Is Cosmetic Dentistry Worth It?
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Smile!
Cosmetic dentistry has become a common term. Many dentists call themselves “cosmetic dentists.” The fact is cosmetic dentistry requires advanced skills, training, and experience. An excellent cosmetic dentist will be concerned with both the cosmetic and functional outcomes of dentistry. These will work need together in harmony for a perfect smile.
Standard cosmetic dentistry procedures include teeth whitening, porcelain crowns, dental implants, orthodontic movement, gum sculpting, dental bonding, and porcelain veneers. Teeth whitening is the only procedure that does not require extra skill from the cosmetic dentist. Any cosmetic dentistry procedure aims to have your smile look and feel as natural as possible.
This will include proper treatment planning before and skilled preparation during the actual procedure. Choosing the ideal techniques, utilizing the highest quality materials, and pairing with the best dental laboratories allow superior cosmetic dentistry results. A well-trained, experienced cosmetic dentist will also handle any oral health issues that may arise along the way.
Cosmetic Dentistry Case Example
The patient presents to the dentist with a list of desires for her smile. She did not like gaps between her teeth, wanted a whiter smile, and had a badly decayed tooth in the lower molar area.
Step 1 – Patient should fully explain their desires for their smile. Together with your cosmetic dentist, you will need to develop open lines of communication. Based on time, budget, and function, an agreement should be reached about what can and cannot be done to restore and enhance your smile. A review of various cosmetic dental procedures will ensure you get the right treatment for your smile.
Step 2 -Full treatment planning records need to be taken. This initial planning includes preoperative x-rays, study models, and digital photographs. These are essential for an excellent cosmetic dentistry outcome.
Step 3 – Your dentist should present various options for treatment. Discuss the possibilities in-depth and develop an agreed-upon treatment plan. The patient should be shown what the final treatment could look like. Such visual cues can be beneficial in decision-making. In this example case, the treatment plan decided upon included:
-Removal of the extremely decayed molar and replacement with the placement of a dental implant. Dental implants are the best solution for missing teeth.
–Porcelain Veneers correct shape, size, color, and gaps between the front six upper teeth.
–Teeth Whitening – This will allow the patient to whiten their entire smile to a more desirable color. Your dentist can match the new porcelain veneers and the final implant crown to the rest of your newly whitened smile.
Step 4 – The patient has badly decayed molar extracted and is referred to a periodontist for implant consultation and placement. A dental implant is ideal for replacing missing teeth. Following placement of a dental implant, the patient will need to wait 4-6 months for proper healing and integration of dental implants into the bone before the final porcelain crown can be placed.
Step 5 – Begin the Teeth Whitening process. This whitening procedure can either be done in the office (in one hour), or the patient can complete teeth whitening at home for 2-4 weeks. This step is essential to get the right shade as your dentist will fabricate the final veneers and crowns to match the new, lighter shade developed during teeth whitening.
Step 6 – Following teeth whitening, the dental veneers procedure can begin. Porcelain veneers are super thin and custom fabricated tooth-colored porcelain designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your smile’s overall esthetic appearance.
These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, width, and length. After this appointment, the patient will be sent home in temporary veneers while the laboratory fabricates your custom porcelain veneers.
Step 7 – Placement, fitting, and bonding of final veneers. This placement and fitting is a critical step in this case as the porcelain veneers must line up correctly to close gaps and be the right color and shape. An excellent cosmetic dentist will let you evaluate the placement and color of porcelain veneers before they are permanently placed.
Step 8 – Insertion of porcelain crown following completed healing of the dental implant.
Step 9 – Happy patient with a new smile!
Porcelain Veneers As A Cosmetic Dentistry Example
If you are considering dental veneers, the first step is a cosmetic dentistry consultation. Dr. Perrone will discuss your goals and treatment options.
While dental veneers may be the ideal choice, other cosmetic dentistry options might suit your smile better. If you are not ready for porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentists like Dr. Perrone may recommend dental bonding, a less expensive alternative to porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers can still be placed later for a more permanent solution to fix your smile.
A dental crown may be the ideal choice if your tooth has extensive damage from trauma or tooth decay. Whatever your smile needs, we can take care of them. Visit us for a cosmetic consultation.
Dental Veneers can be used to:
- Close gaps teeth
- Improve the esthetic appearance of slightly crooked or misaligned teeth
- Repair broke or chipped teeth.
- Cover discolored teeth or stained teeth.
Procedure
Generally, two to three visits are necessary to complete the porcelain veneer procedure:
Cosmetic Dentistry Evaluation
A thorough evaluation is an initial step in the process of creating custom porcelain veneers. This cosmetic evaluation will include a physical examination of the teeth, gum tissues, jaw joints, and other support structures of the mouth. Dr. Perrone will assess your oral health and ensure that the teeth provide a stable foundation for porcelain veneers. Cosmetic dentistry is not just about esthetics.
Treatment Planning
Next, Dr. Perrone will design a treatment plan for your smile makeover with your input. She may use models to show you what the results of your treatment will look like.
Design & Fabrication
Dr. Perrone will prepare your teeth and take impressions. Dr. Perrone will send these impressions to a dental laboratory where your dental veneers will be skillfully fabricated.
Final Restoration
On the last visit, Dr. Perrone will place your custom porcelain veneers on your teeth and check the color and fit. Minor adjustments are made, the patient and dentist will approve, and the veneers are permanently placed on the teeth.
After Care
Dental veneers will require some special dental hygiene care. Dr. Perrone will review instructions with you and show you how to brush and floss your new dental veneers. Routine dental cleanings and examinations are essential to ensure long-term oral health. Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant and will look bright for years to come.
Cosmetic Dentistry Conclusion
Above are some of the steps involved in a typical cosmetic dentistry case. Often times there are extra visits if any other issues arise, but if planned for properly, the patient will know exactly what to expect regarding the cosmetic dentistry treatment schedule and finances. Cosmetic dentistry has the ability to transform an ordinary smile into one that makes the patient smile bright for a long time to come.
Regain confidence in your smile with the help of Marielaina Perrone DDS!
Our goal is to help our patients give them their best smile yet. Dr. Perrone and her cosmetic dentistry team are proud to offer comprehensive dental care, including routine dental cleanings as well as the cosmetic and restorative procedures mentioned above.