ORTHODONTICS AND COSMETIC DENTAL SERVICES

Feel confident about your smile with Kaiser Permanente’s Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dental Services. Six of our 21 dental offices offer orthodontics and cosmetics for both adults and children. The initial orthodontic exam is included in Kaiser Permanente’s dental care coverage with an office visit fee if applicable. Other orthodontic treatments, such as retainers and braces, could be covered by a supplemental plan to your dental care coverage.†

The Kaiser Permanente Dental Care Program also offers the following cosmetic dental services on a fee-for-service basis.†

A nearly invisible alternative to braces using a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without metal or wires.

“Clear” braces are another way to discreetly align teeth. They are comfortable, stain resistant, and seem to disappear on teeth, showing only a thin wire.

Teeth whitening is not a medical procedure—it does not result in healthier teeth—but it can result in whiter teeth and a brighter smile.

There are two types of teeth whitening:

• Bleaching your teeth changes the color of the tooth enamel and removes both surface stains and those deeper in the teeth. In some cases, your dentist can bleach your teeth at their office, or you can do it yourself with a kit your dentist gives you or with a kit you buy over the counter (OTC)
• Whitening toothpastes use a rough (abrasive) material that “scrapes” off surface stains and polishes the teeth.

Your dentist can evaluate your teeth and discuss which teeth whitening option is the best fit for you.

Composite resins are tooth-colored fillings that are a natural, durable alternative to silver fillings. Composite resin is easier than gold for a dentist to work with and usually is less expensive than gold.

Porcelain veneers are thin, porcelain tooth coverings that are used to improve chipped, cracked, crooked, discolored, or gapped teeth. Porcelain veneers are placed over natural teeth as a permanent solution to achieve a uniform appearance. If you’re considering porcelain veneers, book a consultation with your dentist to ensure you’re a good candidate for this procedure.

When restoration isn’t possible, dental implants are a base for individual replacement teeth, bridges, or dentures. They are surgically placed below the gums over a series of appointments.

Dental implants are natural-looking, can provide support for dentures, and do not affect the teeth bordering them. After you have a dental implant, you may need to have more surgery in the future so that the implant stays in place in your jawbone. Talk to your dentist about the pros and cons of dental implants.