Your teeth are a lifetime investment. According to various studies, your smile can affect your standard of living and how people treat and perceive you.
Mankind’s obsession with the perfect smile has never been more actionable or accessible, but the cost of these elective treatments is often met with the question, ‘Is cosmetic dentistry worth it?’ The Access Dental Care team has delved into research surrounding this question to provide you with all the information you need to make a well-informed conclusion.
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that aims to improve the appearance (not necessarily functionality) of a patient’s teeth. The overall aesthetics may be improved through treating the colour, position, shape, size or alignment of a patients smile. This may involve a single or combination treatment for an overall smile transformation. Access Dental Care provides 4 cosmetic procedures, including teeth whitening, dental bonding, porcelain veneers and Invisalign. We don’t fall into the assumption that there is only one ‘perfect’ smile. We believe that a great smile should be imperfectly perfect and completely unique to each person.
What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?
The most noticeable benefits of cosmetic dentistry are (obviously) the physical appearance of your teeth. Depending on your treatment, you may also notice a functional improvement in your bite, making it easier to eat and speak. Cosmetic dental treatments also have a short recovery period, meaning you get to reap the rewards almost instantly!
Your teeth can say a lot about you: your lifestyle, diet, and self-care habits can be inferred from the condition of your teeth. Pearly whites that are well shaped and aligned have been shown to have positive effects on the social, personal and professional aspects of life.
Various studies have investigated the trickle-down effects of having a great grin. Findings suggest 90% of people view a person’s smile as their most attractive feature. Further to this, an aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile has been found to increase a person’s financial social life and relationships. Although we cannot promise life-changing benefits, it is difficult to deny the impact a cosmetically improved smile has had on many of our patients.
Does cosmetic dentistry have any disadvantages?
Transforming the health and appearance of your smile? There aren’t many significant disadvantages of undergoing a cosmetic dental treatment; however, for most, the out of pocket expenses are a deterrent. Pain can also be a concern with some cosmetic treatments, however, modern dentistry now offers many solutions for discomfort, and a discussion with your dentist will help you feel at complete ease.
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost? Is it covered by health insurance?
Cosmetic dentistry prices vary for each treatment, and health insurance cover depends on your plan. Book an appointment with your dentist to discuss the costs and your options regarding payment. Here at Access Dental Care, we accept all credit cards, GE Carecredit, teen dental, vet affairs and HICAPS. Being health fund-friendly and having an affiliation with most major health funds helps us provide more accessible dental treatments. When put in perspective, the cost of cosmetic dentistry is a small price to pay for a beautiful smile that could last a lifetime.
So, is cosmetic dentistry really worth it?
We think YES! Cosmetic dentistry triggers a multitude of benefits that may go beyond physical appearance. It’s becoming a social norm to undergo cosmetic dental procedures as we become increasingly fixated on a perfectly imperfect smile, and we don’t want to leave you behind.
The dental professionals at Access Dental Care will listen to your concerns, discuss your options and formulate a treatment plan to help achieve the smile of your dreams.
Are you happy with the shape of your smile, but suffer from stains or discolouration? Teeth whitening is for you!
Is a single tooth the culprit? Maybe dental bonding will fix it!
Do you want a complete smile makeover? Ask your dentist if porcelain veneers or Invisalign is the right course of action.
