Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is something that most insurance companies refuse to pay for.  Anything that is not absolutely necessary and that is primarily designed to improve the appearance of the teeth is considered cosmetic dentistry.

That means that porcelain veneers, teeth whitening and in some cases dental implants are all considered cosmetic dentistry.

Of course, what we believe is necessary, (and probably you as well) and what the insurance companies believe is necessary, are generally two completely different things.  Unfortunately, we live in a world where appearances do mean something.  People with black or broken teeth are generally lumped into groups that they probably do not like being lumped into.

For example, when someone sees a person with broken, stained, or black teeth, they typically believe (without even talking to the person) that they have inferior intelligence, or that they just don’t take care of themselves and are possibly lazy.  The fact is, some people just have weaker teeth, just like some people can't jump as far as the average person, or are shorter than average.

While in some cases these assumptions may indeed be true, in a lot of cases they are not.  It’s a fact that genes typically play a role in dental health.  Some people can just look at candy at get cavities; others can eat candy, never brush, and go most of their lives getting few or no cavities.

Others can drink coffee all day, every day, and rarely have to worry about stains and have perfectly white teeth.  Another person may have a cup a day and their teeth will quickly take on a yellowish tint.  It’s not fair, it’s just life.

The point of all this:  There is nothing wrong with wanting to go a little beyond dental health, and delve into the world of cosmetic dentistry.  It can increase you confidence and decrease the unfair views others may have about you.

To explore this subject further, take a look at our section on teeth whitening.