Litchfield Dental Dental Blog

Cost of Teeth Whitening in Litchfield MN

Considering that teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it’s usually not covered by dental insurance. So if you’re planning to schedule the procedure, then you will likely need to cover the cost of teeth whitening out-of-pocket. 

The cost of teeth whitening depends on several factors, including:

  • Type of whitening treatment and sessions 
  • Extent of tooth discoloration 
  • Dentist skill and expertise 
  • Location of dental practice 
  • Additional procedures before whitening

In addition to the cost of treatment, you should also consider the maintenance needed to keep your smile impeccably white. Even with great results following teeth whitening, the changes tend to fade over time, with the whitening effect lasting about one year.

So to maintain your white, dazzling smile for as long as possible, you should follow these tips:

  • Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks – Many colored foods and drinks can stain your white teeth. So, reduce or avoid your intake of tomatoes, berries, grape juice, red wine, coffee, tea, sports drinks, cola, and grape juice. 
  • Rinse your mouth with water after eating and drinking – Every time you indulge in items that can stain your mouth, it is important that you rinse your mouth with clean water right after. Swishing a little water after eating or drinking can help reduce staining. 
  • Stop smoking – Smoking is not only bad for your health, but also your teeth. The nicotine, tar, and tobacco in cigarettes, cigars, and pipes will stain your teeth. 
  • Practice proper oral hygiene – Daily brushing, at least every morning after breakfast and at night before bed, and daily flossing will help remove food debris and plaque and keep your mouth clean and stain-free.  
  • Schedule a follow-up whitening treatment every 6 to 12 months.

It’s possible to cut down on follow-up visits by following the recommended maintenance plan. To find out about the cost of teeth whitening for your specific case, please schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Litchfield today. 

Cost of Dental Implants in Litchfield MN

Implants are one of the most common options for replacing one tooth or multiple teeth when combined with bridgework or dentures. Though the cost of dental implants is more expensive, they are preferred to other tooth replacement solutions because they are more secure and stable, offering the same level of comfort as your natural teeth. 

What May Increase the Cost of Dental Implants?

The cost of getting implants varies considerably depending on different factors. For instance, some people may not be good candidates for the procedure because of using tobacco products or having a medical or dental condition that could prevent a successful dental implant placement. 

Your oral surgeon may recommend bone grafting for patients with severe bone tissue loss to ensure that they have sufficient bone tissue to integrate with the titanium implant, and subsequently provide strong support for your replacement teeth. If you use tobacco products or have a medical condition or are taking medications that may affect bone healing such as diabetes, you need to get the situation under management before starting treatment. All of these situations increase the cost of your dental implant procedure. 

Replacing a front tooth may also cost more because it involves a lot more work, owing to the minimal work-space available compared to a back tooth. In addition, the abutment used in the front teeth is usually more costly than the standard abutments used in back teeth placement. You also need to keep in mind that each implant comprises three elements: the implant, abutment, and crown, all of which are made from different materials, through different processes, and are placed at different appointments.

Specialist Care Costs More

Implants also require specialist care that is typically more expensive than general dental care. Dental implants lie in the category of implantology under restoration dentistry. The consultation for dental implants also involves a number of costly exams including diagnostic imaging (panoramic X-ray). Moreover, they can only be placed by an oral surgeon, periodontist, or dentist with relevant advanced training and experience.

To find out the cost for your dental implants, please visit your dental surgeon in Litchfield MN today. 

Dental Crowns Dentist Near Me, Litchfield MN 55355

Dental crowns also referred to as tooth caps, are placed on a damaged tooth to strengthen its structure, restore its normal size, shape, and function, and/or improve its appearance. The dental crowns dentist will place a cap that fully encases the visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, such that it becomes the new outer surface of the tooth.  

Common Applications of Dental Crowns 

A dental crown is a permanent tooth repair option that can be used to restore different kinds of dental damage, including:

  • Missing tooth – can be used to support bridgework or paired with a dental implant 
  • Large cavity that would otherwise require a large filling 
  • Weakened tooth due to excess wear or cracks – to support and protect the remaining structure 
  • Decayed tooth – can be used to strengthen a tooth restored with root canal therapy 
  • Poorly shaped or severely discolored tooth – to conceal the imperfection and improve your smile 

If you’re planning on getting a dental crown, then you should try to learn as much as you can about this versatile treatment before scheduling your dental visit. Although your dentist in Litchfield can provide the information you need, educating yourself about the procedure will allow you to ask the right questions to ensure that the results you get are exactly what you wanted. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind about dental crowns:

  • Tooth-colored crowns will give you the most natural tooth appearance because they blend in with your natural teeth and make the repair unnoticeable, producing an even, white smile. 
  • You need at least two dental appointments because dental crowns are created in a lab, which takes time. On your first visit, the dental crowns dentist will prepare the site, take digital impressions, and install a temporary crown. On your second visit, the permanent crown will be placed so it “caps” the entire damaged or decayed area of the tooth. This will make it look and function like your natural teeth. 

To learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re right for your case, please schedule your visit. 

6 Month Smiles Dentist Near Me, Litchfield MN 55355

For years, people looking for a solution to straighten their teeth or correct problems associated with teeth crowding and a misaligned bite have had to rely on traditional braces. With advances in dentistry, a 6 Month Smiles dentist now provides an alternative way to straighten your teeth that also addresses the concerns of traditional braces. The clear aligner system requires you to wear a series of custom trays made from smooth, translucent plastic that is specially made for wear over teeth. 

Each set of aligners moves your teeth incrementally for a period of two weeks and replaced by the next set of trays in the series until the completion of your treatment in 6 months depending on your case. 

Benefits of Clear Aligners 

Clear aligners have become increasingly popular in recent years for several reasons, including:

  • Discreet way to improve your smile without anyone noticing
  • Removable aligners – so you can maintain your diet and dental cleaning routine 
  • Fewer visits to the dentist – dental visits are placed at 6-8 week intervals to assess the progress of the treatment and to receive your next 3-4 sets of aligners 

This approach has proven to be helpful for all kinds of patients, from shy teens to social butterflies to active athletes, because the treatment does not interfere with their lifestyle. 

The dentist in Litchfield uses an intraoral scanner to create 3D models of your teeth. The images are fed into 6 Month Smiles software to predict how your teeth will be moved over time until they reach the desired position. You can even view the results to expect at any point in the course of the treatment, as well as the final result, which helps to keep patients motivated for the entire duration of treatment. 

With the advanced 6 Month Smiles system, straightening your teeth is a more pleasant and hassle-free experience compared to other orthodontic treatments. To learn more about 6 Month Smiles, please schedule your visit with your Invisalign dentist today. 

Dental Crowns Cost | Litchfield MN

Although fillings and crowns seem to treat similar kinds of tooth damage – chips and fractures – dental crowns provide a stronger and more durable restoration. Crowns also help to strengthen severely weakened teeth that may otherwise need to be extracted, which makes the dental crowns cost more expensive compared to dental fillings. 

Here are some reasons for the popularity of dental crowns:

  • Can be used to treat a wide range of problems – Fillings can be successfully used to repair minor tooth damage. However, large fillings tend to be unstable, requiring the support of a dental crown. Rather than get a quick filling that won’t last very long, you can choose dental crowns 
  • Cosmetic dental treatment to improve your smile – Tooth-colored crowns, also referred to as white fillings, have become increasingly popular because they blend in with your natural teeth and make the repair unnoticeable, producing an even, white smile. 
  • Strong and durable materials – There are many different materials that can be used for dental fillings to provide a strong and durable restoration for your molars. 

Dental crowns give you value for your money, even if you spend a little more than fillings. However, the procedure should be done by a skilled and experienced dentist. So when considering the cost of dental crowns, it’s best that you don’t simply choose the least expensive dentist without fully understanding the reasons for the low-cost treatment. 

The cost of getting a crown varies depending on the material used and the amount of tooth preparation needed before placement. Naturally, a severely damaged or infected tooth that requires a core build-up will increase the overall cost of the procedure. You don’t necessarily have to pay the total cost of treatment out-of-pocket. Many insurance providers cover about 50% of the cost, though this also depends on your type of insurance and the specifics of your case. 

To find out the actual cost of your crown placement procedure, please schedule an appointment with your Litchfield dentist today. 

Cosmetic Dentist Near Me, Litchfield MN 55355

Your smile plays a big part in your appearance. It is the first thing that people notice about you, besides your eyes, which influences how people perceive you. A bright smile is associated with good health, confidence, and happiness, which essentially draws people to you and makes you more successful in your personal and professional relationships. Visiting a cosmetic dentist near you will give you the opportunity to discover the best options for enhancing your smile.

Preparing for the Initial Visit 

If you’re looking to restore or improve the health and appearance of your teeth, the first step would be a free cosmetic consultation at a cosmetic dental practice near you. To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want to be fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc. 

Thanks to technological advancements, dentists today have access to tooth-colored dental materials that help to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Modern techniques are also less invasive, allowing you to preserve a greater portion of your natural tooth structure during restorations. And with 3D software, your dental team can design your smile and show you the expected results of your treatment plan on a screen before the procedures start. 

The Consultation Process 

A typical cosmetic dental consultation is a brief appointment with the dentist in Litchfield to discuss any issues that you have with your teeth and smile, as well as the various treatments available and the best options for your case. 

Your dental visit will also include a physical examination, a review of your dental and medical history, and dental imaging so the dentist can have a clear look at your teeth. Next, you will establish clear treatment goals based on your needs and concerns. This provides a great opportunity to ask other specific details about procedures you’re interested in.

Please contact your dental team to learn more about available cosmetic dentistry treatments, and to schedule your appointment. 

What to Expect with Cosmetic Dentistry in Litchfield MN

Going to the dentist doesn’t necessarily need to be for professional cleanings or emergency tooth repairs. Although routine visits and restorative procedures help to maintain and/or restore the optimal health, function, and appearance of your teeth and mouth, you can also visit your dentist with the sole purpose of improving your smile. Cosmetic dentistry comprises a range of procedures used to whiten, straighten, reshape, and repair your teeth in order to improve your smile and appearance.

Some of these procedures serve multiple functions, like repairing damaged teeth using tooth-colored material to improve the appearance as well. Depending on your specific cosmetic needs, your dentist can:

  • Close spaces 
  • Lighten discolored teeth 
  • Restore worn or short teeth 
  • Adjust the alignment of crooked teeth 
  • Replace missing teeth 

Generally, your dentist can alter the shape, size, shade, and alignment of your teeth, fill gaps, and replace missing teeth to improve your appearance while solving oral problems. 

Preparing for the Initial Consultation 

Thanks to technological advancements, dentists today have access to tooth-colored dental materials that help to deliver natural-looking, long-lasting results. Modern techniques are also less invasive, allowing you to preserve a greater portion of your natural tooth structure during restorations. And with 3D software, your dental team can design your smile and show you the expected results of your treatment plan on a screen before the procedures start. 

To ensure the best results from your cosmetic dentistry consultation, you should have a good idea of what you want – your ideal smile – before approaching the dentist in Litchfield MN. Generally, you should know:

  • What shade of white you would like your teeth to be – natural, ultra-white, in-between 
  • Do you want your teeth to be in perfect alignment or slightly varied?
  • Do you think your smile is toothy, gummy, or awkward in any other way? 
  • What defects do you want fixed? – missing tooth, crooked or misaligned teeth, fractured teeth, stained teeth, etc. 

It is important that you have realistic expectations about your cosmetic treatment plan. Schedule your initial consultation today to start the process of getting your dream smile.

Who Needs a Smile Makeover? | Litchfield MN

No two smiles are alike. Similarly, each smile makeover plan is custom-made to include a combination of treatments that will address your unique issues, needs, and goals. Generally, a smile makeover is beneficial to anyone looking to improve the health and overall appearance of their smile

Studies show that healthy and sparkling white teeth make you appear healthy, attractive, and confident, which can positively affect both your personal and professional life. But even with structurally sound teeth and good dental hygiene, you can still be dissatisfied with your smile. 

If you’re self-conscious about the appearance of your smile, teeth, and gums, a fully customized smile makeover can help to correct any problems and give you the bright smile you dream of. 

Some of the common issues that can be improved with a smile makeover include:

  • Tooth discoloration 
  • Chipped or cracked teeth 
  • Crooked teeth 
  • Gaps between teeth 
  • Misshapen, eroded, or irregularly sized teeth 
  • Uneven gum line 
  • Gummy smile 

Custom Smile Makeover 

Smile makeovers comprise both restorative and cosmetic procedures. You should schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist to determine whether you’re a good candidate for a smile makeover. A typical initial consultation includes:

  • Discuss of your dental restoration needs and cosmetic goals
  • Review of your medical and dental history
  • Thorough examination of your teeth and mouth, including digital imaging. 

After careful assessment of your case, the dentist in Litchfield MN will work with you to create a custom treatment plan to restore the health of your teeth and/or improve the appearance of your smile. 

Final Note

Before starting your treatment, it is important that you fully understand what the procedures in your treatment plan will accomplish. With modern dental technology, it’s now possible to preview the expected results using digital imaging systems before the treatment commences, to ensure that the final result is what you’re hoping for, and for your satisfaction.

Dental Crowns Near Me, Litchfield MN 55355

Dental crowns also referred to as tooth caps, are placed on a damaged tooth to strengthen its structure, restore its normal size, shape, and function, and/or improve its appearance. A crown fully encases the visible portion of your tooth above the gum line, such that it becomes the new outer surface of the tooth.  

Common Applications of Dental Crowns 

A dental crown is a permanent tooth repair option that can be used to restore different kinds of dental damage, including:

  • Missing tooth – can be used to support bridgework or paired with a dental implant 
  • Large cavity that would otherwise require a large filling 
  • Weakened tooth due to excess wear or cracks – to support and protect the remaining structure 
  • Decayed tooth – can be used to strengthen a tooth restored with root canal therapy 
  • Poorly shaped or severely discolored tooth – to conceal the imperfection and improve your smile 

If you’re planning on getting a dental crown, then you should try to learn as much as you can about this versatile treatment before scheduling your dental visit. Although your dental team can provide the information you need, educating yourself about the procedure will allow you to ask the right questions to ensure that the results you get are exactly what you wanted. 

Here are a few things to keep in mind about dental crowns:

  • Tooth-colored crowns will give you the most natural tooth appearance because they blend in with your natural teeth and make the repair unnoticeable, producing an even, white smile. 
  • You need at least two dental appointments because dental crowns are created in a lab, which takes time. On your first visit, the dentist will prepare the site, take digital impressions, and install a temporary crown. On your second visit, the permanent crown will be placed so it “caps” the entire damaged or decayed area of the tooth. This will make it look and function like your natural teeth. 

To learn more about dental crowns and whether they’re right for your case, please contact your dentist in Litchfield to schedule your visit today.

Cost of Clear Aligners in Litchfield MN

6 Month Smile is a new approach to straighten your teeth discreetly using a series of clear, removable, custom-made trays that are fabricated using CAD/CAM technology to move your teeth in small increments. With the use of the latest dental technology, it is essential to understand the procedure to see the value in the cost of clear aligners.

The Procedure

The orthodontist uses an intraoral scanner to create 3D models of your teeth, which are arranged to replicate your bite on a computer screen. 
Each tooth is then individually moved – on the screen – to adjust your bite and create a plan for your actual dental treatment. This essentially helps to create the path of least resistance to move your teeth to the desired position, even before your treatment begins, which increases the success rate and reduces treatment time. 

In general, the cost and treatment time of the 6 Month Smile system is comparable to that of traditional braces. But as with any other treatment, the actual cost depends on the specific needs of the patient, such as:

  • Complexity of the case 
  • Treatment goals 
  • Duration of treatment 
  • Availability of orthodontic insurance coverage 
  • Your location, etc. 

Are Clear Aligners worth the cost?

Clear aligners are as good as any other orthodontic treatment and can be successfully used to straighten teeth, improve bite function, and enhance the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Many people are willing to pay more to take advantage of the technology and discreet approach to smile improvement. 

In some cases, the treatment comes with several individual replacement aligners at no extra cost – especially for teens – so the patient can continue their treatment with minimal setbacks in the unfortunate event that they lose their aligners. This means that you won’t incur extra costs for replacing lost or damaged aligners.

In the long run, it’s important to get the results you want the first time, as this will give you the most value for money. Being able to design your treatment and see the expected results before treatment starts helps to keep the patient motivated and diligent in wearing the aligners for the required amount of time for successful treatment. 

To determine the cost of clear aligners treatment for your specific case, please visit your Litchfield orthodontist today. 

Litchfield Dental Dental Offer

6 Month Smiles

Six Month Smiles is a short term orthodontic treatment that involves wearing clear braces to straighten and improve tooth alignment. This alternative treatment is a convenient approach to a straighter smile without the time commitment.

Learn more