When people hear about cosmetic dentistry, among the first things that they think about are teeth whitening and veneers. While these two are part of the suite of services offered by a cosmetic dentist, Fort Lauderdale residents should know that there’s more to this branch of dentistry.
So what exactly is cosmetic dentistry?
While the teeth are an essential part of the digestive system, they are also an integral component of having a warm, confident smile. And as such, cosmetic dentistry aims to help people improve both their appearance as well as their self-confidence through various services which address both their functional and aesthetic needs. These services include bleaching, bonding, crowns, veneers, contouring and reshaping.
Note that each patient has his or her unique needs and conditions. By taking this into account, a cosmetic dentist can recommend the best solution to achieving a patient’s goals. In order to arrive to the right choice of solution, you should first determine what changes you would like to see, what your expectations are after the treatment and what type of maintenance is entailed.
Cosmetic treatments often begin with a meeting with your chosen dentist. First, he or she will evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums as well as your bite. In some cases, your dentist may make use of an X-ray exam. After evaluation, your dentist will ask you what your goals are and recommend a suitable treatment.
Today, many dentists use computer imaging to allow their patients to have a glimpse of the end result of a particular treatment. In some cases, dentists create models of their patients’ mouths made out of either wax or resin. In other cases, dentists will start off with provisional restorations which work like a trial system. Here, the patient gets to feel for himself or herself how a particular treatment will affect his or her bite and speech. Afterwards, the dentist will make the necessary adjustments in order to achieve the desired result.
Cosmetic treatments typically entail investment in both time and money. And as such, you should carefully choose the dentist to perform cosmetic procedures for you. A reliable cosmetic dentist should be readily able to provide proof of continuing training and education as well as references who can vouch for his or her quality of work. Furthermore, a good cosmetic dentist can show you before and after pictures of former patients who have undergone the same treatment as the one you are considering.
