Cosmetic Dentistry – Corbin, KY

How Do Teeth Become Discolored in the First Place?

Teeth discoloration is unfortunately part of the natural aging process. As we get older, our enamel (the white outermost layer of our teeth) thins, revealing more of the yellowish layer of dentin underneath. In addition, certain habits such as smoking, using certain medications, poor oral hygiene, and frequent consumption of staining foods and drinks can cause yellow or brown discoloration of the teeth. Genetics may also play a part in the exact shade of your pearly whites.

Whatever the cause of your dental discoloration, we have several treatments you can choose from to attain a beautifully white smile again.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?

Ultimately, only a dentist can tell you whether you’re a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. However, virtually any patient who is dissatisfied with some aesthetic aspect of their smile could benefit from at least one of the procedures described on this page.

In general, we do ask that patients looking to undergo cosmetic treatments have generally healthy teeth beforehand. If, at your consultation, we detect issues like gum disease or cavities, those problems must be addressed prior to receiving cosmetic treatments.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Ever Appropriate for Children?

In most cases, we usually recommend cosmetic dentistry to adults only, as their oral structures have finished developing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that a child or teenager could never benefit from these services. Many teens are conscious of their image and elect to brighten their smiles with Zoom! teeth whitening. We might also suggest dental bonding to fix a younger child’s chipped or cracked tooth. If your child is interested in cosmetic dentistry, it couldn’t hurt to schedule a consultation so they can examine their options with Dr. Whitaker.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by My Insurance?

The answer to this question depends on both the type of procedure you’re receiving and your individual insurance policy. Some cosmetic procedures are substantially covered under most dental insurance plans, while others are almost never covered. In some cases, a cosmetic treatment might overlap into restorative dentistry (such as metal-free restorations) and be partially covered by your insurance. However, don’t expect any coverage without first consulting your insurance company. If you need help getting in touch with them, our team will go above and beyond in filling out your paperwork for you and maximizing your benefits.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

Many people feel anxious about dental work and wonder whether elected cosmetic procedures are safe. Thankfully, yes, as long as a trained professional provides them, they’re generally considered safe for most patients. However, that doesn’t mean everyone is a great fit for every treatment. Before you can proceed, you must schedule a consultation with Dr. Whitaker. At your appointment, our team will update your medical history and list of medications, as well as examine your current dental condition, to ensure that we don’t recommend anything that might interfere with your overall well-being.

For example, if you’re eager to brighten your smile but we find a cavity during your visit, we’ll treat it first because applying a bleaching agent over tooth decay can cause severe discomfort.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

How long your recently upgraded grin retains its new look depends on how well you take care of it. Some treatments, like veneers, can last up to 25 years as long as you consistently clean them. Other services, like professional teeth whitening, last months to years but will likely need to be repeated to maintain the perfect shade.

Generally, the better your at-home hygiene routine, the longer your results will stick around. You should also visit us every six months for a routine checkup and cleaning so we can monitor your condition and help maintain your cosmetics.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

It’s natural to want to avoid long, agonizing procedures but fortunately, cosmetic dentistry doesn’t usually fall into that category. In fact, a majority of the services are considered minimally or non-invasive so that you can set your concerns aside. Some treatments, like teeth whitening and dental bonding, probably don’t require a topical anesthetic because they typically don’t cause adverse effects. Others, like getting veneers, require removing some of your enamel, but our team will numb the area first.

Furthermore, Dr. Whitaker knows that many people experience dental anxiety and is licensed to administer sedatives to help you feel relaxed and comfortable the entire time.

Why Is Cosmetic Dentistry So Popular?

For the majority of the history of the field of dentistry, the focus was on preventing and treating problems that interfere with your oral health. It’s only been in the last several decades that elective services to improve your appearance have gained so much traction.

This could be due in part to the ongoing advancement of dental technologies, resources, and techniques. Services that once used supplies that only the rich and famous could afford, like veneers, have evolved and are now made from more affordable materials to be less costly.

Not only that, but many providers (including us) offer flexible financing. If your application is approved, you can break up your final invoice into more manageable installments that won’t break the bank!