Get Bigger, Better Smiles with your Cosmetic Dentist
We know that the appearance of your child’s smile can be just as important as its health. A beautiful set of teeth can be a real source of self-confidence, and of course, the opposite can be true as well. If your child’s teeth need a little boost to look their best, we can provide a variety of fantastic cosmetic services. The team at Tic Tac Tooth just loves beautifying smiles because it can have such a dramatic impact on how a child feels about themselves. Below, you can explore just some of the treatments we use every day to create dream smiles.
Metal-Free Restorations
When your child needs to have one of their front teeth repaired, we know that we can’t just use a traditional silver filling to fix it. This would negatively affect their appearance, and that simply isn’t an option at Tic Tac Tooth. This is why we will only use tooth-colored metal-free restorations.
Direct Bonding
As active as children can be, it’s very common for them to get small chips and cracks on their teeth. This isn’t a big problem because we have a quick and easy treatment that can fix these exact issues. It’s called direct bonding, and it works by using a putty-like composite resin to mask any imperfections a tooth might have. After applying it, your dentist will mold it into the perfect shape, set it with a curing light, and that’s it! With proper oral hygiene, direct bonding can easily last up to 10 years or more.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Because many cosmetic dentistry services are not typically covered by insurance, it is common for parents to be concerned about their cost. We understand that, and you can rely on our team to help you navigate the financial aspect of your child’s treatment. We want your young one to enjoy a smile that is both healthy and beautiful — without breaking your family’s budget! We offer services at various price points to help our patients enjoy sound teeth and confident grins.
What Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for My Child?
There are just a few cosmetic dental services that are generally considered suitable for children. Teens have more options, but younger patients are usually limited to the following aesthetic treatments:
Metal-Free Restorations
Years ago, it was standard practice for dentists to use unsightly metal crowns and fillings in their young patients’ smiles. Today, though, better-looking options are available, such as tooth-colored fillings and porcelain crowns.
The cost of such restorations can vary. A filling might cost a couple of hundred dollars, whereas a crown may be several hundred dollars. If your child needs sedation during their procedure, you can expect the price to be higher.
Direct Bonding
Also known as dental bonding or cosmetic bonding, this service uses a tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks, and other imperfections. The process is fast; it takes just one appointment. It can provide beautiful results that last for years.
Dental bonding tends to be fairly affordable. The total price of the treatment depends on how many teeth need to be repaired and other factors.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making
Cosmetic services for your child might seem like a big expense, but it is important to think about all the advantages they can bring to your child. Young ones tend to be sensitive about their appearance, and they may be subject to teasing at school if they have obvious dental problems or metal restorations. The natural appearance provided by metal-free restorations, direct bonding, or similar procedures can allow your child to interact confidently with their peers and help them establish the basis for a lifetime of healthy self-esteem.
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
Dental insurance may or may not cover your child’s treatment. Policies tend to cover procedures if they are for restorative purposes, so your plan is likely to cover a metal-free crown. Cosmetic bonding may be less likely to receive coverage. Although our Naperville pediatric dental practice is not in-network with any insurance policies, we can still help you to navigate your benefits.
We can also help you apply for financing through CareCredit. Most patients are eligible for credit, and you might be able to choose a monthly payment amount that will not break the bank.
Your little one deserves to have a confident, healthy smile! Get in touch with us to learn more about the cost of cosmetic dentistry and how we may be able to help you fit it into your budget.
Pediatric Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
After reading the information above, you probably want your child to visit our cosmetic dentist, especially if their teeth need a little TLC. Our team of top-tier dental experts is ready to provide exceptional care to drastically improve your little one’s smile! Before moving forward with the process, you likely want to know more details. We completely understand, which is why we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions about pediatric cosmetic dentistry below. Should you not find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to reach out for personal assistance!
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
Yes! Pediatric cosmetic dental treatments are perfectly safe for children so long as they’re performed under the care of a trained professional. Of course, it’s important to note that not every treatment is right for every patient. That’s why our team will carefully examine your child’s mouth beforehand to determine which procedure is best for their growing smile. Depending on the state of their oral health, some cosmetic services may be risky.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
It depends! Because every cosmetic treatment has different methods and effects, they have varying lifespans. That said, the longevity of your child’s results will depend on the service. While direct bonding is a cost-effective and quick treatment, the results aren’t as long-lasting. They only last about three years, meaning your child will eventually need to return for touchups.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Children may be hesitant to undergo cosmetic dentistry because they’re worried it’ll be painful. Well, our team knows this which is why we work hard to make the treatment experience as comfortable as possible. The good news is that procedures like direct bonding are non-invasive, meaning they shouldn’t even require a local anesthetic!
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Change Your Child’s Life?
It may seem like enhancing your child’s smile is frivolous, but it can actually improve so many different aspects of their life. For example, they’re likely to take better care of their teeth if they like how their smile looks.
Healthy habits like brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing every day with an ADA-approved mouthwash can make a world of a difference in their oral health. In addition, studies have discovered that the physical act of smiling can lower stress levels and produce endorphins! It can also boost your child’s immune system.