Most everyone is familiar with going to a dentist. However, when you think of going to a dentist, you most likely think of things like cleanings, drilling cavities, and root canals. There is another side to dentistry, cosmetic dentistry. There are many reasons to undergo cosmetic dental bonding. Some people are under the misconception that any procedure with the word “cosmetic” in the title is something that only selfish or vain people undergo.
This is entirely wrong. Some of the many reasons to consider cosmetic surgery are boosting self-confidence, make eating easier, an improved smile, and many others. Regardless of the why, there are a few things that you should know if you are considering cosmetic dentistry. Also, there are some tips that you can follow to make finding the best cosmetic dentist easier. You will find all of this information here as well as information about different types of cosmetic procedures and other helpful information.
Before diving into various cosmetic dental procedures and other information, it is vital to take a moment to discuss choosing the best dentist to perform the procedure. You may already have a dentist that you are completely happy with. If this is the case, you are ready to proceed.
However, if you do not currently have a dentist or are not happy with the one you have, the first step is to find one. If you have a dentist, but you are not comfortable with him or her, you will never be comfortable going in for a procedure. When this happens, it can be detrimental to the overall experience. Also, depending on what type of cosmetic procedure you want to be done, it is often a good idea to seek out a dentist that specializes in cosmetic dentistry.
If you are unsure of what options you have available to you, take some time to research. It is incredibly difficult to know which dentist to choose if you do not know what options you have in your area. Also, some people find the best decision to be traveling a small distance in order to find the best dentist. The internet is an excellent tool to utilize for your research. Depending on where you live, consider Schroeder Cosmetic and Family Dentistry.
Another important aspect to consider is the cost of cosmetic dental procedures. Most medical insurance does not cover any type of cosmetic procedure. Therefore, you will be responsible for the entire cost. For some people, this will be difficult to achieve. If funds are a concern for you, take some time before setting an appointment to save at least part of the money back over time. This way it will not be such a strain on your wallet at the time. It is possible that the dental office will offer some type of payment plan option, but do not count on this. Many do not and even the ones that do, don’t always do so on cosmetic options. Keep in mind that it never hurts to ask. Just do not put all of your hopes into that option. That way, if they do offer something, great, and if not, you have other options.
First, consider some of the most common dental procedures that are considered cosmetic in nature. The first one to consider is teeth bleaching which is also called cosmetic whitening. There are two types of teeth bleaching.
The first is the type you can do at home and the second is the type done in a dentist’s office. Both work, but invariably the dental office version is stronger. Also, it is vital that you consult with your dentist before attempting the at-home version. Some people cannot bleach their teeth for various reasons. It is always best to be sure before creating a problem that cannot be undone.
If you do decide to attempt to bleach your teeth at home, ask your dentist for recommendations on the best products to use. Generally speaking, it is better, safer, and more effective to have your teeth bleached professionally. Either way, take the time to consult with your dentist before taking any further action.
Next, consider veneers. This is the coverall of the cosmetic dentistry world. Veneers can be used to conceal gaps between two teeth, cracked enamel, crooked teeth, and more. Every person’s veneers are unique to them. They are designed to resemble a person’s natural teeth.
They are then attached to a dental adhesive. Veneers look completely natural and since they look exactly like your natural teeth, you do not have to worry about anyone noticing that they are anything besides your teeth.
The next type of cosmetic procedure to consider is dental implants. This procedure is used when a tooth has been completely removed. Instead of leaving an open space in your teeth, you can opt for a dental implant. It is a fairly simple procedure. A titanium screw is placed into the area where the tooth was removed.
This creates a base on which a crown is then placed upon. Other than the healing process, that is all there is to it. It does not take a long time and you will be able to see results immediately. Keep in mind that it will take some time for the implant to fully fuse. During the healing process, it is incredibly vital to maintaining a strict dental hygiene routine. You must not leave food particles or anything else in the area while it is healing.
Finally, consider inlays and Onlays. An inlay is used to cover a tooth that is damaged or decayed. This method can be used on teeth that cannot support a filling or has mild to moderate decay. The cusp must be intact for this procedure to work. An onlay is for teeth that are more severely damaged. The purpose of these two things is to provide support to the damaged tooth and to prevent further damage from occurring. Just like veneers, they are attached with a dental adhesive. They are formed in a laboratory using a composite resin. Inlays and Onlays are often referred to as indirect fillings.