Cosmetic Dental Care Austin, TX
Patients can receive cosmetic dental care to improve the appearance of their smiles. Unlike traditional dental care that helps patients maintain or improve oral health, cosmetic dental care aims to restore or improve the look of teeth, gums, and overall smile. Cosmetic dentists have treatments to whiten discolored teeth, reshape gums, replace missing teeth, and enhance the mouth's overall appearance.
Cosmetic dental care is available at Austin Lifetime Dental in Austin and the surrounding area to help give you a smile that you have always wanted. These treatments can boost your confidence and help you love your smile. Call us at (512) 387-9049 to schedule an appointment and find out which treatment is the best for you.
Understanding What Cosmetic Dental Care Is
Cosmetic dental care provides elective or desired treatments and services to improve a patient's smile. People may want cosmetic dental care for various reasons, from color correction to replacing missing teeth. According to the American Dental Association, teeth discoloration is one of the most common cosmetic complaints, with 90% of patients wishing their teeth were whiter. Cosmetic dentistry can also solve issues like gums covering too much of the teeth surface or misshaped teeth.
Some cosmetic dentistry forms have been around since ancient times, but modern technology has led to great improvements in the last few decades. The materials used in treatments today are much more durable and natural-looking. While cosmetic dental care's primary aim is to improve appearance, treatments can also provide restorative benefits. An example of this is dental fillings, which are considered restorative and cosmetic to a certain extent. Patients can opt to use porcelain or composite filling material to match their teeth color and maintain their natural appearance.
“Cosmetic dental care provides elective or desired treatments and services to improve a patient’s smile.”
The Initial Consultation
It is important for patients to carefully research before choosing a cosmetic dental treatment and dentist. The best treatment option depends on each patient's wants and needs. A cosmetic dentist's consultation will guide the best treatment plan and set up realistic treatment expectations. As cosmetic dentistry is an elective treatment, it is also important for people to research the treatment cost and discuss coverage with their insurance provider. Patients should also consider the time and cost it takes to get the treatment, the number of follow-up appointments, and the required upkeep.
During the initial consultation, we work with patients to discover the smile they are looking for and address their primary concerns. X-rays provide us with a solid idea of the current state of the mouth and the treatments needed. We will also have a thorough discussion of the patient's health history and current oral condition and conclude with a physical examination. After the exam, patients can hear the cosmetic dentist's recommendations and ask any questions about the services available, cost, and post-care maintenance before deciding on a treatment. Upon gathering all important information, we curate a customized treatment plan for the patient, including all of the treatments they may need.
“Patients should also consider the time and cost it takes to get the treatment, the number of follow-up appointments, and the required upkeep.”
Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Care
Cosmetic dental care can have a greater impact than just improved appearance. According to a 2013 study, dental esthetics affect not only self-confidence but also social well-being. A smile is one of the first things people notice about a person. Missing, discolored, or crooked teeth can negatively affect this first impression. Cosmetic dental care is a popular way for people to boost their self-esteem and help them smile confidently.
Being primarily an aesthetic factor, cosmetic treatments allow patients to pick and choose the types of services that best meet their desired results. It also allows dentists to try and achieve those results and work around any conditions the patient may have. Cosmetic dental care helps maintain the longevity of treatments and keeps the oral cavity healthy.
“Cosmetic dental care is a popular way for people to boost their self-esteem and help them smile confidently.”
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Home Care Routines
Recommended home care routines will differ from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment. Patients should always continue practicing general oral hygiene regimens along with their recommended home care routine. We will discuss specific routines with each patient following their treatment and give them any necessary instructions and tools to use at home, when applicable.
Patients with dental implants are advised to brush their teeth using a soft toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste and floss twice daily with an unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss. It is important to brush gently under, in, and around the implant to clean hard-to-reach areas. We also recommend using an oral irrigator to ensure that bacteria and plaque are removed throughout the mouth.
For patients undergoing gum contouring and teeth whitening treatments, we advise rest and avoiding rigorous activity such as biting and chewing. As the gums and teeth heal, patients should avoid spicy, sticky, and acidic foods and beverages. They should continue to brush their teeth two to three times daily and floss at least once a day.
“Recommended home care routines will differ from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is cosmetic dental care?
Q. What are dental care routines for cosmetic treatments?
Q. What should people consider before seeking cosmetic dental care?
Q. What are the benefits of cosmetic dental care?
Q. What home care routine should I follow?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of composite fillings?
Q. How are dental veneers placed?
Dental Care Routines
For all cosmetic treatments, patients are advised on dental care routines for their individualized treatment plans. This may include home care and maintenance, dental care practices, and other specific instructions related to their specific treatment. In most cases, we recommend patients exercise the same care guidelines set by dental professionals.
A cosmetic dentist will likely recommend their patients brush twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed. We advise that patients undergoing cosmetic treatments brush their teeth after every meal to ensure their teeth and gums remain clean and healthy. This also helps with healing and prevents tooth decay and tooth loss. We also recommend patients floss and rinse at least once a day to remove tiny food particles and debris. Lastly, patient follow-ups are critical as they ensure treatment and recovery are going as planned, and allow providers to make alterations or offer suggestions as needed.
“We advise that patients undergoing cosmetic treatments brush their teeth after every meal to ensure their teeth and gums remain clean and healthy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does cosmetic dentistry differ from general dentistry?
A. General dentists focus on maintaining and restoring oral health. Cosmetic dentists focus on improving the look of the smile using elective procedures. This type of dentistry combines science and art to enhance aesthetics.
Q. How long does cosmetic dental care take?
A. Procedure length can vary. Some treatments, like teeth whitening, may only take one relatively short visit with the dentist. Other treatments, like dental implants and braces, will take a series of appointments. Patients can research or ask about treatment duration during a consultation.
Q. Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
A. The cost of cosmetic procedures varies greatly from one treatment to another. Every insurance policy is different, and not all cover cosmetic dental care. Contact your insurance company to see if they cover any procedure so you can plan financially.
Q. Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dental care?
A. Cosmetic dental care can benefit many people with cosmetic dentistry issues. People with misaligned, stained, worn, broken, chipped, or misshapen teeth can find solutions through cosmetic dentistry. Good candidates should also take good care of their oral health by brushing and flossing regularly.
Q. Are there side effects of cosmetic dental services?
A. There are generally few side effects to cosmetic care. For less complicated treatments, the patient may notice a little sensitivity in the teeth or gums. This discomfort should go away after a few days. More invasive procedures like implants may cause discomfort, swelling, and bleeding after treatment. These side effects typically also only last a short amount of time.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Having a beautiful smile is a confidence booster. Learn about how you can enhance your smile by speaking to our team at Austin Lifetime Dental. Call us today at 512-387-9049 to schedule an appointment and discuss the best treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Austin Lifetime Dental was established in 2022.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: Austin, West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Rollingwood, Lost Creek, Tarrytown, Hyde Park, Oak Hill, Austin Lake Hills and Bee Cave
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