For anyone who is looking for a cosmetic dentist in Victorville, they likely have multiple questions. Cosmetic dentistry can help to improve the appearance of your smile and improve self-worth significantly. There are several common questions that people have for their dentist. These are some of the most common ones for people to ask.
How Is Cosmetic Dentistry Different from General Dentistry?
While general dentistry is more interested in maintaining the health of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry focuses on providing a flawless smile. Cosmetic dentistry provides a range of treatment options that improve and preserve the way that a person’s smile both looks and feels. Common cosmetic treatments include:
- Teeth Whitening
- Contouring/reshaping
- Bonding
- Bridges
- Veneers
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Dental Implants
- Smile makeovers
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Teeth?
While most people think that the ultimate goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve your smile, it’s not just about the treatment used to get your smile to a better place. Improving your teeth also involves educating yourself on the different options available for cosmetic dentistry. Ultimately, what you decide to do is up to you.
The goal of the cosmetic dentist is to provide you with an evaluation and your options moving forward. This professional may recommend one treatment over another but they ultimately have your best interests in mind. A dentist will work with patients to find the best treatment option personalized to your needs.
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
This is one of the most common questions when it comes to cosmetic procedures. You’ll want to make sure that you have a clear idea of the costs involved. Elective procedures such as cosmetic dentistry are usually paid for at the time of service or even before.
Depending on your insurance, you may be able to have some of your costs covered. Most types of dental insurance have low benefits each year. They usually cover the cost of a regular checkup but may not pay for cosmetic procedures. Talk to your insurance company before having any procedures performed to determine if they cover any of these costs. If not, discuss with your dental office. They often have suggestions for alternative financing for these procedures so that you can have the procedure desired.
What Will My Smile Look Like?
Your dentist will work with you to choose the appropriate procedure. A smile enhancement can be made to look a variety of ways, depending on your current smile and desired results. A dentist may be able to use photographs with a process known as cosmetic imaging and models to show you what you can expect. In some cases, they may use trial materials in order to help you visualize the change. Make sure to ask the dentist what you can expect as your final smile to decide what you want to do.
Is My New Smile Permanent?
Although nothing lasts forever, taking good care of your teeth and having regular visits with your dentist will likely last for many years, possibly even decades. Excellent maintenance will likely extend the life of your dental procedures. Make sure to ask your dentist how long to expect any changes to last.
Will I Be Losing My Teeth’s Natural Structure
It’s a common concern that people who have cosmetic dentistry will be losing the strength and structure of their natural teeth. With the modern tools and materials, this does not have to occur in every cosmetic procedure. Once you and your dentist have decided which procedure is best for you, they’ll be able to explain what will happen so you can make an informed decision if it’s right for you.
How Long Will It Take?
There is no one correct answer this question as it varies depending on what procedure you have performed. Minor procedures may be able to be completed in one office visit. However, when it comes to procedures such as dental implants, you can expect to have several visits from start to finish. Your dentist will give you an idea of the timeline. With every procedure, the goal is to make the process as expedient as possible.
Will My New Smile Be More Sensitive
It’s likely that after having a procedure, your teeth will be a little sensitive. If you decide to have braces, such as clear braces, you can expect some discomfort during the process. More involved procedures usually result in some initial sensitivity. It’s likely that within a few days, you’ll be back to your normal oral function. For anyone who experiences prolonged pain or discomfort, always discuss this with your cosmetic dentist as this is rare. Your dentist will also give you an idea of what type of discomfort you should expect.
Am I a Candidate for Cosmetic Procedures?
People who experience the most benefit from having a cosmetic procedure are usually in good physical health and also maintain good dental health. Before having any procedure performed, your physician will complete a review of your medical history and determine the best course of treatment.
How Do I Get Started?
In order to get started, you’ll want to make an appointment with a cosmetic dentist. This professional will perform an oral assessment or your teeth and gums. They will assess both the causes and the extent of any cosmetic concerns.
Are Cosmetic Procedures Safe?
Most dental procedures are safe when performed by a trained professional. For example, dental implants have been used for over 50 years and are both safe and effective. However, any medical procedures comes with the risk of complications. Choosing a knowledgeable cosmetic dentist will help to minimize any complications. Additionally, make sure that you share any information that present in your medical history with the dentist so they have thorough knowledge of any potential complications.
If you need a cosmetic dentist in Victorville, these frequently asked questions provide quick answers to some common inquiries. However, the best way to get all of your questions answered is to meet with a cosmetic dentist. This is a great way to get a personalized answer to all questions and concerns. If you decide to have a cosmetic procedure done, your dentist will discuss these and other areas with you before the procedure. This overview provides some basic information.
Check out this video for more information on cosmetic dentistry.