Cosmetic Dentist – Edison, NJ
Make Your Ideal Smile Real
WHAT IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY?
Cosmetic dentistry is an area of dentistry that focuses on the aesthetics of the teeth and overall smile. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth because you have discoloration, gaps, chips, or unevenly shaped or sized teeth, we can help you transform your smile into one that you’re proud to show off.
Many cosmetic dentistry treatments also offer restorative benefits in that you can repair damage and restore the structure of your teeth while ensuring that your restorations look natural.
Contact us at One Dental New Jersey today to schedule a consultation for cosmetic dentistry in Edison with Dr. Shefat Rabbi today.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR COSMETIC DENTISTRY APPOINTMENT
CONSULTATION
At your consultation, Dr. Shefat Rabbi will assess any damage to your teeth or signs of tooth decay and gum disease. These issues may need to be treated with restorative procedures before you can get cosmetic dentistry treatments.
TREATMENT PLAN
After you discuss your concerns with your smile and what you would like to improve, Dr. Shefat Rabbi can develop a customized treatment plan that will address these concerns which will fall into your budget and scheduling needs.
SEDATION & ANESTHESIA OPTIONS
Before we begin with your treatment, we will always administer a local anesthetic before using any invasive tools like dental drills. We also offer various forms of sedation dentistry if you are nervous. Let us know ahead of time if you would like to be sedated for your appointment.
SCHEDULING OF APPOINTMENTS
After you’ve consented to the treatment plan and determined whether or not you want to be sedated, we can move forward with scheduling your first appointment and will inform you if any follow-up appointments will be necessary. We will explore your payment options at this time.
Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Options
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
As opposed to in-office whitening, take-home teeth whitening can be performed from the comfort of your own home! This gives you more flexibility to multi-task and is a great option for patients who have more sensitive teeth. This is because the concentration of peroxide is much lower.
However, the same results can be achieved but will build up more gradually. You will come in to have impressions taken of your teeth so we can have custom whitening trays fabricated for you to wear.
Within a few weeks, they’ll be ready to pick up along with your whitening gel and written instructions. You will apply the whitening gel to the trays and place them over your teeth. The instructions will tell you how long to wear them each day, and it can take about 1-2 weeks to complete your treatment.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
An in-office teeth whitening treatment will produce drastic and instant results up to 10 shades lighter in a single hour-long session! This makes it ideal for special occasions like dances, weddings, formal photographs, or business opportunities.
You will sit in a dental chair and we will place a cheek retractor in your mouth to keep your mouth open and prevent the whitening agent from touching your gums. A protective gel is also applied to the soft tissues to protect them from irritation.
A peroxide-based whitening gel is then applied to your teeth and activated with UV light. This is done on all of the teeth and takes about an hour, then the whitening solution is rinsed away. For severe discoloration, you may require multiple sessions.
Dental Bonding, Shaping, & Contouring
Have you ever wished you could change the shape or size of your teeth? Now you can! Tooth contouring involves removing a small amount of tooth enamel from your teeth to achieve a certain aesthetic.
If teeth are too long, sharp, or round, we can change this by filing and contouring the tooth into the desired shape. Tooth contouring and bonding are often used in conjunction to achieve the ultimate smile transformation.
Dental bonding involves rebuilding the tooth with a composite resin material that matches the shade of your natural teeth and is used to fill in chips, cracks, gaps, and make the teeth look bigger or different.
Veneers
Dental veneers are porcelain shells that are bonded to the front-facing surface of your teeth to create the appearance of perfectly uniform, aesthetic teeth. They are usually placed on the front 6 teeth that show when you smile.
Veneers are used to cover cosmetic imperfections such as discoloration, crooked, chipped, or cracked teeth as well as gaps and teeth that are weirdly shaped or too small. They can last for up to 15 years.
Because we need to file down your natural enamel to bond veneers to your teeth, you should understand that this is a permanent and irreversible procedure.
Lumineers
Lumineers are very similar to veneers with one major difference. They are typically less than half of the thickness of a standard veneer, which is only about as thick as a contact lens. The unique porcelain material used for Lumineers is very thin, yet still durable.
Because they are so thin, Lumineers can often be placed without removing any of your natural enamel. This means that, unlike traditional veneers, Lumineers can be removed. However, since they are thinner, they are not right for all patients and their needs.
Smile Makeovers
If you have multiple concerns with your smile that you think may require multiple treatments, a smile makeover may be the best option for you. This is a personalized treatment plan that combines whatever necessary cosmetic dentistry treatments it takes to achieve your ultimate smile aesthetic that fits your budget.
Learn More About Smile Makeovers
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Many patients are concerned about the cost of cosmetic dentistry, because in most cases it’s not covered by dental insurance. However, we are always happy to assist you with navigating your needs and determining what works best for your situation. We offer a variety of different treatments at different price points, but we also understand that achieving the look and the confidence you deserve is priceless.
What Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, most people are typically trying to accomplish one or more of three improvements: whiter teeth, straighter teeth, or different shaped and sized teeth. Your dentist can help you explore your possible options, including:
- Dental Bonding – This is an ideal treatment for small changes, reshaping damaged teeth, or covering noticeable flaws. It is usually a very affordable treatment; however, the results typically only last a few years.
- Teeth Whitening – This treatment gets amazing results very quickly. In office whitening can be done in about an hour, while take home kits get similar results in about two weeks, but it does not help with the shape or position of the teeth.
- Veneers/Lumineers – This treatment is more expensive than others, but it has the ability to transform multiple aspects of your smile in one treatment and can last for up to 20 years with proper care and use.
- ClearCorrect/Invisalign – Clear aligners can make a big impact on smiles with significant gaps or misalignment; however, it is a bigger time investment and can be more expensive. Some dental insurance plans may partially cover the cost of orthodontic treatment. We are happy to check your benefits for this on your behalf.
- Smile Makeover – A smile makeover combines several cosmetic services together and is generally more expensive but because it is so comprehensive it will give you exactly what you want in the best timeframe possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making
While it can seem like cosmetic dentistry is a big financial commitment, it is also an important investment that will pay dividends as time goes by. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, improving it can be amazingly beneficial to your confidence and self-esteem, which can in turn lead to better relationships, social life, professional achievements, and overall quality of life.
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
While purely aesthetic dental care is not covered by dental insurance, there are still options available to help make your care more budget friendly.
- Fee-for-service plan – At One Dental New Jersey, we are proud to offer a fee-for-service dental plan that eliminates the middleman and saves you money. To learn more about this program, please give us a call and we’ll be happy to go over the details.
To learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, schedule a consultation with us today. Our team looks forward to helping you transform your smile in a way that works best for your budget.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
What dental issues can cosmetic dentistry solve?
Cosmetic dentistry can solve just about any dental issue that is related to the appearance of your teeth. Teeth whitening is obviously used to treat stained teeth and can help you look younger. Dental bonding, shaping, and contouring can repair misshapen and uneven teeth, or treat minor tooth damage, such as chips or breaks. Dental crowns are occasionally used for cosmetic purposes, too. Treatments as versatile as veneers or Lumineers can often be used to treat all the previously mentioned issues as well as correcting gaps between teeth, more severe tooth staining, and slightly crooked or crowded teeth.
Am I a good candidate for cosmetic dental treatments?
As long as your teeth and gums are healthy and you’re free of any major orthodontic issues, you’re likely a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry.
On the other hand, cosmetic treatment is not right for you if you have oral health problems like gum disease or cavities, or if you have major issues with the alignment of your teeth or jaw. You’ll need restorative care or orthodontic treatment to resolve these problems before you can get cosmetic dental treatment. But often, restorative care and orthodontics can give you a healthier and more beautiful smile.
Can I get more than one cosmetic dental procedure done at the same time?
Yes. While this does depend on the type of treatment that’s right for you, it’s quite common to have multiple cosmetic dental procedures done at the same time. Dental bonding and enameloplasty, for example, are often done in the same appointment. Ask your cosmetic dentist in Edison, NJ for more information, and to find out if you can have multiple procedures done at once.
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by dental insurance?
It’s rare for cosmetic dentistry to be covered by dental insurance. These procedures are often listed as elective and not necessary to the health of your smile. In some cases, your insurance may cover a portion of the cost of treatments like cosmetic crowns or veneers, but this is not common. In most cases, you will need to pay for treatment out-of-pocket. Contact your insurer for more details on your dental insurance coverage. Then contact our practice to see if we have any available discounts or payment plans to help you cover treatment.
How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t medically necessary, so “need” is a strong word. That said, you should definitely consider it if you’re unhappy with your smile. After all, everyone deserves the benefits – from improved confidence to better oral health. So, if your teeth are stained, chipped, or spaced-out, and you’re interested in learning about your treatment options, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Edison dental team!
What Should I Expect at an Initial Consultation for a Smile Makeover?
Your initial consultation is when you’ll meet with Dr. Rabbi so he can learn all about your smile goals. He’ll ask you lots of questions about your dental history and aesthetic desires, but don’t hesitate to bring photos – this is a great way for him to see exactly what you like! From there, he will review all of the smile-enhancing services available, share his recommendations, and answer any questions you have. The final step is to create your custom treatment plan, review the price, and schedule the necessary follow-up appointments.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
There are two main factors that impact the longevity of your results. The first is the cosmetic dental service you choose since some simply last longer than others. The second is how well you care for your smile. After all, smoking, skipping your biannual dental checkups, and not flossing consistently will negatively impact your results no matter what treatment (or treatments) you chose. That’s why we really emphasize the importance of adopting good habits, like implementing a solid oral hygiene regimen at home.
Are There Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Are Suitable for Children or Teenagers?
Adults aren’t the only ones who feel self-conscious about their smiles; many teens do too, especially in the age of social media. There are some treatments that fall under the cosmetic umbrella that are suitable for them, including Invisalign. Dental bonding is also great for fixing small chips and cracks, which is common among children who participate in sports. Ultimately, if you are interested in learning more about the treatments we offer that are suitable for children, the best thing to do is get in touch with us so we can learn more about your child’s unique case and determine if they are a candidate.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Many cosmetic dental treatments, like dental bonding, are non-invasive. As a result, a local anesthetic isn’t even necessary – it’s that painless. Of course, for more invasive treatments like veneers, we use a numbing agent to ensure you don’t feel any discomfort. We also provide aftercare instructions, like avoiding hot and cold stimuli for a few days, to help avoid bonding sensitivity. Simply put, we go the extra mile to ensure your smile transformation doesn’t hurt at all.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Oral Heath?
Surprisingly, yes! Invisalign is a great example because, in addition to improving the appearance of your smile, it improves the alignment of your teeth and bite. Plus, having a smile you love will help boost your mood, reduce your blood pressure, and motivate you to brush and floss consistently!