Important Facts About Cosmetic Dentistry
Some people don’t want to think so much about their general dental health. This is more prevalent when it comes to cosmetic dentistry due to several reasons. Some of these reasons are:
- Too risky because it takes expertise to have these procedures really worth the time, apprehension and money you spent.
- Too expensive as it can’t be fully covered with Dental Insurance Plans.
- Seems to be a little too vain to spend your money on.
However, cosmetic dentistry shouldn’t be dismissed as plain vanity because it is more than that to people who take good care of their teeth. Most times, healthy dental care means having to go through Cosmetic Dentistry procedures. To help you understand, here are some FAQs about Cosmetic Dentistry that might answer few of your questions why you might want to consider this for your teeth too.
FAQs about General Cosmetic Dentistry
When to know if a cosmetic dentist is good?
It is important to understand that just because a dentist says they are a cosmetic dentist, he or she can’t perform all cosmetic dentistry procedures. There are also other specialist involved in these procedures such as the lab techs, periodontist and an orthodontists, depending on the procedure. When you plan to have a treatment, it is best to know who are the people involved. Ask and look into photographs of previous patients who went through your planned procedure. Ask for specific strategies done to achieve their perfect smile.
Also, it is good to look into a dentist’s credentials and see if he or she is AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) accredited. Members here have undergone extensive training to ensure they have achieved explicit skills that is needed, but if a dentist is not a member of AACD, it doesn’t mean he or she is not a good cosmetic dentist. They may still have lots of experience in cosmetic dentistry and do a beautiful job.
FAQs about Teeth Discoloration and Teeth Whitening
Why teeth discolorations happen?
This is a normal part of aging. As you age, your enamel gets worn down. This plus too much tea or coffee or smoking can do a lot of damage to the color of your teeth. Teeth discoloration can also be attributed to your genetic makeup; or to heavy antibiotics you might have taken during the development of your teeth; or too much fluoride.
What is the best solution for teeth discoloration?
Teeth discoloration can do a lot of harm to your self confidence especially if there is too much discoloration. Literally, it can really dull the brightness of your smile. The best solution for teeth discoloration is Teeth Whitening.
What are the possible effects of Teeth Whitening and is it really effective in getting rid of teeth discoloration?
There are a lot of reservations going on when people think about this procedure. First, you would like to know its side effects. The worst side effect you would get from teeth whitening is sensitivity. It can especially be hard on people with sensitive teeth. Another would be damage to your gums. That is why dentists make use of a protective material as protective measures to prevent the bleaching agents from hurting your gums.
The second thing you would like to know is, if it is really effective? Would it work on your teeth? Can you have 100% white teeth after the procedure? The answer is a sad NO. This will depend on how discolored your teeth are. If discoloration is severe, other procedures such as composite bonding and porcelain veneers are recommended.
FAQs about Dental Veneers
Possible reasons why you would want to consider Dental Veneers?
First, you just want to brighten your smile. Second is severe teeth discoloration that teeth whitening can’t help. Third is if you have spaces between your teeth you want to close. Fourth, if you have teeth that are not aligned properly, crooked teeth. Fifth, if you have damages to your teeth due to habits or lifestyle such as teeth clenching or grinding that caused teeth breaking, cracks or chips. Of course, you would want to repair your damaged or unattractive teeth.
Do Dental Veneers look alike?
The beauty of your smile is not guaranteed just because you have this procedure done. It would still depend on the dentist and the lab tech’s artistry that will make a Dental Veneer look amazing. While the materials are universal, the skill varies from one dentist to another so you might look into a dentist’s record if you want a perfect, beautiful and attractive smile after the procedure.
Is Dental Veneer the only solution for achieving a perfect bright smile?
No, it is not the only way. There are a lot of Dental Cosmetic procedures that might work for you. It all depends on your need. What conditions are your teeth in? What are the problems that cause you to hide your teeth when smiling? Depending on the answer, you could have crowns, teeth whitening, dental composite bonding, inlays, onlays, gingival sculpting and a lot more combinations according to your needs.
Here is a short video about porcelain veneers:
FAQs about Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures and Children
When can you have dental implants?
Implants are only considered when you are at an age where bone growth is all completed which occurs in adolescence. But of course, bone growth varies from one child to another. If implants are done before all your bone has developed, this might cause a problem in a long run; one of which is placement. When a child loses a tooth before this, dentists often place a dental appliance called “space maintainer” to ensure that there will be no loss of space which would cause teeth crowding. When bone growth is done, it is then removed. It is the only time that procedures such as bridge or implants are done.
What are other procedures in cosmetic dentistry that are available for teenagers or children?
Adolescent years are a very sensitive time for a child as he or she grows up, that is why a pretty smile is very important to boost his or her confidence. Depending on a child’s bone development and his or her dental arch, there are procedures that can be done to correct specific problems. Say for example, a child may have crowding of the teeth then they may need braces. For chipped teeth due to accidents, they can have composite boding.
These were some of the general FAQ’s about cosmetic dentistry. If you have more questions, feel free to call us at 323-771-7254.
By: Ladan Zinati