That’s why you want to make sure you know these 4 things before scheduling a cosmetic dentistry procedure:
1. Ask About Your Dentist’s Training and Credentials
Before undergoing a cosmetic dentistry procedure, you should know if your dentist has the proper credentials for the procedure in question. It’s also nice to know if they’re a member of any professional associations like the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
What’s more, should know their area of expertise. Some dentists are great at dental veneers, while others are experts at dental implants. Additionally, it’s good to ask whether or not they have received any additional post-graduate training in cosmetic dentistry. You want the person working on your smile to be well qualified, so don’t be shy about asking the right questions.
2. Ask for Cosmetic Dentistry Before and After Photos
Ask your cosmetic dentist for some before-and-after photos of other patients. Cosmetic dentists take those all-important before and after photos with every patient. If you can find someone with a smile that looks like yours, take note of what their “after” photo looks like. That will give you an idea of what your dentist can do for you.
3. Ask Questions During the Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
A cosmetic dentistry consultation is usually inexpensive — or perhaps even free — and it gives you the chance to ask questions before committing to a procedure. You might, for example, ask for a computer mock-up of how your smile will look after the procedure.
You’ll also want to know about the total cost and what’s included. For example, are follow-up visits included? You’ll also want to know about aftercare and any extra costs associated with that. Basically, you need to have all the necessary information before you can make an educated decision.
Remember, too, that your cosmetic dentist should not promise you more than they can deliver. Their expectations about what they can do for your smile should be realistic.
4. Smile Design is Essential
Cosmetic dentistry is about much more than your teeth, and smile design is really as much art as it is science. You want your dentist to consider your teeth, lips, gum line, mouth shape, facial structure, and facial symmetry when helping you design your smile.
The more smiles your cosmetic dentist has helped design, the more likely they are to be successful with your smile. When you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to communicate exactly what you want as well as what your dentist thinks is realistic.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and provide your opinion about anything your dentist is planning. You want to make sure that you will be happy with the outcome.
Final Thoughts
Your smile is one of the most important physical features you have, and it’s one of the first things that people notice about you. You want it to be beautiful, and if you’re not happy with your smile, cosmetic dentistry can help. It’s important, however, that you communicate with your dentist about what you want, what’s possible, and how the two of you can achieve that bright, beautiful smile.
If you have questions about a cosmetic dental procedure, contact the office of Aesthetic Dental Partners today. We’re happy to answer all your questions and help make your smile the brightest it can be!
Image: Freepik
