Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

September 3, 2020

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

So many people have considered cosmetic dentistry for one reason or another. Anything from tooth whitening to orthodontics to veneers can completely transform your smile, and give you a new sense of confidence! Many times, choosing to improve certain aspects of your teeth’s appearance can also have real benefits to your long-term oral health.

If you’ve looked into some form of cosmetic dentistry in Winnipeg, one of the things holding you back may be a common question that many people have. Of course, talking to one of our friendly, experienced cosmetic dentists is always the best source of information for you, but we’ve answered a few common cosmetic dentistry questions here to help you out. 

What is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry describes dental procedures that are primarily intended to improve the appearance of your teeth, as opposed to the primary objective of the procedure being the health of your teeth. For this reason, most cosmetic dentistry procedures are seen as non-essential. That being said, cosmetic procedures can often have additional non-cosmetic benefits over the long-term; for example, better tooth alignment thanks to orthodontics can make at-home cleaning easier, resulting in less issues with tooth decay and cavities, and can also help with wearing of tooth enamel.

How much does cosmetic dentistry in Winnipeg cost?
The answer to this question is varied, and the best way to learn more is to book a consultation with one of our doctors. Each of our cosmetic dentists is very experienced and up-to-date on the best options available, and will talk with you to determine what you’re looking for and how best to achieve the results you want. If you have dental insurance, we can coordinate with your insurance provider to get an estimate on what portion of cosmetic procedures may be covered.

Why Tuxedo dental group for cosmetic dentistry
Tuxedo Dental Group’s dentists in Winnipeg are not just highly experienced in various cosmetic procedures, but are continually learning and training in new equipment and techniques. As experienced general dentists we will assess your concerns and offer you solutions that take the long-term health of your teeth, gums, and jaw into account. In addition to this we have an in house dental lab to custom design and produce  your custom cosmetic restorations in house.

Why should I consider a cosmetic consultation
There are so many reasons to go for it with cosmetic dentistry! While the appearance of your teeth and your smile are the primary objective of cosmetic procedures, often the procedure will have health benefits as well. Orthodontics, veneers, or dental crowns can improve the spacing and surfaces of your teeth, making them easier to keep clean and therefore decreasing the chance of tooth decay. Better tooth alignment can also help prevent wearing of your tooth enamel and decrease tooth grinding issues. Replacing a missing tooth or teeth has benefits far beyond appearances! Dental implants actually prevent the jaw bone from weakening, and filling the gap left by a missing tooth prevents the surrounding teeth from moving out of position and causing further dental issues. Just as importantly, taking the step to address a cosmetic issue with your teeth can have a big impact on self-confidence, whether in your personal or professional life. If something is keeping you from smiling, it’s well worth addressing!

How long will cosmetic dentistry treatment take?
The answer to this question depends on the cosmetic procedure you’re looking at, as well as your unique situation. In-office tooth whitening may take just one visit, while our safe, dentist-supervised at-home tooth whitening will happen over approximately one week. Veneers will typically take 2 or 3 appointments – one visit to take x-rays and scans and collect all other relevant information, and the second to approve and place your veneers. If you have a missing tooth or teeth, the length of time will depend on the solution you opt for. A dental implant requires multiple visits, as well as added time for your jawbone to heal from the placement of the implant before the restoration can be completed. A dental bridge, on the other hand, requires a comparatively less complicated procedure and shorter overall timeline (a few weeks vs several months). Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or longer, depending on everything from your age to the amount of movement that is required. To get an accurate time estimate for you, book a consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists!

How do I fix a gap or crooked teeth?
Gaps between teeth and poorly aligned teeth are generally fixed through orthodontics like braces or Invisalign. These solutions use gentle pressure to slowly move your teeth over time. In some cases, veneers or bonding may be a suitable option to close a gap or improve tooth alignment. The best solution for you will depend on your unique situation, so booking a consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists is always the best place to start.

Do I have insurance for cosmetic dentistry?
Many people have dental coverage via a group health insurance plan through their workplace. Each insurance plan is unique and has defined rules for what is covered, and how much is covered. This includes cosmetic dentistry. If you’re unsure about what’s covered in your plan, we can help! We can communicate with your insurance provider and submit an estimate for the procedure your cosmetic dentist recommends for you. This process normally takes several weeks, so be sure to account for some extra time while we wait to hear back!

Do you have more questions about cosmetic dentistry in Winnipeg?
Find more great information about our cosmetic dentistry services at the links below:

You can also see some great before-and-after stories from Tuxedo Dental Clinic patients who have had cosmetic dentistry procedures on our blog here! And of course, our cosmetic dentists would be happy to sit down with you to discuss the concerns you have with your smile – call, text, or book online here.