Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is A Good Candidate For Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most people who are in good general and oral health can be excellent candidates for cosmetic dentistry. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your teeth or smile for any reason, cosmetic dentistry can provide a solution. Whether you're dealing with discolored, chipped, cracked, or misaligned teeth, there's a cosmetic dentistry treatment that can help. However, it's important to have a thorough consultation with a cosmetic dentist, like Dr. Jared Wu, to discuss your goals, assess your oral health, and determine the most appropriate treatment options for you. It's also crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to ensure the long-term success of your cosmetic dentistry treatments.
How Is Cosmetic Dentistry Different From General Dentistry?
While general dentistry focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral health issues, cosmetic dentistry is primarily concerned with enhancing the appearance of your teeth and smile. This can include treatments to whiten teeth, correct alignment and spacing issues, replace missing teeth, and repair chipped or cracked teeth. However, many cosmetic dentistry procedures also offer restorative benefits. For example, dental implants not only replace missing teeth but also help to preserve jawbone health. Similarly, porcelain veneers can improve the appearance of your smile while also providing a protective layer for your teeth. At Cerritos Plaza Dentistry, Dr. Jared Wu combines the principles of both cosmetic and general dentistry to provide comprehensive dental care.
Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix Chipped or Cracked Teeth?
Absolutely, cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of solutions for chipped or cracked teeth. Depending on the severity and location of the damage, different treatments may be recommended. For minor chips, dental bonding can be an effective and minimally invasive solution. This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the damaged area and shaping it to match the rest of your tooth. For more severe cracks or chips, a dental crown may be recommended. This is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over the damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. As a skilled cosmetic dentist in Cerritos, Dr. Jared Wu is experienced in these and other techniques to restore your smile to its natural beauty.
Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
The coverage of cosmetic dentistry procedures can vary greatly depending on your individual insurance plan. While some insurance providers may cover a portion of the costs for cosmetic procedures that also have a restorative function, such as crowns or fillings, most cosmetic dentistry treatments are not typically covered by insurance. This is because they are often considered elective procedures, rather than necessary for oral health. However, there are exceptions to this, and your insurance may offer partial coverage in certain cases. It's always best to check with your insurance provider to understand what is and isn't covered under your plan. Dr. Jared Wu's team at Cerritos Plaza Dentistry can also assist in providing estimates and exploring financing options to make your dream smile more affordable.
What Is The Impact Of Cosmetic Dentistry On Oral Health?
While cosmetic dentistry primarily aims to enhance the appearance of your teeth, many procedures also offer significant oral health benefits. Treatments such as dental implants not only improve the look of your smile but also help preserve the jawbone and maintain the alignment of surrounding teeth. Veneers protect the surface of damaged teeth and can prevent further wear. At Cerritos Plaza Dentistry, Dr. Jared Wu ensures that cosmetic improvements work hand in hand with health benefits, giving you a smile that’s beautiful and healthy.