Cosmetic Dentist serving Washington, D.C.
Have A Beautiful Smile
At Davidson Dental Associates, we want our patients to enjoy stunning smiles that help them make excellent first impressions on everyone they meet. That’s why Dr. Davidson and her team of dental experts offer a wide variety of cosmetic services that can repair chips, cracks, dental staining, and other frustrating flaws. Our goal is to create results that are minimally invasive, functionally aesthetic, and built to last for many years to come! Please contact our Washington, D.C. location today to schedule a consultation, or if you have any questions.
Porcelain Veneers & Lumineers
Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are both ultra-thin restorations that are crafted from high-quality porcelain and designed to fit over the visible surfaces of requested teeth. With a custom-made veneer, it’s easy to transform your smile’s appearance in a comprehensive fashion over the course of just a few appointments.
Traditional veneers are extremely lifelike, but they do require some of the natural tooth’s enamel to be buffed away for accommodation; Lumineers are even thinner (only the width of a contact lens) and can be placed without this permanent alternation, but some patients feel that they’re not quite as attractive. Our team will be able to go over both options with you in greater detail so that you can choose the one that best fits your personal preferences and goals.
Learn More About Porcelain Veneers
Direct Bonding
If you’re looking for fast and effective ways to treat small smile imperfections, direct bonding may be the right treatment option for you. This type of care should only require one appointment of your time, during which our team will apply lifelike composite resin to the requested tooth and sculpt it into an addition that hides the gap, stain, or chip from view.
Learn More About Direct Bonding
Metal-Free Restorations
Restorative solutions like dental crowns, inlays, and onlays don’t have to be made from dark-colored metals. Instead, Davidson Dental Associates can help you rebuild your smile seamlessly! We offer attractive ceramic materials that are precisely matched with your existing tooth enamel for the most attractive possible outcome, as well as composite, zirconia, and other great options. This type of restoration will also be free of temperature-sensitive metals and 100% biocompatible.
ZOOM! Teeth Whitening
Are you unhappy with the current color of your teeth? Are stains or discoloration taking away from your confidence and enthusiasm? We’d love to introduce you to ZOOM! Whitening here in Washington, D.C. This in-office service can provide beautifully dramatic improvements, improving the shade of tooth enamel up to 5 shades in the span of a single appointment.
Learn More About ZOOM! Teeth Whitening
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Our at-home teeth whitening kits are a big improvement when compared to the whitening products found on the shelf at your local pharmacy. You’ll be provided with professional-strength bleaching gel and customized oral trays, as well as detailed instructions for use. The patient’s only job is to wear both components for a prescribed amount of time each day whenever their busy schedule allows. After a few weeks of regular use, your smile should be noticeably brighter.
Gum Recontouring
Does your smile look excessively short or uneven? Would you characterize its appearance as “gummy?” An excess of soft tissue can cause both aesthetic and restorative concerns, keeping plenty of beautiful dental structure unnecessarily hidden from view. Thankfully, our practice offers gum recontouring as a solution! During this procedure, our goal is to remove unnecessary gum tissue and correct any symmetrical concerns as well, resulting in a much more attractive and natural gum line.
Invisalign® Clear Braces
You may be interested in achieving a straighter smile, only to shy away at the prospect of wearing noticeable metal braces. Many of our patients prioritize their polished appearances for professional reasons, which is why our office features an orthodontic alternative that’s much more image-friendly – Invisalign clear braces. Invisalign treatment features a series of clear, subtle aligners that will gradually shift teeth towards their desired positions.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Our team is happy to provide one or more services to help you achieve your unique smile goals and boost your confidence in your appearance. However, you might hesitate to schedule a cosmetic consultation if you’re convinced you can’t afford your elected treatments.s
It’s natural to wonder how much you might spend to upgrade your grin, but the cost depends significantly on your unique circumstances and the procedures you undergo. Continue reading to learn more about how rates are determined and how our office helps make dental care more affordable!
Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for Me?
There are several ways we can help address aesthetic concerns in your teeth and gums to enhance your self-esteem, each with its own pricing structure, which are outlined in more detail below:
- Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers. These thin shells are customized and then cemented to the fronts of your teeth to mask imperfections, often for between $900 and $2,500 per tooth.
- Direct Bonding. This option addresses many of the same issues as veneers or Lumineers, but usually costs more like $300 to $600 per tooth.
- Metal-Free Restorations. We can replace dark amalgam restorations with tooth-colored fillings for about $150 to $450 per tooth, or with dental crowns for about $800 to $3,000 per tooth, depending on your needs.
- Teeth Whitening. We offer both in-office procedures and customized, professional-strength take-home kits, typically priced at several hundred dollars.
- Gum Recontouring. We can gently remove or reshape your connective tissues to improve your appearance, often for $50 to $350 per tooth, or about $1,000 to $3,000 for an entire smile.
- Invisalign® Clear Braces. These transparent trays are customized to fit over your arches to shift your teeth to their ideal places, which might cost between $3,000 to $8,000, based on your unique circumstances.
How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be a Worthy Investment
Most dental insurance policies don’t cover the cost of services that are intended to enhance your looks more than your dental health, and you might worry that you’re ‘wasting’ resources by investing in cosmetic treatments.
But there are advantages to upgrading your grin that you might not have considered. For example, did you know that having dental problems is negatively associated with the probability of being employed? Improving your appearance also boosts your confidence. This, in turn, can contribute to more meaningful relationships, a busier social calendar, and better professional or educational achievements.
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
Although most dental insurance policies don’t include cosmetic treatments, there’s a chance your plan might include aspects of your visit, such as your exam or any necessary imaging, to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses. Our Washington office gladly welcomes almost all PPO plans, and we are happy to help you maximize any available benefits.
If you are uninsured and are concerned about the cost of your elective services, you can apply for a flexible payment package through CareCredit. If you’re approved, you can divide your total invoice into more manageable installments over a designated period, often for little to no interest.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
Contrary to what you might have heard, cosmetic dentistry isn't reserved for the rich and famous. You have more options than ever to address common aesthetic flaws, which means there's a solution to fit your needs and budget. Our office also offers various financial options to keep our services affordable for everyone, including monthly installments through a third-party financing company, like CareCredit.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Your dentist will keep your comfort as their top priority. Depending on your treatment plan, they may recommend a local numbing agent or sedative to keep you comfortable. Although you won't have any pain while in the dentist's chair, you may have temporary tenderness after the effects of any medications dissipate. You can manage it with an over-the-counter pain reliever and eat soft foods until your discomfort improves. Applying a cold compress can also numb the area and reduce tenderness. Your dentist will review any additional aftercare instructions before you go home.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Take?
Everyone's timeline is different because no two treatment plans are identical. Various factors will affect how long it will take to reach your goals, like the complexity of your case, preliminary treatments, and the type of procedures needed. Your dentist will explain what to expect along the way and when you can expect to finish your treatment. We know your time is valuable, which is why our office uses the latest technologies and techniques to streamline the process without compromising results.
Can I Use My Dental Insurance to Pay for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance won't cover elective procedures, but that doesn't mean you can't improve your smile if money is tight. Your benefits may include your consultation, diagnostic imaging, or any preliminary procedures to lower the overall cost. Many cosmetic treatments also provide restorative benefits. If your dentist determines a procedure is medically necessary, your dental insurance may cover some of the expenses after meeting your annual deductible. A member of our team will work on your behalf with your dental insurance to maximize any applicable coverage. They will explain how your benefits are being used and your payment options for any remaining balance. We will help you find the solutions you need to revamp your pearly whites without it costing you an arm or a leg.