Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that is done on patients who have otherwise healthy smiles, and cosmetic dentists have a goal for their patients to make their smiles look beautiful while also keeping them healthy at the same time.

Sometimes there's a clear connection between oral health and cosmetic dentistry, such as when a person gets braces to correct their smile, while other times cosmetic dentistry is almost entirely based around looks and not really oral health at all.

Is cosmetic dentistry right for you? So long as you don't have other oral health needs that should be given attention first, this might be the right route for you to take. Here are things to consider as you explore cosmetic dentistry.

Can You Pay for It?

Dental insurance usually won't pay for any type of cosmetic dentistry unless it's directly related to oral health, such as correcting the placement of a tooth for healthy teeth. If you want cosmetic dentistry, expect to pay for most of it out of pocket.

Here's the good news: some cosmetic dentists offer specials on the work they do to bring in clients, and may even offer a payment plan to make paying for procedures more affordable. Cosmetic dentistry you might consider paying for include teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, and other procedures.

Do You Need It?

The shape and placement of your teeth directly impact the way your facial features look, as does the shape and placement of your jaw and jaw bone. If you think you need cosmetic dentistry to make your teeth look more adult or whiter, or to help reshape your smile, get the recommendation of some cosmetic dentists first. You may find out that what you believe will look right for your smile won't actually give you the results you want.

Cosmetic dentists take into account the overall oral health of their patients before recommending any cosmetic dentistry procedures. They also factor in the face shapes of their patients as well as their ages so they can approve procedures that make positive improvements. The cosmetic dentistry you think you need might actually be not necessary at all, but another dental procedure might benefit you better.

Before you get cosmetic dentistry work done, consult with cosmetic dentists you trust in Kansas City, MO. This way, you can go into your dental work with an informed mind and can get the procedures that will be best for your oral health needs.