Do you keep your mouth closed when you smile for a selfie? Do your profile pictures rarely show your smile anymore? Do you habitually bring your hand up to cover your mouth when you laugh around others?

If so, you are not alone! Many people reach a point when they notice their teeth aren’t looking as pearly or white as they once did, but feel powerless to correct the situation because they fear the cost of cosmetic dentistry. In fact, many patients are too nervous to even ask their dentist about cosmetic treatments because they assume they can’t afford them.

A Brighter Smile is Within Your Reach

The good news is that there are many different cosmetic dentistry treatments available today, at varying levels of cost. Once considered a luxury service, cosmetic dentistry is now a pretty routine affair for hard working Americans of every background. Many patients are pleasantly surprised when they discover the cost of cosmetic dentistry is not as high as they expected.

One of the reasons why cosmetic dentistry has become more affordable in recent years is because today’s dentists have many tools in their toolbox and can create unique solutions. Cosmetic dentistry is arguably something of an art form, rather than the application of cookie-cutter solutions. There’s more than one way to skin a cat, if you will. If he or she knows you are working with a specific budget ceiling, a good cosmetic dentist may be able to mix and match various approaches to find a unique makeover that is within your budget range.

For example, you may have heard that porcelain veneers are a very comprehensive solution to cosmetic flaws, but the price tag can run pretty high. The truth is that you don’t always need a full set of veneers to improve your smile. Two veneers cost a whole lot less than a full set—and sometimes small changes are all it takes to create to a beautiful transformation. Furthermore, dental bonding is a versatile cosmetic option that is a lot more affordable than veneers, and can often accomplish many of the same goals.

Teeth whitening treatments are probably the most popular cost-effective treatment option, and most practices offer at least two different forms of whitening. Intense in-office whitening treatments usually cost a good bit more than take-home treatments. If one of your concerns is overall yellowing of the teeth from food and beverage stains, ask your dentist which whitening treatments he recommends for your budget.

Where to Start

The first thing you want to do is determine a budget range you would be willing to pay for an improved smile. How much would you be willing to pay to have a beautiful, bright smile again? Many people find that giving up a small luxury or two for a few months (such as a daily gourmet coffee or weekly visit to the movie theatre) can easily equal the cost of cosmetic dentistry treatments. Once you have a ballpark range, call your dentist and make an appointment.

Don’t Be Shy!

We dentists love to see our patients fall in love with their smiles again. Call your dentist and ask for a free cosmetic consultation. Don’t be afraid to share that you are on a limited budget and are looking for creative solutions. All dentists should love a good challenge, especially when it comes from an established patient (or a potential new patient).

During your consultation, share your concerns with your dentist but be open to suggestions. We have years of experience correcting aesthetic flaws and can visualize the benefits of conservative treatments quite well. You may be surprised what small changes can do for a smile.

While you are there, ask your dentist whether they offer extended payment plans or accept CareCredit. This consumer credit service allows you to spread payments out over a number of months at low interest or no interest, depending on your timeline. Spreading your payments out over a few months can help you afford the cost of cosmetic dentistry without feeling like you’re breaking the bank.

The Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry May Be Lower than You Think

If you are in the Mesa, AZ area, Dr. Scott Lee would love to help you find your smile again! Call us to schedule a consultation. We offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments and love to see our patients feel good about their smiles again. Contact us today at 480-838-4185!