Are you considering a cosmetic dentistry procedure? Read on to learn what questions you should ask during your consultation. Before you begin your cosmetic dentistry treatment plan, there are certain questions to ask the dental team to ensure you are able to prepare properly and know what to expect each step of the way. This review offers several questions that you should ask the dentistry staff during the consultation visit.
Your dental team should welcome any questions you have during an initial visit, and it is important to ensure you feel comfortable with the treatment plan. By learning more about the following questions before you begin treatment, you can help ensure you get the treatment results you desire.
The cosmetic dentistry staff should ask you about your treatment goals and explain any oral health concerns that need to be addressed during the consultation visit. After the goals and needs are established, the next step is to put together a treatment plan. Be sure to ask the dentist and their staff about which treatment options are available and have them discuss the pros and cons of each treatment option. Ultimately, the patient gets to decide their treatment plan, so having a clear understanding of your options is important.
The length of the treatment process depends on the types of procedures that are a part of your treatment plan and your schedule availability. It can also be hard for dental staff to pinpoint precise completion dates. However, it can help to have a tentative understanding of how long the treatment process is likely to take.
Some cosmetic procedures only take one visit to complete, such as a professional teeth whitening procedure or dental bonding. Other procedures can take several visits, such as the placement of dental veneers or dental crowns. Orthodontic treatment typically takes between six months and two years to complete.
Maintaining the results of a cosmetic dentistry treatment long-term requires good oral care at home and regular cleaning and check-up visits with a dentist. Specifically, patients should:
Routine whitening procedures (once every one or two years) are also a great way to keep stains away, along with limiting the consumption of coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcohol.
Cost may be more of a factor with cosmetic dentistry as it is less likely to be covered by insurance, although many services are covered for patients. However, it can help to determine the timeline and payment details early on in the treatment process to avoid any setbacks later in the treatment plan. During the first visit with a cosmetic dentist, they can discuss your treatment goals and put together a schedule and treatment plan that works best for your needs. The cost and payment plan can also be discussed on the first visit as well.
One concern some patients have about cosmetic dentistry is that it may affect their oral health. However, cosmetic dentistry procedures should not affect your overall oral health. With that said, there are some procedures that may involve altering your dental enamel. For example, porcelain veneers and tooth-colored crowns require reshaping enamel to allow for an optimal fit.
Most cosmetic procedures do not require any special preparations beforehand. However, some procedures may cause discomfort afterward. In this case, you can prepare by shopping for softer foods and water before your appointment. Some procedures may require special instructions as well, particularly if your procedure requires sedation and surgery. Be sure to talk to your cosmetic dentist about the specific ways that you can prepare ahead of time for your scheduled procedure(s).
Here at our dental practice, we take great pride in helping our patients reach their cosmetic dentistry goals. From removing tooth stains to replacing multiple missing teeth, we can assist you with your cosmetic, oral health, and functional goals. To schedule a visit, give us a call today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.
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