Cosmetic Dentistry in Mesquite

How Do I Know Which Cosmetic Procedures Are Right For Me?

The first step in the process is a consultation with our dentist. With many years of experience, multiple awards (including Best Cosmetic Dentist), and an artistic eye, he’ll carefully evaluate your needs and goals before creating the perfect treatment plan for you. In some cases, just one procedure is necessary. In others, a combination of treatments provides the best results. 

Will Insurance Cover My Cosmetic Dental Work?

Most insurance plans only cover procedures that are necessary for good oral health. With that said, there may be an overlap with certain treatments such as tooth-colored fillings and dental crowns. These are examples of procedures that repair damaged teeth while also improving their appearance. While each insurance plan is different, these restorative treatments are often covered between 50% and 80%.

After you’ve had a consultation, we’ll discuss your costs as well as insurance and/or third-party financing with CareCredit. Our team will also file your claims and always works hard to make your care as affordable as possible.

How Long Will It Take To Get Results?

It depends on which procedures you’re having done, but many are completed in just 1 or 2 visits. Here’s an estimate of how long common procedures take:

• Professional whitening – We offer KoR whitening, which is considered the gold standard in professional treatments. It provides dramatic results in about 2 weeks for most patients (severe cases may require 3 to 4 weeks).
• Porcelain veneers – After a consultation to make sure they’re right for you, porcelain veneers are usually completed in 2 visits.
• Direct bonding – This procedure can be done in just 1 visit.
• Invisalign – One of the advantages of Invisalign in Mesquite is that it’s often completed in less time than traditional braces (average treatment time for Invisalign is 12 to 18 months as opposed to 18 to 24 months for metal braces).

I Don’t Like How My Teeth Look. Can I Just Replace Them With Dentures or Implants?

If tooth loss is inevitable or has already occurred, dentures and implants are a wonderful option. However, since they come with many drawbacks and simply don’t look or feel as good as your own teeth, we always recommend saving natural teeth when possible.

With that said, rest assured that we have a wide menu of safe, reliable procedures that will beautifully correct any type of cosmetic issues you have while still maintaining your long-term oral health.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

As long as you’re being treated by a trained professional, like our dentists at Byron McKnight, DDS, MAGD, then yes, cosmetic dental procedures are considered safe for most patients. That said, not every treatment is right for every person. It’s important to have a consultation before beginning any potential procedure so our dentist can establish your medical history. That way, they can avoid certain treatments or medications that might put your health at risk.

For example, applying teeth whitening over a cavity can be incredibly uncomfortable. By having an oral examination first, our team can treat the tooth decay so that we can then safely proceed with your elected enhancements.

How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

Anyone who isn’t 100% thrilled with their reflection in the mirror can potentially benefit from cosmetic upgrades, especially if you’ve struggled to make changes on your own. For instance, if you’ve tried over-the-counter teeth whitening strips only to develop tooth sensitivity without seeing their desired results, we can help. Professional whitening services might do the trick, but if the blemishes exist below the outermost layer, then you might need veneers or dental bonding to mask them.

Whether you’re frustrated by unsightly chips, cracks, gaps, overcrowded, misshapen, stained, or crooked teeth, different cosmetic treatments can improve your appearance.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

The longevity of your results can vary based on the different procedures you undergo and your oral hygiene habits at home. Some treatments, like teeth whitening, are temporary fixes that can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, while others, like porcelain veneers, can potentially last for decades. You can ask our team at your consultation what to expect from the specific procedures that you plan to undergo.

You can typically preserve the upgrades to your grin by consistently cleaning your teeth at home. Brushing and flossing twice daily removes plaque buildup that can interfere with your results. Furthermore, it prevents problems like gum disease and cavities that will only further detract from your appearance.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Many people experience anxiety around dental visits because they’re worried their appointment will be long and agonizing. When it comes to cosmetic work, that’s usually not the case. In fact, many (if not most) procedures intended to enhance your looks are minimally invasive. If you’re in the office to have your teeth lightened or to fix chips with dental bonding, for example, then we probably won’t even need to administer a local anesthetic.

If you’re getting veneers or some other treatment that involves removing a thin layer of enamel, we’ll numb the area first so that you don’t feel any discomfort. We can also administer a sedative like nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help you feel at ease if you’re overly worried or have a hard time sitting still for long periods.