Cosmetic Dentistry – McKinney, TX
Creating Elegant Smiles
Do you often find yourself dreaming of having a movie star smile to show off? Do you hide your teeth in photos or with friends because you’re worried they’ll notice flaws? Plenty of people here in the McKinney area and all over the country feel the same way as you do, and the transformation you want may be easier than you think. At OakBrook Dental & Orthodontics, our team is glad to offer numerous options for cosmetic dentistry in McKinney, TX that can create dazzling, tailor-made changes for unique smiles in need! To get started, contact us and set up a consultation today.
Porcelain Veneers
If you find yourself struggling with several cosmetic flaws all at once, porcelain veneers might be the right way to refresh your teeth. Unlike a typical dental crown, this custom-made dental restoration is designed to be a wafer-thin shell so that it’s capable of fitting over the front surfaces of certain teeth without looking unnatural. Better yet, its quality structure is even more stain-resistant than your natural enamel, which means your newly brightened smile should stay that way for even longer than expected.
Lumineers
While traditional veneers have many wonderful benefits, there is a small downside that makes some patients pause: in order to accommodate the restoration, a small amount of natural tooth enamel must be removed. This means that veneers are essentially permanent and cannot be reversed later on. On the other hand, Lumineers are a specific type of veneer that can be placed without requiring any significant alternation of the patient’s existing smile. If you’re unsure which cosmetic option is right for you, feel free to ask our team!
Metal-Free Dental Restorations
When you’re in need of a new dental crown, inlay, onlay, or other restoration on a visible tooth, maintaining a natural look is very important for many patients. That’s why our dentists use E-Max metal-free ceramic whenever possible. This material is durable in the mouth, highly functional, and virtually indistinguishable from your original tooth enamel. In fact, it even reflects light in the same way so that your smile continues shining from every angle!
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple cosmetic procedure that typically only requires one appointment, which is ideal for patients with hectic schedules. One of our doctors will apply the ideal shade of composite resin (a safe, tooth-colored material that is also used for fillings) to the flawed tooth and sculpt it into a pleasing, lifelike shape that blends right in. This technique can be used to treat minor cracks, chips, gaps, and even stubborn stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic service here in McKinney, and it’s not hard to understand why. Everyone wishes they could enjoy bright, flaw-free teeth that shine confidently in every picture and home video. With ZOOM! Whitening, it’s easier than ever to achieve them! We offer both fast in-office whitening and professional take-home kits so that our patients can dramatically lighten their smiles in the way that works best for them.
Free Teeth Whitening For Life
Your smile deserves consistent maintenance and consideration, and we enjoy rewarding our patients who are truly dedicated to their oral health. At your next checkup, ask a team member about our whitening for life special! As long as you attend your regular preventive visits, we’ll provide you with customized oral trays and professional-strength whitening gel to use safely at home.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Some people are reluctant to commit to cosmetic dentistry because of cost concerns. While it is not covered by dental insurance in most cases, as your cosmetic dentist in McKinney, we will gladly help you figure out your best course of action financially and which treatments make the most sense accordingly. Cosmetic services have varying price points, so it’s important to find the solution that best suits your grin as well as your wallet.
Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for Me?
Prospective cosmetic dentistry patients are often trying to either whiten their teeth, straighten them, change their size/shape, or achieve some combination of the three. At OakBrook Dental, once our dentist examines your teeth, they can help you explore solutions that make sense for your goals, such as:
- Teeth Whitening – A midrange option regarding the cost that takes two weeks to do at home or one office visit. In-office treatment is more expensive but also offers optimal results. Ideal to brighten your smile but cannot alter your tooth shape or position.
- Veneers – A more costly option but capable of transforming your smile in multiple ways at once. They can last for more than a decade with proper care. They save time in the long run and are more resistant to stains than your natural teeth.
- Metal-Free Restorations – A lower-cost option that is shaded to closely match your natural enamel. They eliminate sensitivity to temperature changes and can last 15 years or more with proper care. A significant improvement over traditional metal crowns.
- Dental Bonding – If you have minor imperfections you want to address, direct bonding may be the ideal solution for you. It’s a fast, efficient, and cost-effective way to improve tooth shape, size, and color. Although this option is affordable, it will need to be redone every few years.
Why Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth the Investment?
The cost of cosmetic dentistry in McKinney can vary greatly depending on the treatment you select, but your investment will continue to pay dividends for many years to come. After all, it’s tough to put a price on increased confidence that can lead to an improved quality of life. You can look younger with treatments like teeth whitening or veneers that brighten your smile. And don’t discount improvements to your oral health when you select metal-free restorations or Invisalign. Imagine upgrading your relationships, social life, professional achievements, and health across the board!
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
Purely aesthetic dental care is generally not covered by dental insurance, meaning you’ll have to find an alternative way to pay for your treatment. Out-of-pocket costs can be broken up into much smaller, budget-friendly installments that make it easier to afford anything you need. CareCredit financing offers a wide array of plans, so you’re guaranteed to find one that works perfectly for your situation.
In addition to third-party financing, we also offer an in-house payment plan wherein you can spread payments across 24 months or less with no additional interest. Last, but certainly not least, be sure to ask our team about free teeth whitening for life!
Are you ready to make your dream smile a reality? Contact our office to learn more about these treatments and related pricing information during a cosmetic consultation. It’s our mission to help you accomplish your goals while being mindful of your budget along the way.
Cosmetic Dentistry Frequently Asked Questions
Cosmetic dentistry is an excellent way to boost your confidence by achieving the attractive smile you’ve always wanted. Although you’re excited to transform your teeth, it’s normal to have some apprehensions before you’re ready to get started. Here are the answers to a few of the most common questions patients ask us about cosmetic treatments to ease your nerves.
What procedures will I need?
There isn’t any way to determine which cosmetic services you’ll need without first performing a consultation. Every treatment plan is individualized to create the exact results you want. Depending on your goals, we may recommend one or more procedures, such as:
- Porcelain Veneers: A thin shell is bonded to the entire front surface of a tooth to instantly hide a variety of aesthetic imperfections using just one treatment. The minimally invasive procedure provides drastic results.
- Lumineers: Similar to veneers, the shells improve the overall color, size, and shape of a tooth; however, they don’t require any enamel to be removed during the bonding process.
- Metal-Free Restorations: Repair damaged or missing teeth with tooth-colored restorations. They are customized to match the appearance of your teeth to look natural.
- Direct Bonding: A composite resin material can be used to fix minor imperfections, like chips or cracks. The tooth-colored material blends in with your enamel.
- Teeth Whitening: Treat stains and discoloration with a highly concentrated whitening agent. Your teeth can become as much as 8 shades brighter.
Can cosmetic dentistry improve my oral health?
Believe it or not, there are some cosmetic procedures that can also improve your oral health. Treating broken, chipped, or missing teeth will give you a beautiful smile while also restoring your dental health. In some cases, cosmetic dentistry can even prevent common issues, like tooth decay between overlapping teeth. Moving your teeth into their ideal positions will lessen the likeliness of cavities and gum disease.
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?
There isn’t a set fee for cosmetic dentistry because the cost is based on your treatment plan. There are many factors that can influence the cost, like the procedure and the number of teeth you’re treating. We’ll provide you with a custom estimate during your initial consultation and discuss the fees associated with your plan. A member of our team will explain your payment options to keep your dream smile within your budget. Besides accepting traditional payment methods, we also work with third-party financing. Based on your credit’s approval, you are given the funds you need, which you’ll repay using a plan that fits your budget.
Can I use my dental insurance for cosmetic dentistry?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic dentistry because the procedures are considered elective; however, there are some exceptions. Certain cosmetic treatments also offer restorative benefits, like tooth-colored restorations and dental bonding. If a procedure is necessary for your oral health, you may be able to use your coverage to offset the cost. We’ll file any claim forms to maximize your annual benefits to lower the amount you pay.
What Are the Differences Between Lumineers and Veneers?
If you’re currently deciding between Lumineers and veneers, then it’s helpful to learn what the differences are. The first, and perhaps the most significant, difference is that Lumineers are “reversible” since your enamel isn’t altered in the smile makeover process. So, if you are worried about the life-long commitment of veneers, this might be the best cosmetic dental treatment for you.
Of course, veneers have unique benefits as well. For example, they are thicker than Lumineers, which ensures they effectively conceal even the most significant stains. They are also widely considered to be more durable (although studies have shown that both Lumineers and veneers can last for over a decade with proper care).
With so much to consider, you may initially feel overwhelmed. Don’t worry – we’re here to help. Once we have an in-depth understanding of your dental needs and smile goals, we can share our recommendations and answer any questions you have so you can confidently decide whether Lumineers or veneers are best for you.
Are There Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Are Suitable for Children or Teenagers?
Now more than ever, we’re aware of our appearance. If your child or teen has low self-esteem because their teeth are chipped, stained, or misaligned, then don’t hesitate to take the next step: scheduling a consultation with us! From there, your cosmetic dentist in McKinney can learn about what’s troubling them, conduct an oral exam, and review their treatment options, including direct tooth bonding, teeth whitening, traditional braces, and Invisalign.
What Causes the Discoloration of a Tooth?
Stubborn stains are often attributed to frequent consumption of dark-colored foods and beverages, like coffee and soy sauce. However, dental discoloration can surface for several other reasons, including the use of tobacco products, certain medications, and even the natural aging process. That’s why it’s so important that you schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in your area! In addition to learning about your smile goals, they will determine the cause of the discoloration and the best way to address it.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
The results depend largely on the cosmetic dental service you choose. After all, the results of professional teeth whitening can last for six months or more while veneers can last for a decade or more. That’s why it’s important to consider more than the upfront cost when making your decision!
Important note: No matter which smile-enhancing service you choose, it’s crucial that you take good care of your smile. Otherwise, stains, chips, and other imperfections will quickly resurface. So, if you haven’t already, prioritize healthy habits, like brushing and flossing your teeth every night before bed.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Oral Health?
Actually, cosmetic dental treatments can improve your oral health in more than one way. Invisalign is a great example because it can correct everything from mild misalignment to more considerable bite problems, reducing your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and premature wear in the process. Plus, if you love your smile, you’ll take good care of it. So, make no mistake – cosmetic dentistry is more than just an investment in your appearance!