Whether you want a brighter, whiter smile or you would like a chip in your tooth fixed, cosmetic dentistry is right for you. In order to undergo cosmetic dentistry, though, it’s important to understand what exactly cosmetic dentistry is, and how to find a cosmetic dentist.

What Is a Cosmetic Dentist?

A cosmetic dentist is a dentist that performs procedures that are considered “cosmetic.” While some of these services are necessary to restore a patient’s overall oral health, other procedures simply give the patient a boost in self-esteem and confidence.

Cosmetic Services

There are actually a variety of different procedures that are considered “cosmetic,” and they each help to fix different issues with the teeth and gums. Some of these procedures include:

Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening involves the patient either using an at-home whitening kit prescribed by the dentist, or undergoing a teeth whitening procedure at the dentist’s office. This procedure can help to significantly whiten a patient’s teeth.

Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an excellent procedure for the repair of teeth that are only slightly damaged or discolored. If your tooth has a small chip or crack, dental bonding may be the right procedure to repair your tooth.

Dental Veneers
A dental veneer is a dental appliance that is used to restore a tooth that has been damaged due to an accident or decay. The tooth may be cracked, chipped or simply worn away. Whatever the case may be, a dental veneer can be placed over a healthy tooth, restoring the crown.

Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a replacement appliance that is used to replace the entire crown of a tooth. While veneers are preferable for most dentists, a dental crown is useful when a tooth is damaged to the point where the entire crown needs to be replaced.

How to Find a Cosmetic Dentist

There are a few different ways to find an excellent, qualified cosmetic dentist. The first way to consider is asking your general dentist. They may be able to perform the services that you are looking for. If they can’t, they may know a qualified dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry, and can help to improve your smile.

You may also consider looking online. By doing a simple online search about how to find a cosmetic dentist, you’ll find a variety of dentists in your area. From there, you can read the reviews for each dentist, and visit the websites for their offices. This will help you to pick the perfect dentist.

Insurance
Another way to find a cosmetic dentist is to go through your insurance company. This can actually be very helpful, as you can take the opportunity to find out whether or not the procedure that you would like is covered by your insurance. Some procedures that are necessary for oral health are often partially covered, but other cosmetic procedures may not be. Use these tips to find a cosmetic dentist that is right for your needs.

Considering Cosmetic Dentistry or want to learn more, we’re happy to help! Contact Lansdowne Dental Care, conveniently located in Leesburg, VA. 

Interested in learning more about Cosmetic Dentistry, or information surrounding it? Here’s more information on what Cosmetic Dentistry really is, and some procedures involved in it.