If you struggle with confidence in your smile because of an accident or poor dental care in the past, you may wonder if you’re destined for a lifetime of smiling with your mouth closed. But fear not, because cosmetic dentistry solutions can help you regain your smile.

Many dentists perform cosmetic dental procedures, including crowns, veneers, teeth whitening, and more. So, if you’re interested in improving the aesthetic appearance of your teeth, a dentist in Cumming, GA, can help.

Which dental procedures are considered cosmetic?

A dental procedure is considered cosmetic if it approves your smile’s appearance. Also called aesthetic dentistry, common cosmetic procedures include:

• Teeth whitening
• Clear aligners
• Veneers
• Crowns
• Implants
• Dentures
• Tooth-colored fillings

It’s important to note that just because a procedure falls into the category of “cosmetic” doesn’t mean it’s not also medically necessary.

For example, a dental crown is typically placed after a root canal to treat a damaged or infected tooth, which might be critical to maintaining good oral health. Another dental solution, veneers, is often considered cosmetic but may sometimes be used to treat broken teeth or decay.

What do veneers do?

Veneers are a non-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves adhering a covering to your tooth. Veneers are often used as an alternative to dentures or to fix issues from minor tooth issues, like cracks or chips, to more serious problems, like teeth grinding (bruxism) or misalignment. There are several types of veneers, including:

• Porcelain: Porcelain veneers tend to be the most popular choice because they’re made of long-lasting, stain-resistant ceramic.
• Lumineers: Lumineers are a specific brand of porcelain veneers that are thinner and more affordable.
• Composite resin: An economical alternative to porcelain veneers in cosmetic dentistry, composite resin veneers are tooth-colored and can be fitted in one appointment. However, the lower cost may also mean replacing them sooner than a set of porcelain veneers.
• Snap-on: Clip-on veneers are a removable set that fits over your existing teeth, meaning you can take them in and out as needed. Snap-on veneers tend to be more affordable than a permanent option, but you may need to replace them sooner.

Will dental insurance cover veneers?

Insurance companies typically don’t cover cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers unless deemed medically necessary.

If your primary motivation for getting veneers is to change the color of your teeth or cover chips and gaps, your dental insurance will likely not cover the procedure.

However, if you’re getting veneers to replace a missing tooth from an accident, insurance may cover some or all of the cost. It’s best to contact your insurance company directly to confirm if they’ll cover dental veneers based on your unique situation.

The bottom line

Unless a cosmetic dentistry procedure like veneers is deemed medically necessary, you’ll likely need to cover the cost out of pocket. But the improved satisfaction with your smile can be well worth the cost.