Cosmetic Dentistry and What It Entails

Cosmetic Dentistry and What It Entails

Nobody needs to be confused or worried about getting cosmetic dentistry. It’s really very approachable for most people. In fact, many of the people you know might have already had these types of procedures.

Let’s take a look at the entire process of going to a cosmetic dentist from start to finish. You might notice that it’s pretty similar to going to a regular dentist — partly because your family dentist probably has a cosmetic practice. If you have any questions or you’d like to make an appointment, please reach out to Smile League Dental at any point.

Consultation

Your first step with any cosmetic procedure will be a consultation. This might happen during a regular checkup when the dentist notices something. Otherwise, you might come in for a specific appointment.

Planning

After you have identified the problem you want to solve, it’s time to think about solutions. This is the hardest part for most patients.

There are usually a number of different ways to address any specific cosmetic challenge that you’re facing. Choosing between all of the options means balancing cost, schedule, and end result against your own personal preferences and expectations.

The best dentists should be able to highlight some of the options that will work for your unique situation. Make sure that you work with someone you trust during this planning phase, and the rest of your experience should be great.

Procedure

After you plan everything, you will undergo the procedure you selected. This could be as simple as a same-day teeth whitening, or it could involve a multistage process. You might need to wait a little longer to start the more complicated options, as they can require advanced imaging, molds of your teeth, and manufacturing of advanced prosthetics.

Cosmetic procedures have come a long way in recent years. They are now more accessible and they can provide more natural-looking results than ever before.

Recovery (If Applicable)

Some cosmetic dentistry might require recovery or some type of downtime. For example, many people get a temporary crown as a placeholder before their new prosthetic can be installed. Implants tend to be sore for a short period before they become as natural-feeling as original teeth.

On the other hand, some cosmetic procedures result in virtually zero discomfort. Teeth whitening, for example, basically only requires you to open your mouth for the dentist.

If a recovery period might not fit into your plans, then you will definitely want to discuss that during the planning phase with your dentist. One common example is getting cosmetic dental procedures in preparation for a wedding — you might want to start planning well in advance for these types of events.

Enjoyment

The final stage of any cosmetic dental procedure is enjoying your new smile and sharing it with those around you. Let us help you get there — reach out for an appointment today at our Joliet cosmetic dentistry center.