Cosmetic Dentist Serving Grafton & Auburn

In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular. More and more of our patients come to us wanting to make changes to their smiles, and we love helping each of them plan and achieve the picture-perfect look they desire. Whether you’re interested in professional teeth whitening, veneers, or cosmetic bonding, Dr. Joseph Kern and his dedicated team offer a variety of treatment options that can help you achieve your smile goals. If you’re interested in scheduling a cosmetic dentistry consultation to find out more about our variety of services, contact us today. We can’t wait to see your smile.

Metal-Free Restorations

All-ceramic, metal-free, restorations blur the line between cosmetic and restorative care. While these crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges restore the full form and function to damaged teeth, they also improve the overall appearance of patients’ smiles. Unlike traditional gold restorations, the all-ceramic material blends seamlessly into smiles. Even the more cosmetic porcelain bonded to metal restorations begin to develop a darker appearance as the porcelain layer wears. All-ceramic crowns, inlays, onlays, and bridges are made from a single block of ceramic, which means they retain the natural-looking shade for years blending flawlessly with smiles. Patients who experience allergies or sensitivity to metal will also benefit from restoration utilizing these metal-free materials. The placement process is no different than that for more traditional restorations, and we can even craft metal-free crowns, inlays, onlays, and more in just one visit to our office using the CEREC milling unit.

Direct Bonding

Applied directly to the surfaces of teeth, direct bonding is one of the most conservative cosmetic dentistry solutions. Sometimes referred to simply as bonding or cosmetic bonding, this service uses a tooth-colored composite resin to correct or conceal minor chips, cracks, gaps, stains, and other smile irregularities. In addition to being the most conservative option, direct bonding also saves patients time. The entire process is completed in just one office visit. We may remove or reshape some enamel, but in most cases, even this small amount of dental preparation is unnecessary. The bonding agent is applied directly to the surface of the tooth where it is shaped into the ideal position concealing or correcting the damaged area. Then, we harden the material into position using a curing light. The final product is smoothed and polished to blend seamlessly with the natural smile line. Depending on the number of teeth being treated, the whole process usually takes less than an hour from start to finish, and the beautiful results will last for years with proper care.

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In-Practice Tooth Whitening

Unlike over the counter teeth whitening products available from most retailers, professional tooth whitening is able to deliver on its promise to brighten your smile. Dr. Kern trusts the Opalescence Boost in-office whitening system to safely, effectively brighten patients’ smiles. In most cases, we’re able to help patients achieve results up to ten shades brighter in just about an hour. The in-office Opalescence treatment has a number of benefits for patients. In addition to the fast results, whitening performed under the dentist’s direct supervision offers increased safety and more predictable results. Opalescence has a number of formulas that benefit those patients who experience dental sensitivity as well.

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At-Home Tooth Whitening

The Opalescence line also includes customizable take-home whitening treatments. For those patients who would like to see more gradual changes in their smile’s brightness, those who have dental sensitivity, and those who would simply prefer to whiten at home, we’re happy to create a custom whitening plan using professional grade Opalescence whitening products that deliver the same dramatic results over the course of about two weeks of consistent treatment. We will adjust dosages, wear times, and other factors to best fit patients’ schedules, budgets, and desired result timeline. Unlike store brand tray whitening systems, our take-home kits include a custom fitted application tray. This keeps the whitening agent on teeth and neutralizing saliva out for improved results.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

In the past, amalgam fillings have been the standard in dental care, but in recent years, most dental practices have started to shift to the more conservative and cosmetically superior tooth-colored filling materials. Amalgam is a durable material, but after years of research, dental practitioners have noted a number of concerns associated with these restorations. Amalgam expands and contracts with changes in temperature, which may cause it to break away from the tooth exposing it to further decay or damage. In order to prepare teeth for amalgam fillings, healthy dental structure needs to be removed to hold the filling in place. Conversely, tooth-colored composite resin fillings are bonded directly with the tooth enamel creating a stronger bond, and the material expands and contracts due to changes in temperature at a rate more consistent with the natural dental structure. Added to their cosmetic superiority, these oral health benefits make tooth-colored fillings the ideal restoration material.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a great option for patients who have a number of minor cosmetic flaws they want to conceal. Rather than undergoing extensive restorative or orthodontic treatment, a porcelain veneer instantly refreshes patients’ smiles. The process is simple and typically requires two appointments to complete. During an initial visit, we prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of surface enamel. Then, we capture impressions that are used by a trusted dental lab to craft a custom veneer. In the meantime, we place a temporary veneer that protects teeth. When the final restoration is returned, patients exchange the temporary for the custom veneer.

Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry

Piggy bank atop model teeth representing cost of cosmetic dentistry in Grafton

Are you ready to achieve the smile of your dreams? It’s only natural to want to know how much cosmetic dentistry in Grafton and Auburn costs before you’re ready to commit to a treatment. At Kern Family Dentistry, we want you to feel confident and well-informed about any decision you make for your oral health. When you visit us for your consultation, we’ll give you custom estimates on the treatments you’re interested in. Read on as we cover important information about the price of cosmetic dentistry in Grafton and Auburn.

What Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?

Closeup of a beautiful smile after cost of cosmetic dentistry in Auburn

We offer a wide range of cosmetic dental services. Each one comes at its own price point and can help you achieve different looks for your smile depending on your goals. Several of our treatments are versatile and can be used to address several different types of flaws, while others are more focused on achieving one specific improvement. Let’s review some of our most popular cosmetic treatments and how their prices compare.

Direct Bonding – Direct bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin to mold over imperfections like chips and gaps. Not only is this treatment quick and easy, but it’s also a very cost-effective way to address numerous types of dental problems! However, it’s important to keep in mind that it will need to be redone every few years to maintain results.
Teeth Whitening – Another very popular and inexpensive service we offer is professional teeth whitening! We’re proud to have in-office treatments and take-home kits to help you achieve a dazzling smile in a way that works best for you. The results are stunning and can last a year or longer with the proper care!
Veneers – Veneers are by no means the cheapest cosmetic treatment out there, but they may just be the most comprehensive. These ultra-thin, custom-made shells of dental porcelain can fit over the front-facing portion of one or more teeth, allowing you to completely redesign its size, shape, and color! Plus, veneers are durable, stain-resistant, and can last 15 years or more.
Metal-Free Restorations – If you have a cavity or broken tooth, we want to help you restore the function and appearance of your smile. That’s why we offer metal-free restorations like tooth-colored fillings! While these restorative services are rarely used solely for cosmetic purposes, they can help improve the appearance of your smile. Plus, they often receive some form of dental insurance coverage!

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be An Investment Worth Making

Dentist calculating how to make cosmetic dentistry affordable in Grafton

Unfortunately, cosmetic dentistry is not covered by dental insurance. Many people are wary of investing in cosmetic dentistry because they don’t want to spend money on something just for appearances. However, cosmetic dentistry is about so much more than just looks! When you improve your smile with cosmetic dental treatments, you can potentially save a tremendous amount of money in future oral healthcare costs since you’ll feel more compelled to take care of your pearly whites. You’ll also naturally smile more often, which is proven to reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

But the benefits don’t stop there! Countless studies show that a person’s smile is one of their most memorable features when making a first impression. Researchers have discovered time and time again that bright, flawless teeth can make a person appear more successful, trustworthy, attractive, and confident. In fact, it could make all the difference in a job interview or on a first date. We firmly believe that cosmetic dentistry is an investment worth making, and we will be happy to work with you to make the smile of your dreams as affordable as possible.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

cosmetic

You can have the smile you’ve always wanted with cosmetic dentistry in Grafton; however, elective procedures are a big investment. Don’t worry, we’ll explain everything during your cosmetic consultation , so you feel 100% confident about the road ahead. While you wait for your appointment, here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions to calm your nerves.

Am I a candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry can resolve countless aesthetic concerns, like discoloration, chips, or alignment problems. However, your candidacy for any treatment depends on your oral and general health. If you have any untreated dental issues, like tooth decay or gum disease, they must be resolved before benefiting from cosmetic procedures. Although it may add another step to your plan, a healthy smile is crucial to ensuring your investment succeeds.

Which cosmetic procedures are right for me?

There’s not a cookie-cutter treatment to create a beautiful smile because everyone’s mouth and goals differ. As a result, there’s no way to know which procedures you’ll need without first examining your smile. Your cosmetic dentist in Grafton will assess your mouth, learn more about your concerns, and understand your goals to establish a personalized strategy to revamp your smile, which can include:

Metal-Free Restorations
Direct Bonding
Teeth Whitening
Tooth-Colored Fillings
Porcelain Veneers

How much does cosmetic dentistry cost?

Since every treatment is unique, there’s not a flat fee for cosmetic dentistry. Various factors affect the amount you’ll pay, such as the type of procedure and the complexity of your case. After creating a treatment plan, we will provide you with an estimate and explain the fees. We believe everyone deserves an attractive smile, no matter their budget. We offer several solutions to keep the smile of your dreams affordable. Besides traditional payment methods, our office also accepts third-party financing. You can pay for your new smile in monthly installments based on your credit approval. Rest assured, you’ll know exactly what you’ll have to pay, so you won’t be surprised by any hidden fees.

Can I use my dental insurance to pay for cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is elective, which means it’s rarely covered under dental insurance. However, there are some exceptions. Many cosmetic procedures also provide restorative advantages, like metal-free restorations or direct bonding. If a treatment is necessary for your dental health, you may be able to use your coverage to offset the cost. Your insurance can pay up to 80% after reaching your deductible. If applicable, a member of our dental team will file the required claim forms to maximize your coverage.

How long will my results last?

Every procedure has a different lifespan, and several factors contribute to the duration of your results. You can help ensure your new smile thrives by committing to your oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist at least twice a year for a cleaning and checkup. It’s best to avoid anything that may compromise your results, like using your teeth as tools or chewing on inedible objects.

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