What Is Considered Cosmetic Dentistry?

Heather Martinson • October 15, 2022

Did you know that a quarter of those over the age of 65 only have 8 or fewer teeth? This shocking statistic is evidence of a widespread issue across the country.

In general, we aren’t taking good enough care of our teeth. Nearly half of insured Americans have skipped a dental visit or procedure due to cost.

If that applies to you, you may think anything to do with cosmetic dentistry is off the table. But that’s not necessarily true.

Some cosmetic procedures are actually covered by dental insurance. And others aren’t as expensive as you might expect.

What actually are cosmetic dental procedures?

In this guide, we’ll go over what does and doesn’t count as cosmetic. We’ll also walk you through some of the most common cosmetic procedures. And of course, how to find the best dentist for the job.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

As the name suggests, cosmetic dentistry is an umbrella term for procedures that affect the way your teeth and mouth look. Teeth whitening, for example, just makes your smile look better. That is a cosmetic procedure.

But not all cosmetic procedures are purely cosmetic. Plenty of procedures have both cosmetic and physical benefits. They can even improve your overall mouth health.

Cosmetic vs. Preventative and Restorative

Cosmetic dentistry is all about the look. Preventative and restorative dentistry however include procedures that benefit your health.

Preventative dentistry specifically refers to procedures that prevent future health issues. For example, you may need a teeth cleaning or X-ray. These are sometimes deemed necessary and thus are covered by some insurance policies.

Restorative procedures work to fix problems that have already happened. For example, a root canal is important for a tooth’s health. But it has no cosmetic benefit – no one else can see it!

What can make a cosmetic procedure more affordable is if it also falls under one of the other categories. In that case, your insurance provider may bear some of the cost.

Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Here are some of the most common cosmetic procedures. We’ll cover what they involve and how they can benefit you.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a blanket term that covers a variety of cosmetic procedures. Teeth whitening makes your teeth several shades lighter, usually through bleaching. It is a purely cosmetic procedure with no other health benefits.

Veneers

Veneers are almost always an exclusively cosmetic procedure. They involve adding a false layer to your teeth to change their appearance. They can adjust the color or shape that your teeth appear to be.

Teeth-Colored Fillings

Teeth-colored fillings are a popular alternative to old-fashioned metal fillings. Depending on what exactly you need, this may or may not count as cosmetic under your insurance.

If you need a new filling and would like to choose a modern teeth-colored option, that may come under the restorative category. That is, the filling itself is a necessary restorative procedure. You’d just like it to be a white one!

But if you’d like to change your metal fillings to teeth-colored fillings, that is cosmetic. But it still has a great effect and is a popular procedure.

Full Mouth Reconstruction

Full mouth reconstruction refers to replacing all of your teeth. It can also involve working on your bite and muscles to change your mouth.

Depending on the reasons for the surgery, this can fall under either category. If a patient needs full mouth reconstruction because of trauma or disease, it is likely restorative. But if someone is interested in just changing the shape of their mouth or smile, it may be considered cosmetic.

Esthetic Crowns and Gum Contouring

Work on the esthetic crown can be cosmetic or restorative. It usually involves increasing how much of your teeth are exposed by taking away some of the gum.

In some instances, this will have health benefits for the gum tissue. It may then be covered by dental policies as a restorative or preventative procedure. But if it is purely for the look, it is cosmetic dentistry.

Implants

A dental implant typically refers to adding a false tooth to the mouth. This could be in place of one that has fallen out, was removed, or a natural gap in the teeth.

Depending on the exact implant you need, it can be cosmetic or restorative dentistry. If you’re interested in a dental implant, make an appointment with a dentist to examine it further.

Botox

Dental botox has many applications. Botox can be used to help with the lips and other areas around the mouth. It is usually a cosmetic procedure.

Am I Covered for Cosmetic Procedures?

Just because a procedure is classed as cosmetic doesn’t mean it’s not necessary. Even procedures that aren’t essential can make a huge improvement to your mouth health.

When cosmetic work is also restorative or preventative, your insurance may cover it. Or they may be willing to pay part of the bill.

Every policy is different, but it’s always worth investigating. Don’t dismiss a procedure as unaffordable just because it’s cosmetic!

The Best Type of Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is all about making your teeth feel and look their best. And we’re one of the best dentists out there who can make that happen.

Browse our services page to see the full list of cosmetic procedures we offer to our customers. Whether you need a simple teeth whitening or full mouth reconstruction, we can help!

Each of our treatment rooms has views of beautiful woodland. There are even TVs inside for you to watch during your procedure. Our premises offer a truly unique experience.

If you need a dentist in Arlington TX, get in touch!

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Dr. Heather E. Martinson

D.D.S

Dr. Martinson has been serving patients and improving smiles through her work for the past 25 years. She attended both Southern University in Tennessee and the University of Texas at Arlington before earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry in Southern California. She is a graduate of The Dawson Academy in Florida and the Schuster Center in Arizona, and has completed several cosmetic, implant and restorative continuing education courses. Dr. Martinson has also earned certification in the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. This allows her to provide Botox and dermal fillers to her dental patients.

The favorite part of Dr. Martinson’s job is being able to work closely with so many wonderful people and help them become healthier! And also help them to avoid heart attacks and strokes!

Dr. Martinson is married to Captain Myron Martinson (formerly a pilot with American Airlines). Together they have several 4-legged kiddos. When she is not busy at work, she enjoys bicycling, gardening, cooking, entertaining and traveling with family.

Dr. Martinson maintains active membership in the following professional organizations:

A man is getting his teeth examined by a dentist

What to Expect During Your First Dental Crown Appointment

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • June 17, 2025

Are you preparing for a dental crown appointment? Learn what to expect during the tooth crown procedure as you take the first step toward a renewed smile.

The Dental Implant Process Explained

By Heather E. Martinson, DDS • May 21, 2025

Undergoing a comprehensive surgical procedure, such as a dental implant, can be a big step. Still, studies like one by Tobias et al. (2025) report over a 97% success rate , even after five years. These show that it can offer significant long-term benefits with a reasonable guarantee of retention. So, if you are searching for a reliable solution to a dental issue, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, may be the one to choose for state-of-the-art implant surgery, but what does it entail? Below, our dental implants guide describes the dental implant process step-by-step to help you understand and feel more comfortable getting the smile you want. Explore each stage, from the initial consultation to attaching the crown. Then, discover what you might want to discuss with Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS, to ensure you get the desired results. Why Dental Implants are Our Best Fix for Missing Teeth Unlike crowns or fillings, dental implants are not a simple cap on an existing tooth . Nor are they intended to be temporary. Instead, they replace both the tooth's root and crown , preserving the jawbone and structure of the face by offering a complete prosthetic that the body should accept as its own. Titanium posts integrate with the bone and offer a very stable foundation for chewing. This is one of the reasons studies such as those by Kupka et al (2024) have found that dental implants often last for decades, with 80% continuing to last for over 20 years. With crowns, you will still need to be careful of what you bite into in case the prosthetic detaches from the tooth. However, implants can often restore the full force of your bite. For this reason, Dr. Heather Martinson, DDS , and her team prefer to use these prostheses, eliminating several difficulties one might encounter with other options. How Gaps Affect Function and Appearance We understand that it can sometimes be tempting to leave tooth gaps as they are due to the perceived hassle of installing a new implant. However, missing teeth can drastically impact the mouth beyond issues with appearance or speech patterns, as it can cause the jawbone itself to start "sagging" where the tooth no longer exists. Teeth may also begin to shift position, leading to bite issues. Early restoration via a professionally-implanted denture can prevent this loss and maintain the face's proportions. Perfect for maintaining a youthful visage. Why Implants Outperform Bridges and Dentures Bridges and dentures are critical parts of a high-quality dentistry offering . However, they do not tend to last as long as an implant due to how implants preserve the underlying bone. This fact may go a long way towards explaining why the NIDCR in the US has recently discussed a " fourfold increase " in the number of adults receiving dental implants over two decades. Still, that doesn't mean discounting these options. If you feel a bridge or denture may be best for you, you should discuss your options with our dental team . Discuss the pros and cons of each option. In some cases, implant-supported dentures are also available , allowing for a combination of both. Dental Implant Process Step-by-Step at Heather Martinson DDS Our implant procedure steps combine: Consultations 3D imaging Surgical planning Continual checks for precision Constant coordination with colleagues Using these, we can ensure that your results are accurate and efficient. Initial Consultation and 3D Scan The first step is always to take a detailed medical and dental history . Using this, we can determine if you have any risk factors, such as smoking habits, that we need to be aware of so we can help maintain your safety. Then, we will assess how your jaw aligns to ensure we do not interfere with this. Our advanced scanner can capture 3-dimensional images of every part of your mouth for precision-planning, including: Jawbones Sinuses Nerve canals Details of prior surgery We can even use this to preview the final outcome before surgery, allowing you to understand the most likely results and give a go-ahead from a position of knowledge. Precise Implant Placement Before the final crown "tooth" can be placed in the jaw, you will require surgery to install the implant itself. This implant is the structure that sits in your jawbone, maintaining the visible crown's position while preventing it from moving. This step involves local anesthesia or other forms of sedation to ensure your comfort. Then, the dentist will create a path for your implant to sit within your jaw. The implant is up to 5mm in diameter and up to 13mm in length, meaning it is robust enough to prevent damage due to torsion or other forces. After the placement, the dentist will use sutures and a protective cap to shield the site. During this healing phase, the implant undergoes "osseointegration," which is the growth of bone cells around the implant surface. This process takes up to six months to ensure it integrates with the body. Once the dentist is sure that your body has accepted the implant, they will reveal the site of the implant and perform a scan to ensure that an external lab can produce a perfect crown for the area, matching your prior teeth as closely as possible. After the final attachment, you can review the tooth , offering feedback such as colour adjustments or determining whether it needs minor alteration to match your bite. Long-Term Implant Care The Arlington, TX, dental care experts can offer advice and guidance on the best steps to ensure that the implant lasts as long as possible and remains comfortable. However, should you need anything else , their clinic will be available for you to follow up, so ask them for more details on how you need to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure you get the best results. Take the Next Step with One of the Best Dentists in Arlington After learning the dental implant process step-by-step , you should understand what it entails and be able to make better healthcare decisions. With over 25 years of experience in Arlington, TX, we can ensure your treatment focuses on improving your dental health and restoring your natural and healthy beauty using the latest techniques and advances. If you want to investigate the possibility of an implant, remember that you can always request a free consultation with Heather Martinson, DDS. Following that, you should be able to begin your journey to regain your full chewing ability and a confident smile.