It is essential that you communicate with your doctor when you are thinking about cosmetic dentistry. You want him to know exactly what you want and you want to know exactly what he or she can do about it.
Here are some questions to ask yourself and your dentist that would be helpful to you:
- What do you want to see changed in your smile? Be specific!
- What do you like?
- What don't you like?
- What do you expect from the result?
- What procedures will be used for your smile enhancement?
- What do those procedures entail?
- Does this result meet your expectations and address the areas you think needs improvement?
- How long will the procedure take?
- What kind of pain management options does your dentist offer?
- What are the pros and cons of each?
- How long can you expect your dental restorations to last?
- Is there any special care you must give your new smile?
- Are there any risks? If so, what are they?
Unlike many other medical specialists, dentists are not required to have any advanced education or training to practice cosmetic dentistry. In fact, the requirements for practicing cosmetic dentistry vary from state to state.
As a result, some cosmetic dentists may not have undergone much advanced training, if any. You may want to consider asking your general dentist for a referral as he or she may know someone good in the industry.
Searching for dentists who have post-graduate education and training in cosmetic or restorative dentistry from a reputable institution is very important.
Check membership in professional associations, such as the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and others. Look at before and after photos of his patients' smiles.
Talk about the cost of each procedure you are considering. You may want to get the names and codes of the procedures ahead of time to call your insurance company to see what is covered on your plan.
Simple take home whitening kits can be a few hundred dollars, and extensive surgeries and procedures can be tens of thousands of dollars. Make sure you are very clear ahead of time of what it will cost you to improve your smile.
Recovery varies with the procedure. If your treatment plan included a gum lift, there will be some sensitivity as the tissue heals.
The use of a laser for the procedure will speed up the healing time significantly. Some patients benefit from taking Ibuprofen for a few days afterward.
Ask your dentist what you can expect to experience.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and cosmetic dentist in Las Vegas. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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