Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry focusing on improving the appearance of the mouth, teeth, and gums and helping to improve the look of people’s smiles. For example, cosmetic dentistry can give you a better smile if your teeth are stained, worn, discolored, broken, chipped, misaligned, or have gaps between them.
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by your dental insurance?
Dental insurance will usually not cover cosmetic dentistry treatments that have absolutely no medical necessity, and their coverage falls only on medically necessary treatment. However, it also depends if your employer purchased these optional benefits for your insurance plan, we recommend checking your insurance benefits to see what is covered.
What is the difference between a general dentist and a cosmetic dentist?
The answer to this question is quick and straightforward; “Skills and Experience.” Cosmetic dentists don’t require a special or additional certification like periodontists or orthodontists. Our Hamlin Dental Group dentists with over 25 years of experience come highly recommended by numerous happy and smiling patients. So, if you are looking for the best cosmetic dentist, consider years of experience, training, and actual results. Feel free to visit our website at www.hamlindentalgroup.com to look at our before & after comparison photos.
Where can I go for cosmetic dentistry?
Dr. Hamid Reza at Hamlin Dental Group, with his 3 locations in the San Fernando Valley, has changed and is still transforming the smiles of hundreds of his patients. With over 25 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry, he offers and delivers the best care to make the smiles of his patients healthy and beautiful.
What are some of the dental cosmetic treatments done to improve your smile?
There are various cosmetic dental procedures done at any of the Hamlin Dental Group offices (Northridge, Van Nuys & North Hollywood). Here are some of the options you have if you would like to improve your smile: veneers, teeth whitening, Inlays and Onlays, porcelain crowns, porcelain fillings, dental implants
What are the most common reasons to do dental cosmetic treatments?
Some common reasons a person may choose to have cosmetic treatments include closing gaps between teeth, fixing chipped teeth; straightening your smile; fixing gum-related issues; changing the metal fillings; having missing teeth replaced. Thankfully, dental professionals at Hamlin Dental Group with more than 25 years of experience have been working on improving the look of their patient’s smiles. So do not hesitate to give us a call and schedule your appointment for your evaluation.
Is cosmetic dentistry affordable?
At Hamlin Dental Group, our skilled dentists can make your cosmetic treatment more affordable, but that doesn’t mean that the restoration will be inexpensive. One way to make it more affordable is through payment plans or financing to make it easier on your budget, and many of our patients choose to pay this way. We understand your desire to find an affordable dentist; but, do not automatically choose the dentist with the lower cost. Always verify their qualifications and ask your dentist to show you before and after pictures of their previous patients. Remember, you need to be very happy with the results and the quality of your treatment.
What are cosmetic dental inlays and onlays?
When a tooth has a cavity and needs to be restored, but the area that needs the restoration is too large, your dentist will recommend an Inlay or Onlay as proper and more durable restoration. They are done in a dental laboratory and bonded into place by your dentist.
Are Inlays and Onlays covered by dental insurances?
Fortunately, most dental insurances will cover at least part of these procedures because they are considered restorative. The coverage usually varies from 50% to 80% this depending on your specific insurance. You can find more information about your coverage by calling any of our Hamlin Dental offices and speaking to one of our experienced front office staff.
What are cosmetic dental veneers?
Dental veneers are custom-built thin porcelain coverings that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth by the dentist to correct tooth imperfections such as a chipped tooth, close gaps, or cover discolored teeth. If you want to know more about them, our staff at any of the Hamlin Dental offices will be happy to assist you. Feel free to give us a call for more information.
Are cosmetic veneers covered by my dental insurance?
Unfortunately, most dental insurances do not cover porcelain veneers, and the reason is that they are considered a cosmetic procedure. However, here at Hamlin Dental Group, we understand that sometimes it may be difficult to pay for all your treatment at once, which is why third-party financial options are available to make the cost of your treatment more manageable. For more details, feel free to contact any of our Hamlin Dental offices to learn more about your options.
Are cosmetic dental veneers done in one visit and only one tooth at a time?
Getting a dental veneer requires two trips to your dentist, one visit will be for the preparation of your tooth and make a model or impression of the tooth, this model will be sent to the dental laboratory that will make your veneer; and, on your second visit, your dentist will place the veneer in your mouth. Also, veneers for one or more teeth can be done on the same visit.
What are the benefits of getting cosmetic dental veneers?
There are many benefits of getting cosmetic veneers, mainly because they don’t require as much shaping of your tooth as crowns do, they are strong and look better, veneers provide a natural tooth appearance, gums tolerate porcelain veneers really well, they are stains resistant, also the color can be selected to make dark teeth look whiter.
How do you take care of your cosmetic veneers?
Taking care of your veneers is not much different than taking care of your natural teeth. It would be best if you continued following good oral hygiene practices daily to keep your gums healthy and free of bacteria. This will prolong the life of your veneers. Remember that even though porcelain veneers do not decay, there are still parts of the tooth that may be exposed and are at risk of decay.
Does whitening your teeth make them more sensitive?
In some cases, whitening can make them more sensitive, and tooth sensitivity is a common side effect after this procedure. This sensitivity should be temporary. Let your teeth recover afterward. Don’t let sensitivity concerns stop you from getting the smile you desire. Our dentists at Hamlin Dental Group offer you professional teeth whitening treatments and give us a call to obtain more information.
How is teeth whitening done?
There are two options for teeth whitening. One of them is done at home, and the second is done at your dental office. With the first option, a mouthguard like a tray is filled with bleaching paste or gel and placed over your teeth, your dentist will indicate the amount of time, and for how long you will have to repeat it, you can buy an over-the-counter tray or have one custom-fitted by your dentist. With the option done at your dentist’s office, you will be able to get the results faster. Also, heat, light, or a combination of the two may be used to speed and intensify the process. Feel free to talk with any of the Hamlin Dental Group dentists to see what is the best option
Is the teeth whitening procedure safe?
Yes, cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening are very safe when done correctly, especially if done by a professional and under the supervision of your dentist. Although take-home kits whitening products are a good option, in most cases, it is worth the extra cost to do it with your dentist for long-lasting, safe, and fast results. At Hamlin Dental, our cosmetic dentistry professionals will discuss with you the possible risks or benefits on a more personal level, and depending on the situation of your teeth, feel free to contact us.
Is cosmetic teeth whitening covered by dental insurance?
Teeth whitening procedures in the dental office are not typically covered by dental plans. Teeth whitening is considered cosmetic dentistry and insurance companies generally only cover dental treatments that are medically necessary.
What are the options for cosmetic teeth whitening?
At Hamlin Dental Group, we offer two different types of cosmetic whitening treatments. Take-home whitening and in-office whitening. Our take-home whitening kits allow you to do so in the comfort of your home with custom-fitted trays and professional-grade whitening gel provided by our office. But if you are looking for fast results then in-office teeth whitening is the best option, the procedure will take approximately an hour and you will leave our office with a whiter smile.
Do I need to talk to my dentist before doing cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening?
Yes, it is important that you talk to your dentist before doing any cosmetic procedure like whitening your teeth, this will allow your dentist to evaluate your teeth and get them in good shape before the procedure, your dentist also can determine whether whitening will work for you or not; it is recommended that if you can, do your whitening under the supervision of your regular dentist to ensure the best result, if you don’t have one, do not hesitate to call any of our Hamlin Dental offices for an appointment and a consultation with our dental professionals.
Do cosmetic teeth whitening change the color of my crowns?
This is one of the more frequent questions from patients who want to whiten their teeth. Cosmetic whitening treatments work only on your natural teeth, not on crowns, veneers, or bonding materials (their color will remain unchanged)
Can anybody do cosmetic teeth whitening?
Here at Hamlin Dental Group, we tell our patients that your oral health is a priority over aesthetics, including whitening, and that your oral health needs to be restored first. Now, depending on the severity of the issues with your teeth, there may be exceptions. For example, if you need crowns especially in the front area, whitening should be done first so the color of the crown can be selected to match the lighter shade of your teeth. Talk to your dentist, only he/she can provide safe, predictable results.
What to do after getting cosmetic teeth whitening?
No one’s teeth stay the same color forever, they’ll darken and turn yellow due to our everyday habits, food and drinks. Even if you don’t experience any discomfort after this cosmetic procedure, it will be beneficial to follow these recommendations: When you brush your teeth, use a soft-bristled toothbrush, we also recommend avoiding food and drinks that could cause your teeth to stain for at least the next 48 hours following the procedure, also avoid smoking, chewing tobacco and drinking very hot or very cold drinks as your teeth are more sensitive to temperature and replace them with room temperature beverages.
What is a cosmetic porcelain crown?
A cosmetic porcelain crown is a good way to cover and protect teeth that are discolored, chipped, or fragile to provide you with the smile you desire. They are permanently placed over your teeth to give them the strength needed and/or restore the appearance of your teeth and smile.
Why do we need porcelain crowns?
Generally, there are a few reasons why your teeth need crowns. They are there to protect your weak or cracked teeth but also to correct misshapen, discolored, and chipped front teeth and provide you with a beautiful smile. Cosmetic porcelain crowns are considered the most aesthetically appealing crowns and they look incredibly similar to natural teeth. Here are a couple of our Hamlin Dental patients that left our office with a happy and beautiful smile
How are cosmetic porcelain crowns done?
Cosmetic Porcelain Crowns are a common and safe procedure done by our dentists at Hamlin Dental Group and they require two visits to our office. Once the tooth is prepared and ready the dentist will take an impression of the tooth above the crown, so this can correctly fit with your bite, after this, the impression will be sent to the dental lab to create the crown; but, before you leave our office a temporary crown will be placed to protect your tooth between your first and second visit. On the second visit, the temporary crown is removed and the fit and color of the permanent crown is checked as well, if everything is ok and our patient is pleased with the look and color of it then the permanent crown is placed and cemented on your tooth.
How do I take care of my cosmetic porcelain crowns?
Once the cosmetic crown is placed in your mouth, it is very important to take good care of it, this will prolong its life. Keeping good oral hygiene habits, brushing, and flossing daily can keep all your teeth and crowns in good shape. Avoid hard and sticky foods; if you are not careful, chewing ice or hard food might cause a crown to crack as well as your natural teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend a nightguard to protect your crowns and natural teeth.
What are the benefits of cosmetic porcelain crowns?
It is one of the most common questions our patients have when it comes to cosmetic crowns and is understandable, you’ll want to be confident that your porcelain crowns will remain attractive and functioning for a very long time. Here are some of the benefits that porcelain crowns have: don’t change their color, are extremely strong and reasonably durable, and retain their natural-looking appearance in your mouth, custom-made to match the color and shape of the rest of your teeth. For more information feel free to call any of our Hamlin Dental offices.
What is a cosmetic porcelain bridge?
When they do a bridge, patients are often interested in both the cosmetic benefits and the functional advantages. At Hamlin Dental, we do porcelain bridges for cosmetic reasons and to restore the missing space left by the removal of 1 or more teeth in your mouth (this is another option besides the implants), restore the patient’s bite, and also prevent shifting and movement of the adjacent teeth as well as the opposing teeth. Porcelain is a very common type of material used for fabricating cosmetic bridges and crowns and they are made to match the color of your natural teeth. Feel free to contact any of our offices for more information or to schedule an appointment with any of our dental professionals
Cleaning your cosmetic porcelain bridge is actually very simple. You have to treat and clean your bridge the same manner as you would to your original teeth, with good oral hygiene you can keep your porcelain bridge for a very long time. You need to floss and brush daily using a soft bristle toothbrush to prevent tooth decay and gum problems and don’t forget your regular visits to your dentist for a check-up. Try to stay away from hard and sticky foods as much as possible
How many visits does it take for the dentist to make a cosmetic porcelain bridge?
The procedure for getting a porcelain bridge, whether for cosmetic reasons or not, usually takes two visits to your dentist. On your first visit your dentist will prepare the supporting teeth through shaping by making room for a crown, then take impressions and create a temporary bridge to protect your mouth; and on your second visit your dentist removes your temporary bridge, place the new permanent bridge and check for the bite and shade of the bridge if is perfect and approved by the patient the bridge will be cemented permanently
Can you use porcelain for a cosmetic dental bridge?
Yes, if you want a more cosmetic and natural result, the use of porcelain in bridges can provide the durability and aesthetic that you desire, they are custom-made for each patient, fabricated to perfectly match the shade and shape of the surrounding teeth providing you with a natural and beautiful smile.
How does a cosmetic porcelain bridge stay in place?
Having a permanently secured restoration like a bridge to address the gap in your smile can bring great cosmetic improvement to you, many patients rely on a dental bridge. The making of a bridge consists of your pontic or replacement tooth and a pair of dental crowns. Dental crowns are placed on the teeth on either side of your missing tooth and permanently cemented
What to expect when you go for a cosmetic dentistry consultation?
When you are not happy with the way your teeth look, you may feel less confident in your professional and personal lives. With the help of your dentist, you can determine a dental plan that will help you to improve your smile. Our dentists at Hamlin Dental Group will sit with you to discuss your concerns and expectations, they will also evaluate the condition of your teeth, gums, and jaw and will give you the best options according to your needs and expectations, not one patient’s treatment is exactly the same. Cosmetic treatment is about enhancing the look, function, and health of your mouth. Do not wait any longer to have the smile of your dreams
What is the next step after I agree to start my cosmetic dental treatment?
Here are the steps that our dentists at Hamlin Dental will follow when you are ready to start with your cosmetic treatment: Our dentists will show you various catalogs that include before and after pictures of different cosmetic procedures; x-rays and intraoral pictures of your teeth will be taken for further assessment and then pictures of your mouth will be taken before they start and after the treatment is finished as well when all x-rays and pictures are done your dentist and you will start to restore the beauty of your smile through various treatments. For more information or concerns do not hesitate to contact us.
How is the recovery after cosmetic dental treatment?
There is no greater confidence than having a beautiful and perfect smile, the recovery time depends on the amount of cosmetic treatment received. If you do one or two cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding fillings your recovery will be very fast; but, doing more extensive cosmetic treatment may take a little more time for your mouth to heal. Talk to your dentist about your concerns, remember each person is different and not treatment is the same
What is the aftercare of cosmetic dental treatment?
Once all your cosmetic treatment is finished, we want to make sure that you enjoy your new smile for as long as possible and we want you to follow your dentist’s recommendations:
a) Take some time to adjust to your new smile, you need to adapt to these changes.
b) Soreness of the gums is completely normal, don’t worry if you experience it, we recommend trying warm salt water rinse at least three times per day.
c) Some sensitivity may be present after your treatment is done but this should go away after a few days meanwhile try to stick to room temperature, food, and drinks.
d) It’s very important that you floss and brush daily, keeping good oral hygiene is fundamental but remember that you don’t need to brush too hard and always use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
e) Use of mouthguard, your dentist may recommend the use of a mouthguard to protect your new smile.
Is dental bonding considered cosmetic dentistry?
Bonding filling is a good cosmetic alternative to replacing your amalgam or silver filling with white, tooth bonding is a cosmetic technique to improve the aesthetic of your smile. It is also done to repair chipped, decayed, misshapen, or gaps between your teeth.
What is a cosmetic bonding filling?
Patients nowadays are more concerned about the look of their smiles, and cosmetic bonding is one of the most frequent procedures done by our dentist at Hamlin Dental. Our patients want to start changing their old silver fillings to white and restore their teeth to their natural shape and color. Tooth bonding might be the perfect option for you to get back your confidence and show your beautiful smile.
What is cosmetic tooth bonding?
Tooth bonding is a basic cosmetic dental procedure and is done in just one visit to your dentist, there are a few dental issues that bonding can correct. Cosmetic tooth bonding can be used to correct chipped or discolored teeth, can also be done when you want to close large spaces between teeth, change the shape of your teeth or make them appear longer and in many cases bonding is used to replace amalgam or metallic fillings.
How does cosmetic bonding work?
Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure where white composite material is attached or bonded to a tooth, your dentist chooses a shade of composite resin that matches the color of your natural teeth, then the dentist applies the material to the tooth, it is molded and shaped to achieve the desired size and shape, the material is hardened with a special ultraviolet light and necessary adjustments are made, as final step your teeth are polished to give your teeth a natural look
How long does your cosmetic tooth bonding last?
How long teeth bonding lasts depends on how much bonding you have done and also your oral hygiene as well, it is very important to give your bonding teeth the same amount of attention and care as your natural teeth. If you tend to grind or clench your teeth, it is always recommended to use a mouthguard to protect your bonded teeth from any crack or chip.
How do I take care of my cosmetic bonding fillings?
Because cosmetic bonding can stain and chip, some care is required to keep your teeth looking great for a long time. It is especially important to avoid consuming staining foods for the first 48 hours after the bonding is done and of course never stop keeping very good oral hygiene habits, also it might be time to forget certain bad habits like biting or chewing on ice or pencils, as these things can chip the resin and you should never use your teeth as tools to open packages of bottles
Does dental insurance cover cosmetic bonding fillings?
Any procedure that is elective and done for purely cosmetic reasons is not likely to be an insurance-covered benefit; that means that dental bonding that is cosmetic like to close a gap between your teeth may not be covered by your insurance, if you are concerned about your dental coverage to feel free to call any of our Hamlin Dental offices to schedule an appointment, our professional staff will be happy to find out about your personal coverage.
Fillings vs cosmetic dentistry treatment like bonding fillings?
Many patients get confused about different dental procedures due to a wide variety of terms used by dental professionals to describe them and in some cases, the same materials are used for different applications. Fillings are restorations used to rebuild a tooth after it is damaged in some way, usually, the damage is the result of decay or trauma. Cosmetic dentistry treatment like bonding is when your dentist changes the shape of your teeth to improve the look of your smile, typically there is no damage to repair