Part two in our continuing series on cosmetic dentistry procedures is about dental veneers. Dental veneers are custom made thin shells of ceramic material that are applied to front of one’s teeth. These veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth and to protect them. They can correct problems such as tooth cracks and chips, worn tooth enamel, uneven smiles (tooth alignment), spacing and staining. Veneers are often referred to as instant orthodontics.

Porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers are the two known types of veneers. Porcelain veneers are more expensive but they last longer than composite resin. Porcelain veneers can cost up to $2600 and they can last for more than 15 years. Composite resin will cost up to $1400 and can a lifespan of five to seven years.

The placement of porcelain veneers usually take place over a period of two months with several dental visits. In the first step, one must a through examination done by a Miami dentist. This examination includes a smile design (makeover) consultation in which the dentist will explain to the patient how they will create a new smile for them. The cosmetic dentist may also show a computer generated image of what the patient might look like after he is done. In the next step, the Miami cosmetic dentist must remove enamel from every tooth getting a veneer. The amount of enamel removed is about 0.3 – 0.7 millimeters (the thinkness of egg shell or fingernail). In other step, the dentist must make an impression of the patient’s teeth.  This mold of teeth is then sent to a dental laboratory where a lab technician uses them to create the custom veneers.

In the next appointment, the dentist make sure the veneers are the right fit and color for the patient. If they are not, other sets of veneers will be made until the right look and fit is found.  Next, the cosmetic dentist will bond the porcelain veneers to the patient’s teeth.

If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in Miami, feel free to contact us and we will try to help you in the best way possible.

Part one of this series, Miami cosmetic dentistry procedures is about teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is the process of restoring stained or discolored teeth back to their natural white color. Whitening also called bleaching can be achieved in several different ways. Teeth whitening techniques include in office tooth whitening, take home whitening kits and store bought whitening kits.

In the office tooth whitening procedure, the cosmetic dentist applies a bleaching gel that contains hydrogen peroxide to the patient’s teeth. The procedure calls the patient to sit through two consecutive sessions each lasting about 15-30 minutes. Throughout the sessions an ultraviolet light (laser light) is used to help speed up the process. This procedure offers the fastest results for Miami teeth whitening but it also the most costly with an average price of $700 per visit.

The main options for take home whitening kits are take home whitening trays and whitening strips. Whitening trays also called teeth bleaching kits can only be obtain from a licensed dentist. These kits can provide the best results because they can be applied to one’s teeth over a prolonged period of time. The results can last for a period of up to six months. These kits contain custom fitting trays with the bleaching gel inside or in syringes that can be added before its used. The trays are made from a flexible material (usually plastic) and they protect the gums from becoming irritated by the bleaching gel. Popular brands include Zoom! Weekender Kit, Nite White Turbo, NiteWhite and DayWhite ACP by Discus Dental and Ultradent’s Opalescence. These products can cost up from $50 to $400.

One of the relatively new products in Miami cosmetic dentistry procedures are tooth whitening strips. Whitening strips are thin, flexible pieces of plastic coated with the hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel. The advantage of whitening strips is the ease of use. One just has to place the strips firmly on their upper and lower teeth. The prices can range from $13 to $60.

Prices for cosmetic dentistry can vary greatly between different cosmetic dentists and cosmetic dentistry practices. Miami cosmetic dentistry costs range from $300 for a do it yourself tooth whitening kit to $45,000 for a full mouth reconstruction.

You should make sure that you spend the appropriate amount to get an excellent cosmetic dentist since cosmetic dentistry can significantly affect your health and appearance. Remember you are paying for quality; you shouldn’t be thrifty when you’re talking about your smile. You should proceed with caution if a dentist gives quotes for procedures that are lower than average. Other the other hand higher prices than average may not equal the quality of work done.

When attempting to look into Miami Cosmetic Dentistry cost, you should meet with as many dentists as you possibly can. We have numerous resources here that you can have a look into and there are many links throughout the site that can assist you in comparing different dental practices in Miami. It never hurts to compare as many as these as possible because that will give you a ballpark figure of how much you should spend on your cosmetic dentistry.

You might be asking yourself, why is cosmetic dentistry so expensive? You should know that qualified cosmetic dentists spend a huge amount of money on education and time in honing their skills. They are not general dentists and command higher prices for their services. Also since cosmetic dentistry is not considered to be a part of general dentistry, most dental insurance only cover a part of the costs. Finally, the materials, equipment and labs like used in cosmetic dentistry are expensive.

Cost should only be one of several factors when you are thinking about cosmetic dentistry. In the future we will go into further details about the costs of specific procedures.