a more beautiful appearance, cosmetic dentistry is worth the time and investment. Here’s why: According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a person’s smile is the first thing others notice, which means making a first impression is crucial in this day and age. When sporting brighter teeth and straighter smiles, future employers and even love interests will conclude that you take proper care of yourself and value good oral health.

When feeling embarrassed by your smile, others may view you as rude or impersonal, building a wall between you and potential clients, employers, and even friends. By embracing the benefits that cosmetic dentistry can provide, you can take advantage of greater professional opportunities as well as feel confident when meeting new people in your life.

How do I choose a cosmetic dentist?

Cosmetic dentistry should not be administered by just anyone. It requires a skilled professional who has advanced training to successfully provide treatments that are designed to change the aesthetics of your smile. This is why it’s important that you do your research.

Although cosmetic dentistry is not deemed a specialty by the American Dental Association, many professionals claim to be cosmetic dentists. This can make your search much more difficult. Fortunately, by reading a dentist’s bio online or meeting with one for a consultation, you can get a better idea as to whether you want to move forward with treatment.

Typically, a dentist who is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) is a good sign as well as someone willing to provide before and after images of satisfied patients. At Grand Dental – Naperville, we are pleased to have dentists on staff who hold membership in AACD and who can provide trusted solutions to improve damaged smiles.

Why is cosmetic dentistry so popular?

While the focus largely remains on improving a person’s oral and overall health, more and more patients are looking to undergo services that enhance their aesthetics. Because teeth and gums can hinder a person’s ability to feel good about their appearance, cosmetic dental treatments are becoming a more popular option in dentist offices throughout the country. With innovative technologies and solutions making it easier than ever to develop beautiful, flawless smiles, cosmetic dentistry is no longer only for the rich and famous. Instead, busy professionals and even stay-at-home parents can take advantage of the benefits cosmetic dentistry can provide, especially since many dental offices offer flexible financing to help with the cost.

Instead of hiding from photos with friends and family, patients can feel more at ease no matter where or when they might be asked to smile. Not only can beautiful pearly whites improve a person’s personal life, but they can also boost their chances of professional advancement.