5 Important Questions to Ask Your Cosmetic Dentist

Is your goal to achieve a beautiful, healthy smile? If so, you might be wondering what steps you should take to obtain this. Choosing from a large variety of cosmetic services available to you can be overwhelming. Luckily, cosmetic dentists, such as Dr. Olson, will be more than happy to answer all your questions and customize a treatment plan to fit your needs.

To ensure you receive satisfactory results and have a clear understanding of all the ways you can improve your smile, it’s essential to be prepared for your consultation with questions.

#1: How Can I Achieve Whiter Teeth?

Oftentimes when people picture their dream smile, the first thing they see is pearly white teeth. Common foods and drinks we eat can easily stain our teeth, so having your teeth whitened can be a huge step to improving your smile.

What people might not realize, however, is that there are multiple ways to achieve white teeth. Asking your cosmetic dentist which treatment will be the most effective for you is important to ensure you leave happy with the appearance of your teeth.

In-Office Whitening

If you’re looking for a whitening option that’s fast and non-invasive, your cosmetic dentist may suggest you come in for an in-office teeth whitening treatment.

With this method, a whitening gel is applied to your teeth and activated with a special light. The process will leave your teeth several shades whiter in less than two hours.

At-Home Whitening

Some people have dental phobias or would rather whiten on their own time. If this sounds like you, your dentist may give you a whitening treatment to take home. This is usually the most non-invasive and cost-effective method.

If you decide to whiten at home, you’ll be given a set of trays and whitening gel to apply daily. This treatment gradually whitens your teeth and can take around two weeks to complete.

#2: How Will You Restore My Cracked Teeth?

Teeth are vulnerable and can be damaged by external stressors such as car accidents or sports injuries. When these incidents occur, your teeth can become chipped or cracked. Luckily, your local cosmetic dentist will fix these issues using one of the multiple treatment methods.

Veneers

Dental veneers are a great option for those looking to fix one or more teeth. This treatment method is matched to the shape and color of your existing natural teeth. After removing a small amount of enamel from the injured tooth, your cosmetic dentist will cover the front with a thin, tooth-shaped porcelain veneer.

Dental Bonding

For minor cracks, you may be offered dental bonding — similar to a dental filling. This cosmetic treatment uses a tooth-colored composite resin to fill the crack in your tooth.

This is a good option for people looking to restore their tooth without altering the shape of the tooth.

Crowns

When there is a crack, sometimes the entire tooth is affected. Since other cosmetic solutions my only fix part of the problem, your cosmetic dentist may recommend a dental crown to restore the entire tooth.

A dental crown is a porcelain restoration that is placed over your damaged tooth. To prepare your tooth, your dentist may need to remove a portion or add to it so that it properly supports the crown.

Dental Implants as an Additional Restorative Method

If the damage to the tooth is severe enough, you may be referred to an implant dentist such as Dr. Fraser to extract it and restore it with a dental implant.

A dental implant is made up of a titanium root, connecting piece, and porcelain crown. This restoration is inserted into your jaw bone to replace the damaged tooth.

#3: What Qualifies You to Perform Cosmetic Dentistry?

The most important part of deciding whether you should receive cosmetic dentistry or not is making sure that your cosmetic dentist is fully qualified. If a dentist hasn’t obtained the necessary requirements needed to perform cosmetic services, this may result in complications or unsatisfactory results.

To become a cosmetic dentist an individual must:

• Complete dental school by earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D)
• Acquire a state license in cosmetic dentistry by passing the National Board Dental Exam

#4: What If I’m Not Satisfied with My Results?

There’s nothing more disappointing than spending a fortune on dental services and not being satisfied with the end result. While most dentists can use technology to simulate an image of your treatment to show you what it will look like before and after the procedure, there’s still a chance the outcome will turn out differently than you expected.

Asking your dentist what they’ll do for you if you aren’t happy with the end results before the procedure may save you money and time. Your cosmetic dentist may offer a complimentary touch up if you’re unhappy with the end results or may refer you to another specialist such as an implant dentist like Dr. Assing.

#5: What Financial Options Do You Offer?

Cost is a major concern that can greatly affect your decision to receive cosmetic dental services. Oftentimes cosmetic dentists accept multiple forms of payment and work with a wide range of insurance companies to help make cosmetic treatments more affordable.

Ask your dentist about how much of the cost of the planned procedures will be covered by your insurance, and if their office accepts payment plans such as CareCredit.

Contact Your Local Cosmetic Dentist For a Better Smile

Cosmetic services can be beneficial for the appearance of your smile and overall happiness. Schedule an appointment with a cosmetic dentist to restore your smile, and don’t forget to be prepared with questions.