If you are self-conscious about your smile, it could be time to visit a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentists are dental health professionals whose primary focus is improving the appearance of your overall smile. Cosmetic dentistry may include implants, whitening treatments, fillings, and veneers.
Before seeing a new oral health care professional, you may want to have an idea of what to expect and how to prepare. Here are three recommendations to help you start your journey toward a more beautiful grin.
Seeing a new health care professional can be nerve-wracking, especially when you do not know what to anticipate. This information will put your mind at ease when you make your first appointment with a cosmetic dental professional.
Before a cosmetic dentist beautifies your smile, your teeth must first be healthy enough for the procedures you seek. Unhealthy teeth and gums can prevent your smile makeover from achieving the grand results you hope for. As a result, ensure that your oral health is pristine before asking for cosmetic dentistry. This means you should take proper care of your mouth by brushing, flossing, and mouth washing regularly. It also necessitates semiannual trips to your general dentist. Ask your oral health care professional if your teeth are healthy enough for the cosmetic procedures you are interested in. Any issues can be taken care of prior to your first trip to the cosmetic dentist.
Some common problems that interfere with cosmetic procedures include:
For example, while porcelain veneers cannot decay, the tooth underneath can. Veneers cannot treat tooth decay. While the shell may cover the look of a decayed tooth, you could still suffer from further decay and require a root canal despite having veneers. Likewise, if you wear your teeth down through grinding, you may not have the surface for the veneers to cling to.
Many people meeting with a cosmetic dentist for the first time are nervous and excited. It is likely you have been waiting for years, even decades, to have the smile of your dreams. To ensure you communicate your wishes flawlessly, prepare a list of questions to keep you focused. Questions to ask include:
In addition to a list of questions, it is wise to bring a photograph of the smile you envision to the consultation with your cosmetic dentist. Since no two mouths or smiles are identical, do not expect to achieve the exact results you see in photos. However, this can provide your dentist with an idea of the direction you would like to go in. It can also give him or her an idea of the issues you seek to address and what treatments will work well for you.
Let your dentist know about your at-home oral care treatment. Let him or her know if you use professional whitening treatment and how often you brush your teeth every day. Even knowing the type of toothbrush you use can help the oral care professional figure out the extent of your problems and how to care for you.
At an initial visit to the cosmetic dentist, anticipate both aesthetic and conventional evaluations. The dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and bite. X-rays may be taken as well. The aesthetic portion is less objective and involves a discussion between you and the professional to determine how to proceed.
During your visit, remember to pull out your list of questions. As you discuss your treatment options, question any aspect you do not understand. By the time you leave the dental office, you should have a clear idea of the procedures waiting for you, the cost, and how long it takes to heal from the visit.
Making an appointment with a cosmetic dentist is a thrilling time for people who are uncomfortable with showing off their pearly whites. Cosmetic dentistry can fix discolored, misaligned, and crooked teeth to restore confidence. Prepare for a positive experience by having good overall oral health and knowing what you hope to gain.
Request an appointment here: https://www.santamonicadental.com or call Santa Monica LiveWell Dentistry at (310) 907-7780 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist in Santa Monica, CA.
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