A Beginner's Guide To Cosmetic Dentistry

Seeing a new dentist for general or cosmetic dentistry can be an anxiety-inducing experience, especially if your appointment is for something new or for something that you are not familiar with. If you are visiting a cosmetic dentist for the first time, it can be helpful to learn a little bit about what this field involves. The more familiar you are with cosmetic dentistry, the better decision you can make about whether seeing a cosmetic dentist is the right choice for you or not, and the better questions you will be able to ask during your dental appointment. 

What beginners should know about cosmetic dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry is a field that many people do not know much about. Here are some frequently asked questions about this field by beginners. 

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentists focus on maintaining the good appearance of teeth, gums, and the mouth. However, cosmetic dentists are usually qualified to perform the same duties and procedures as a general dentist, such as filling cavities and placing implants for missing teeth. They are specially qualified to perform the following procedures:

• Teeth whitening, or the removal of stains on the teeth caused by eating and drinking certain foods, as well as smoking, to produce a brighter, healthier-looking smile
• Applying dental veneers, which are thin shells placed over the enamel of the teeth to correct crooked or damaged teeth
• Installing dental crowns, which are placed over teeth to fix decay or damage
• Placing dental implants in the mouth to replace a missing tooth or teeth
• Reshaping the gumline by adding more tissue or removing excess tissue to give the gumline a more balanced appearance
• Reshaping the teeth by removing some of the enamel or filing them down to give them a more aesthetically pleasing appearance
• Fitting clear aligners to straighten crooked teeth 

Cosmetic dentists undergo the same training as general dentists, including in areas such as pain management and oral medicine, so rest assured that you are in good hands when you visit a cosmetic dentistry office. These dentists care about both the appearance of your mouth and teeth as well as your oral health. 

Why should I see a cosmetic dentist?

Aside from maintaining good overall oral health, there are many reasons to see a cosmetic dentist in particular. Some of these reasons include repairing cracks or chips in a tooth, correcting crooked or misshapen teeth, and receiving whitening treatment for discolored teeth. Cosmetic dentists fix not only issues that are cosmetic and can affect your self-esteem, but issues that can escalate and become serious oral health issues down the road. 

If you find yourself hesitant to smile for pictures or participate in social activities or public speaking due to the way you feel about your teeth, then seeing a cosmetic dentist may be a good option for you.

Are cosmetic procedures lengthy and invasive?

Some procedures are relatively quick, while others take more time. The level of invasiveness varies as well. For example, professional teeth whitening generally takes less than an hour and is the least invasive. In contrast, dental implants can take up to a year to complete the procedure, and it requires surgery, so it is the most invasive of the procedures.

Other procedures fall in between. Some, like gum or teeth reshaping, may only require one office visit. Others, like veneers and dental crowns, typically require at least two visits spaced about two weeks apart.

Are cosmetic procedures permanent?

If you are new to cosmetic dentistry, you may be wondering if you can reverse a procedure. Some procedures are not permanent. For example, the results of teeth whitening will last anywhere from one to two years, but eating and drinking generally wear down the whitening, which means you would need to have it redone if you wanted bright teeth again.

Veneers, on the other hand, are permanent because the dentist has to shave off quite a bit of enamel to place them. If they chip or fall off, you would need to replace them with new veneers.

Are cosmetic dentists expensive?

There is a preconception that cosmetic dentists are prohibitively expensive. However, dental technology has come a long way toward making cosmetic procedures more cost-effective and available to more people than ever before. 

Conclusion

People make appointments with cosmetic dentists for a wide variety of issues and conditions, ranging from appearance-related to serious oral health concerns. Discuss any concerns you have with your cosmetic dentist. 

Request an appointment here: http://www.hendersonfamilydentistry.com or call Henderson Family Dentistry at (903) 657-3139 for an appointment in our Henderson office.

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