Cosmetic Dentistry – Auburn, ME
Achieve the Self-Confidence You Deserve
When meeting someone for the very first time, your smile is likely to create a vivid first impression. Unfortunately, many patients would say that their own teeth aren’t creating the impression they truly want because of noticeable flaws and imperfections. At Willow Run Dental Association, we offer a variety of cosmetic services that are specifically designed to elevate the look of your teeth and create stunning, lasting improvements for your self-image. Our doctors will always take the time to not only create painstakingly personalized results, but prioritize oral health and durability in addition to aesthetic value. If you would like to attend a consultation here in Auburn, ME, you are welcome to contact us today.
Porcelain Veneers
Sometimes, our patients feel overwhelmed by the stains, chips, cracks, gaps, and other dental problems that plague their current smile. For a comprehensive makeover that only requires a few appointments of your time instead of several lengthy procedures, we are likely to recommend porcelain veneers. These high-quality restorations are carefully crafted from dental porcelain and designed to fit over the front surfaces of teeth as a lifelike shell. All at once, years and years of frustrations will be safely hidden from view behind a seamlessly attractive and lifelike replacement.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
Metal-Free Dental Restorations
Are you in need of a new dental crown, inlay, onlay, bridge, or other restoration? Today, patients no longer have to choose between replenishing their smile’s health and maintaining a wholly natural appearance. Our metal-free materials are 100% biocompatible and so similar in appearance to natural tooth enamel that they even contain the same translucent qualities. We will create your new restoration either through traditional lab fabrication or with the assistance of our state-of-the-art CEREC technology for a faster, more efficient process.
Dental Bonding
Are you hoping to correct a relatively small cosmetic flaw, such as a chip in the tooth enamel, dark spot, or thin gap between two teeth? Dental bonding is a convenient and highly effective method for completing these improvements during the span of one dental office visit. Our dentists will utilize composite resin, which comes in a spectrum of lifelike shades that will be closely matched to your smile’s color. Once we’re confident in our selection, it will be artistically sculpted into place over the area in question as a subtle addition and hardened with a hi-tech curing light.
Learn More About Direct Bonding
Teeth Whitening
As the years go by, most smiles will start to lose some of their natural glow. This may happen because of a diet that’s rich in wine and coffee or because of unavoidable factors like genetics and age. Whatever the circumstances are, these dull effects can be reversed with professional teeth whitening here in Auburn, ME. Our team offers both ZOOM! in-office whitening for fast, dramatic improvements that can be completed in a single appointment and ZOOM! take-home kits for a more convenient and gradual treatment process that can be completed on one’s own schedule.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Since cosmetic dentistry is not typically covered by dental insurance, many patients are concerned about its cost. We understand such feelings, so you can rely on us to be straightforward with you about the estimated price of any treatment you are thinking about undergoing. We will do our best to work within your budget so you can achieve your ideal smile without too much financial strain.
Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for Me?
Whether you want to achieve straighter teeth, whiter teeth, or differently sized/shaped teeth, our cosmetic dental team is ready to serve you. Here are some examples of popular treatments, along with generalized pricing information:
- Teeth whitening. If you have stubborn stains on your teeth, whitening might be able to brighten your smile by several shades. Professional dental bleaching services start out at a few hundred dollars and can cost up to $1,000 or more.
- Dental bonding. Also known as direct bonding or cosmetic bonding, this service uses a tooth-colored resin to hide imperfections in teeth. It starts out at a few hundred dollars per tooth.
- Metal-free crowns. These beautiful, lifelike restorations are a great way to renew the shape, function, and appearance of damaged teeth. Their price can vary depending on the details of each case.
- These small, custom-created pieces of porcelain can hide many dental imperfections. A full set of veneers can run tens of thousands of dollars. Although they might seem pricey, they are a good value because they can last for 15 – 20 years or longer.
- If you have mild to moderate dental misalignment, Invisalign might be ideal for you. It usually costs at least a few thousand dollars.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth the Money?
Admittedly, cosmetic dentistry can feel like a big financial undertaking. Is it really worth it? Many patients would say yes. Here are some benefits that you might experience following your treatment:
- The ability to make a powerful first impression
- Heightened confidence in social situations
- Greater success in the workplace and the dating scene
- Increased motivation to take great care of your teeth
- A more youthful, more attractive, and more approachable appearance
- A higher quality of life overall
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
In most cases, dental insurance does not cover purely elective procedures, so you should not expect your policy to help you pay for services like teeth whitening or veneers. It might cover a portion of the cost of metal-free restorations or Invisalign because such services have significant oral health benefits.
Beyond insurance, there are a few other provisions that might make it easier to afford your desired treatment:
- Specials. We periodically offer specials on cosmetic dentistry. For example, you may be eligible for a FREE consultation.
- Many patients qualify for low-interest financing through a third-party company, such as CareCredit or Sunbit. Our team can help you navigate the application process.
- Essential Dental plan. Unlike insurance, this discount plan applies to virtually all services, including cosmetic options. Signing up is easy, and you can start to use your benefits right away.
Would you like to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and its cost? Our team is ready to answer your questions. Contact Willow Run Dental Association in Auburn today.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
If you are interested in enhancing your smile with the help of cosmetic services, our Auburn dental team is ready to talk to you about your treatment options. Before you attend a consultation, though, you may want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and what it involves. Below, you will find answers to some relevant questions. If your specific questions are not included here, give us a call — we would love to personally assist you!
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
Cosmetic dental services are available at a range of price points. Some of the simpler treatments, such as teeth whitening and dental bonding, can cost as little as a few hundred dollars. Other services, such as a comprehensive smile makeover that includes multiple treatments, may run tens of thousands of dollars.
Our team wants to work within your budget, so let us know if you have financial restrictions. We will do our best to formulate a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. To help patients afford our services, we offer several payment options, including low-interest financing through trustworthy third-party companies.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Most cosmetic services are elective and do not have direct benefits for oral health. Therefore, dental insurance almost never covers things like teeth whitening and veneers.
However, your policy is much more likely to cover treatments that can both enhance your smile and significantly benefit your oral health. For example, if you have a damaged tooth that needs a restoration, your policy may cover a portion of the cost of a metal-free crown.
Our team accepts more than 200 insurance plans, and we will be happy to help you figure out how your benefits may apply.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
Generally speaking, cosmetic dentistry services are very safe. As long as you receive treatment from a qualified team, there is minimal risk that anything will go seriously wrong. Responsible dentists always strive to put their patients’ oral health and overall safety above everything else!
Cosmetic dentistry is only risky if you receive treatment from someone who is unqualified to provide it. You should also be extremely wary of DIY cosmetic treatments. Some “hacks” that you see on social media for whitening or straightening teeth can cause significant dental damage.
How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most cosmetic dental services are elective, so by their very definition, they are not necessary. Enhancing your smile is a personal decision. (The only exception is if you need a cosmetic/restorative service that would benefit your oral health. Such treatments are considered necessary.)
You might benefit from cosmetic treatments if:
- You have noticeable dental stains.
- You are dissatisfied with the shape or positioning of your teeth.
- You have chips and cracks in your teeth.
- You want to look younger and feel more confident about the way your smile looks.