Your first cosmetic dentist visit can be full of anxiety. How do you know what to ask? Do you need to know what you want ahead of time? What if you do not know the answer to a question asked by the dentist? Will you have work done on the same day as your appointment?
It is normal to have questions about cosmetic dentistry and how the process works. The good news is that since your cosmetic dentist will tailor their treatment approach to your goals and oral health, you will have plenty of time to have your questions answered and work together to develop a roadmap to clarify the process.
Going to a cosmetic dentist is the first step in changing a patient’s smile to suit the vision that they have for themselves and address issues that are making them self-conscious. This first visit typically involves the following.
Cosmetic dentistry is a collaborative process between the cosmetic dentist and the patient, so the first step in the initial appointment involves the dentist getting to know the patient and understanding what brings them to ask about cosmetic options for their mouth.
For many patients, being self-conscious about a particular oral feature is the primary reason that they have sought out a cosmetic dentist. However, certain types of cosmetic dentistry can solve other issues, such as replacing a missing tooth to improve the bite and clarity of speech.
Once the dentist has an idea of what the patient hopes to accomplish (it is okay for them not to be sure yet!), they will conduct an exam. A cosmetic dentist’s exam is not necessarily as thorough as one from a general dentist; instead, it takes stock of the overall health of the mouth.
Cosmetic dentists are looking for factors that will influence treatment options. For instance, if a person has significant decay that is causing gum recession, they may not be able to do a gum graft to fix teeth that appear too long. Without addressing the decay first, the new gum grafts will simply recede. The most common steps that need to be done before certain types of cosmetic procedures are performed include:
It is common for a cosmetic dentist to take imaging, such as X-rays, to visualize the tooth roots and locate problems beneath the surface. They will also check for oral cancer or lesions in the mouth, which should be addressed first.
Once the cosmetic dentist has an idea of the patient’s oral health, they will know what treatments are possible and what procedures the patient is not a good candidate for. They can then summarize the options for the patient and discuss their pros and cons.
The cosmetic dentist may be able to recommend more than one solution to a problem. For instance, if a person wants whiter teeth, they could opt for tooth whitening or try crowns or veneers. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Patients should not be afraid to ask questions during this phase! This is an educational opportunity, and the dentist should be more than willing to explain how a procedure works, the potential recovery time and cost, and how effective it will be at addressing the target issue.
With all this information, the patient can end their appointment by making a plan with the dentist. This can include scheduling preparatory treatments, such as bone grafts to get the ball rolling, or it can mean booking a time to have the cosmetic procedure performed. It is entirely acceptable to not make a decision in the office! Patients are welcome to consider everything they have learned and weigh their options at home so they have time to thoroughly review the choices.
Cosmetic dentistry is meant to help patients feel more confident in their smiles. If you have a specific dental concern that makes you self-conscious about your smile, our cosmetic dentist can help! Contact our office to schedule your first cosmetic dentist visit, during which you can explore the many options available, including the ones that will best help you achieve your goals.
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.
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