If you feel unhappy with the way that your teeth look, you can work with your dentist to enhance your smile’s appearance. A cosmetic dentist can help you brighten your tooth color, reshape irregular teeth, straighten your smile, and more with targeted treatments.
The first step to beginning your cosmetic dentistry journey is to schedule a consultation at your dentist’s office. You can have a more streamlined and productive experience at this appointment when you know what to expect from this visit. Learn what will happen during an initial cosmetic dental consultation when you read on.
Oral Health Evaluation
Although you make this appointment to discuss smile enhancement options with your dentist, the dentist will first want to perform an oral health exam. They will check your teeth and gums for signs of dental concerns like tooth decay or gum disease. If they find any issues, they will want to treat them before proceeding with cosmetic dental procedures.
Oral health problems could interfere with smile enhancement treatment. The dentist wants to ensure you have a clean, healthy foundation so that you can see the best results.
Smile Design Plan
With a healthy smile in place, you can discuss your smile aesthetic goals with your dentist. Talk to your dentist about what you want your smile to look like as well as any problem areas you would like fixed.
The dentist employs an individualized approach to cosmetic dentistry. This means that they will develop treatment plans based on your existing dental structure, medical history, and desired results. This way, you can look forward to a beautiful, natural-looking finish that will not compromise your oral health.
During this planning process, and during each step of your treatment, your dentist will maintain open communication with you. This way, you can understand your procedure and have a firm idea of what to expect after your treatment. Feel free to ask your dentist any questions.
Schedule Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Your dentist will invite you to book appointments for any necessary cosmetic dental work with the front office staff at the end of this consultation. They will give you a good idea of how many visits you will need to complete your treatment as well as how long each session should last.
Procedures like tooth bonding will require just one appointment at your dentist’s office. They can prepare your teeth, apply composite resin, and cure it within one visit. This leaves your smile brighter, straighter, and more even.
Porcelain veneers, however, will require at least three appointments. You must attend the consultation, a visit to prepare the teeth and take impressions, and the placement of the custom-made caps once constructed in the dental lab.
Your dentist might also recommend take-home teeth whitening treatment. They can take time to provide you with custom trays and materials. Then you can gradually brighten your smile from the comfort of your home. Start your own smile enhancement process by calling your dentist today.