COSMETIC TOWN JOURNAL



What to Look For In a Cosmetic Dentist

Posted September 20, 2016

Dentists perform general or restorative dentistry in order to treat or repair a number of issues related to the teeth including repairing and treating damaged teeth as well as tissues and gums that are damaged or infected. Cosmetic dentists help patients to maintain and manage their oral health needs with preventative measures as well as the replacement of teeth that are missing or damaged.

Qualities to Look For In Your Cosmetic Dentist

You should make sure the person performing your dental work is a board-certified dentist with experience performing the type of dentistry you desire or need for medical reasons. Depending on their area of expertise, many dentists belong to the American Dental Association, the American Board of Orthodontics and also the dental association of the state in which they practice. Visiting the website of the American Dental Association (ADA) is a good resource to find an experienced dentist in your area.

Once you find a dentist you feel comfortable with, here are some items to keep in mind during your appointment:

  • Experience – How many years of experience does the doctor have as a practicing dentist as well as the specific training and experience that will help you achieve the results you desire?
  • Results – Ask the cosmetic dentist if you can view “before and after” photos of recent patients who had the same type of dental work you plan on undergoing. You can view the photos to get a better idea of what the final results will look like.
  • Patient Reviews – Visit Yelp in order to read reviews from previous patients. Look for complaints or issues related to your desired procedure. If any problems or issues are mentioned by more than one patient, the reviews can give you a better idea of how the cosmetic dentist treats patients and their concerns.

How is Cosmetic Dentistry Performed?

Finding the right dentist is only the beginning in achieving the results you desire. It’s important to know your procedure options in order to ask relevant questions when you meet with the doctor. Some common cosmetic dentistry options include:

  • Porcelain Veneers – Veneers improve the look of your smile by fixing aesthetic flaws, giving your smile more symmetry and changing the shape of your teeth. The procedure involves the removal of some of the surface of the tooth in order for veneers to be made and secured to the teeth to improve their appearance.
  • Bridges – These are one or two teeth, artificial in nature, that are anchored to the remaining teeth located on either side of the bridge.
  • Implants – These are placed in the mouth in order to replace teeth that are missing their entire structure from the root to the crown. They are much like small screws and they fuse to the natural bone tissue after being implanted.
  • Crowns – These are used to provide structural support to damaged or weak teeth that became that way as a result of being cracked, decayed or worn down.
  • Orthodontics – Some of the most common orthodontic options include traditional braces and invisible aligners (like Invisalign) to straighten the teeth and retainers to help keep the straightened teeth in place.
  • Teeth Whitening – The removal of food particles, stains, tartar and other items which discolor and dull the appearance of the teeth can be accomplished by whitening. The procedure can be performed in the office of a dentist or by using an at-home whitening kit to give the teeth a cleaner and brighter appearance.

Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist

Before making the final choice to undergo a dental procedure, there are questions you should ask the dentist in order to make an informed decision. These questions can include:

  • Do you perform cosmetic dental procedures on a regular basis?
  • Are you a specialist in the field of cosmetic dentistry?
  • How many years have you been performing cosmetic dentistry?
  • What are the possible side effects or complications of cosmetic dental surgery?
  • What do I need to do to prepare for the cosmetic dental procedure?
  • How long is the recovery time?
  • Are any types of cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
  • If it is not covered by insurance, do you offer a payment plan?
  • If you need to perform a revision surgery, do you charge for the revision?

Keep in mind that the consultation appointment is the perfect time to voice any questions or concerns you might have about the upcoming procedure or cosmetic dentistry in general. Patients need to do proper research in order to find the right doctor, who can perform the right procedure, to provide the desired results when it comes to the appearance of the teeth and gums. Taking the time to do proper research, as well as asking questions related to the desired procedure, can save you time and money. Choosing a dentist with the proper skills and experience lessens the chances you will need revision surgery following the procedure

 

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