A Highlight on Cosmetic Dentistry: Transform Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Prior

As healthcare professionals, the focus of most dentists is on preventative care designed to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Healthy smiles, however, are also beautiful smiles, and cosmetic dentistry can make your smile even more beautiful by correcting aesthetic imperfections, improving symmetry, and complementing your facial features with better overall balance.  

The Difference Between General and Cosmetic Dentistry

General and cosmetic dentistry are two different branches of dental medicine that focus on different goals. General dentistry aims at achieving and maintaining optimal oral health through preventative and restorative care such as dental exams and dental cleanings to prevent tooth decay. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the improvement and enhancement of the aesthetic appearance of the teeth, gums, lips, and overall smile.  

Popular Treatments Used in Cosmetic Dentistry

Some of the most commonly used cosmetic dental treatments include:

• Professional Teeth Whitening - Professional teeth whitening can be performed in the office or administered with take-home kits. It's faster, safer, and more effective than over-the-counter whitening treatments.  

• Dental Veneers - Thin shells of porcelain or composite resin, dental veneers cover the visible front surfaces of the teeth, hiding imperfections and creating a more aesthetically pleasing look.  

• Cosmetic Bonding - Cosmetic dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to correct the appearance of the teeth. It can be applied, molded, shaped, and smoothed to hide imperfections or restore the look of damaged teeth.  

• Invisalign - Clear aligner trays are used to address orthodontic issues such as crooked, crowded, or irregularly spaced teeth while improving bite and jaw alignment.  

• Dental Crowns - Dental crowns completely cap the visible portion of a tooth.  

• Dental Bridges - Dental bridges replace one or several consecutive missing teeth.  

• Dental Implants - Denta implants can replace one or more teeth by supporting a crown, bridge, or denture.  

• Gum Contouring - Gum contouring removes excessive gum tissue to balance the gumline and lengthen the appearance of the teeth.  

The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry offers several benefits that are primarily focused on improving the aesthetic appearance of the smile by improving, enhancing, and balancing the look of the teeth, gums, and lips.  The benefits of cosmetic dentistry include:

• More attractive smile

• Corrected aesthetic imperfections

• Improved smile symmetry

• A whiter, brighter smile

• A balanced and even gumline

• A more youthful appearance

• Boosted self-confidence

• A more professional appearance

• More positive first impressions

In addition to the aesthetic benefits of cosmetic dentistry, some treatments with cosmetic benefits (such as orthodontics, bonding, implants, and crowns) also provide restorative benefits that improve the health and strength of your smile.

‍Could You Benefit From Cosmetic Dental Care in Ballwin?‍

If you aren't happy with the appearance of your smile, then cosmetic dentistry might be able to help improve your confidence, allowing you to smile freely and proudly.  Patients with the following concerns can benefit from cosmetic dental treatments:

• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth

• Irregularly sized or shaped teeth

• Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth

• Wide tooth gaps

• Stained or discolored teeth

• Gummy smile (excessive gingival display)

• Missing teeth

• Smile asymmetry

If you don't like the appearance of your smile or have minor imperfections that prevent you from showing off your pearly whites, then cosmetic dentistry can help you turn your smile dreams into reality.

‍The Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry: Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Treatments?

‍How Much Does Cosmetic Dental Care Cost?

The cost of cosmetic dentistry can vary greatly, depending on several factors such as your complete treatment plan, the services and treatments you choose, the type of teeth being worked on, and more. For example, the cost of cosmetic dental care could range from a few hundred for professional teeth whitening in Ballwin to tens of thousands for more extensive dental work such as a full set of porcelain dental veneers.  

‍Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Cosmetic Dental Care?

For the most part, cosmetic dental care is not covered by insurance. However, every insurance policy is different, and some plans might include coverage for certain cosmetic services. Additionally, cosmetic treatments might provide a health benefit or be needed as a result of an accident or injury. In these cases, where medical necessity can be proven, insurance might cover some of the costs associated with care.  

‍Payment Options and Deals on Cosmetic Dentistry at 100 West Dental

At 100 West Dental, we see beauty in every smile, and our goal is to help our patients see the beauty in each of their smiles, too! That's why we offer a variety of payment options, plans, and discounts aimed to help make dental care and cosmetic treatments more affordable.  

‍Free Consultation and Treatment Options

‍All cosmetic dental consultations (performed online or in our office) are completely free of charge. We wish to empower our patients to see the potential in their smiles and make informed decisions about their dental care. We also offer a comprehensive menu of cosmetic treatments designed to provide patients with several treatment options at different budget-friendly price points. We'll discuss these options with you, estimated costs, and expected insurance coverage.  

‍The 100 Club VIP Membership

‍Our 100 Club VIP Membership aims to make dental care affordable for all patients - even those without dental insurance. Available for a flat monthly or annual fee, our wellness plan includes a comprehensive list of preventative and general dentistry treatments and services in addition to a discount on a variety of cosmetic and restorative treatments.  

‍Website Special on Dental Veneers

‍Patients who mention visiting the website receive $500 off of eight or more dental veneers.  

‍Request a Free Consultation With Our Top-Rated Cosmetic Dentist

If you want to revitalize your smile with cosmetic dentistry, but don't know where to begin, start by scheduling a free in-person or virtual consultation with our cosmetic dentist in Ballwin. Dr. Prior at 100 West Dental was voted the top cosmetic dentist by St. Louis Magazine's A-List Readers' Choice Awards, and our team is always committed to delivering the highest quality of service, an elevated treatment experience, and personalized dental care plans for every unique patient.  To learn more about cosmetic dental service by 100 West Dental or to find out how we can makeover your smile, we welcome you to contact our office to schedule your free in-person or virtual consultation.