Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Authored By: Lesley Ranft

• Cosmetic Dentistry Basics
• How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

Q. What causes the discoloration of a tooth?

A. Tooth discoloration is a normal part of aging. As people age, enamel wears down, and teeth take on a duller appearance. Teeth can also become discolored from smoking and heavy consumption of coffee or tea. Other causes of tooth discoloration include side effects of medications (specifically certain antibiotics) used during the developmental phase of the teeth, an individual’s genetic makeup, and excessive fluoride consumption (fluorosis, seen in both children and adults). Teeth whitening and veneers offer a cosmetic dentistry solution for people with discolored or dull-looking teeth.

Q. Are any side effects associated with teeth whitening?

A. Dentists take protective measures to prevent discomfort during teeth whitening procedures. Typically, a protective gel or rubber shield is used to prevent bleaching agents from damaging gum tissue. The most common bleaching agents used by dentists are approved for use by the American Dental Association, ensuring safety and effectiveness. After the whitening procedure, you may experience minimal tooth sensitivity for a short period of time

Q. Does teeth whitening work for everyone?

A. No. In cases involving severe discoloration, teeth whitening may not result in a bright, white smile. Individuals with severe tooth discoloration should consider other options, such as porcelain veneers.

[Read more about teeth whitening.]

Q. Are there special considerations for dental veneers?

A. The factors to consider when evaluating a veneer procedure from an esthetic point of view include:

• Your goals.
• The color of your teeth. For example, most veneers are ultra-thin and therefore translucent, so discolored teeth underneath may show through. Your dentist may recommend teeth whitening first to reduce discoloration. Veneers are fabricated to have a natural tooth-like appearance. Veneer color must match that of any remaining teeth, and texturing may be applied to veneer surfaces for a natural look.
• The impact of your lifestyle and habits. For example, teeth grinding and clenching may make the veneer more susceptible to chips, cracks, and breaking.

You should also consider the artistry of the dentist who designs the specifications and ultimately places the veneers. Veneer materials are universal, but the artistic skill of the dentist, as well as that of the lab technician who crafts the veneers, plays a major role in the esthetic appeal of the final product.

[Read more about dental veneers.]

Q. How do I know whether a cosmetic dentist is good or not?

A. One of the first questions you should ask is what type of training he has for the particular procedures you’re interested in. Not all dentists know and perform all cosmetic dentistry procedures. As such, cosmetic dentists often involve other specialists (orthodontist, endodontist, lab techs, etc.) in treatment planning and execution. It is important to know exactly who will be involved in your treatment and what they will be doing.

You should also ask to see before-and-after photos of patients who underwent those procedures. Ask questions about their cases and the strategies the dentist used to improve their smiles.

[Read more about how to choose a dentist.]

Q. What cosmetic dentistry procedures are available for people who are missing teeth?

A. Although dentures are not considered a cosmetic dentistry procedure, they provide a cosmetic benefit for people who have lost all or some of their teeth. People who are missing only certain teeth, or rows of teeth, may be better served by a dental bridge or dental implants. It is best to have your situation evaluated by a dental professional in order to establish candidacy for any of these procedures.

Q. May I choose to be sedated during cosmetic dentistry procedures?

A. Yes. The level of sedation necessary for cosmetic dentistry procedures depends on several factors, including:

• Your health and medical history.
• The procedure being performed.
• Your dentist’s familiarity with sedation modalities.

Most people do not require a high level of sedation during cosmetic dental procedures.

[Read more about sedation dentistry and selecting a sedation dentist.]

Q. Why can’t smokers undergo certain cosmetic dentistry procedures?

A. Smoking is a leading cause of tooth loss. Smokers also have an increased risk for periodontal disease (gum disease), leukoplakia, loss of bone structure, inflammation of the salivary gland, and development of lung, throat, or oral cancer. Smokers therefore face an additional set of considerations when exploring cosmetic dentistry treatment.

One restriction for smokers involves dental implants. Smoking increases the risk that a dental implant will fail to integrate with bone tissue (osseointegration). Smoking also affects gum health, and unhealthy gums can lead to dental implant failure. If you smoke, you need to quit before having an implant.

Another restriction involves teeth whitening. If you whiten your teeth but continue to smoke, the whitening effect will not last as long, because smoking stains the teeth.

[Read more about smoking and dental care.]

Q. Are dental implants suitable for children?

A. Dentists indicate that implants cannot be considered until bone growth has completed. This typically occurs during adolescence, but may vary from one child to the next. Implants placed prior to bone growth completion may shift out of place and cause severe problems. If a child loses a tooth before bone growth has completed, an orthodontic device called a “space maintainer” may be used to prevent an abnormal growth of surrounding teeth. Once bone growth has completed, the space maintainer can be removed and the missing tooth restored using an implant or bridge.

Q. What is the cost of cosmetic dentistry procedures? Will insurance cover any of it?

A. Costs vary widely, but you’ll find approximate costs in our articles on particular procedures. For example, in-office teeth whitening is approximately $450.

Usually dental insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic dentistry. But some dental plans may cover part of the cost of certain procedures, such as crowns, especially when the main purpose is to repair a structural problem that could affect the overall health of your mouth. Usually, functional and restorative dentistry is covered in part by insurance, while cosmetic dentistry is seldom covered.

[Read more about dental insurance.]

• Cosmetic Dentistry Basics
• How to Choose a Cosmetic Dentist

[Updated May 2008]

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