Cosmetic Dentistry – Hamden, CT

Cosmetic dental services are available at a wide range of prices, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars or more. The more affordable treatments include teeth whitening and dental bonding, whereas veneers and total smile makeovers tend to be on the higher end of the price spectrum.

If you are concerned about costs, let our team know your budget so we can try to adjust your treatment accordingly. We can also help you understand your payment options, including low-interest financing through CareCredit.

Also, remember that even though cosmetic dentistry might seem expensive, it can be viewed as an investment with the potential to bring you years of benefits!

Dental insurance almost never covers the cost of services that are classified as elective. Therefore, you should not expect your insurance to help you pay for teeth whitening, veneers, or other treatments whose benefits are primarily aesthetic.

However, some services are beneficial for oral health and can enhance your smile. These treatments may be partially covered by insurance. Metal-free crowns often fall into this category. In some cases, policies that include orthodontic coverage will help pay for Invisalign.

Our practice welcomes insurance, and we can help you understand how your benefits may apply.

Most cosmetic services are minimally invasive or non-invasive, so there is very little risk of something going seriously wrong. In fact, as long as your treatment is performed by a qualified team, there is almost no chance that you will experience a severe adverse outcome. You are likely to love your results, and your smile’s health is not likely to suffer.

Cosmetic dentistry can be risky if you receive care from someone who is not qualified, or you attempt unproven smile-enhancing techniques. For example, you might seriously damage your tooth enamel if you use extremely abrasive ingredients to whiten your teeth.

Cosmetic dentistry might be right for you if:

• You are not happy with the way your teeth look.
• You believe that cosmetic treatment would boost your self-confidence.
• You have chipped, broken, or stained teeth.
• You are ready to invest in your aesthetic goals.

During your consultation, our team can give you a realistic preview of your treatment plan so you can make a well-informed decision about whether to move ahead with cosmetic services.

Before preparing to place your bridge, we will make sure that you don’t feel an ounce of pain by completely numbing the area of the mouth with a local anesthetic. After your teeth are prepared to support a bridge, it’s possible that they might feel slightly sensitive for the next few days. However, this discomfort should not last long and can normally be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. If you’re receiving an implant bridge, you may experience mild soreness after your procedure, but this can be handled by following your aftercare instructions. If you ever experience outright pain due to your dental bridge, don’t hesitate to let our office know.

A dental bridge can replace one tooth or several teeth in a row, depending on your specific needs. Most commonly, bridges are used to replace one to three missing teeth, but in some cases, they can address even more, especially when supported by dental implant posts (this is what’s known as an implant bridge). The number of teeth a bridge can replace depends on the health and strength of the surrounding teeth; during your consultation, we’ll evaluate your oral health and the extent of your tooth loss before deciding on the best type of bridge to use.

Dental bridges are designed to be a permanent solution for missing teeth and aren’t meant to be taken out at home. They are securely placed and can only be removed by your dentist, typically if the bridge is damaged, needs replacing, or if there’s an issue with the supporting teeth. If you’re experiencing discomfort or think your bridge may be an issue, it’s important to schedule a visit with us right away, as trying to remove your bridge on your own may lead to damaged teeth or gums, or even harm to the bridge itself.

To take care of your dental bridge, it’s important to maintain excellent oral hygiene—after all, it’s going to be a permanent addition to your smile moving forward. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily; these two practices are paramount. Regular dental checkups and professional cleanings are also key to keeping your bridge, as well as your overall oral health, in pristine shape. You should also avoid chewing on hard foods or using your teeth as tools to open packaging or hold objects, as these habits can cause damage to the bridge. Think of your bridge as an extension of your natural teeth, and keeping it in great shape shouldn’t be a challenge!