If you’re frustrated by flaws in your teeth, you may be considering cosmetic dentistry. Whether you have a chipped, crooked, or yellowed grin, your dentist has solutions to help. Before you begin treatment, however, you must ensure that they’re on the same page with you about your dental goals.
Your journey towards enhancing your smile will begin with an initial consultation appointment with your dentist. They’ll go over your history and assess the condition of your teeth to offer possible remedies. This is also the perfect opportunity for you to ask questions or voice any concerns that you may have. If you’re not sure where to start, keep reading to learn 3 things you should know before you get started.
Question #1: How Experienced Are You with This Procedure?
You might think you’ll offend your dentist if you ask about their experience with certain therapies, but they know that you need to feel confident in their abilities. Dentists have different training and skill sets, and some newer dentists might not yet have completed certain procedures. The more familiar they are with the ins and outs of the process, the more likely it is to be successful. They can walk you through their knowledge of each step so you can have some peace of mind knowing you’re in good hands.
Question #2: Is This Treatment a Good Fit for Me?
Many cosmetic procedures are elective, meaning they aren’t necessary for your dental health but instead focus on improving your appearance. That said, your dentist’s primary goal will be to provide and maintain top-notch oral healthcare and they won’t proceed with some treatments if they see potential problems. That means you might not be a good candidate for every choice.
For example, if you’re planning to have your teeth whitened, they’ll first verify that you don’t have any cavities. They know that placing bleaching agents over tooth decay will cause some serious pain, so they must examine your pearly whites before they begin. Once the repairs are completed, they can resume whitening.
Question #3: What Is the Expected Outcome?
It’s important to share with your dentist exactly what you’re hoping to achieve so they can help you attain it. As they’re going over the different methods, feel free to ask them what you can expect from each one. What will your teeth look and feel like once the work is completed? Will there be recovery time? Are there restrictions or special aftercare instructions you need to be aware of? Knowing the anticipated results can help direct your decision-making process.
If you have questions in addition to these, be sure to let your dentist know. They’re happy to go over all the pertinent information so that you feel confident moving forward with treatment.
About the Practice
At Shinkawa Dental, your entire family can expect individualized care to meet all of your dental needs, including cosmetic improvements. Whether you have misaligned, yellowed, or chipped teeth, our dentists are happy to provide you with treatment selections. We use the most advanced technology to keep you feeling engaged, relaxed, and fully informed about your specific procedure. You’re welcome to request a consultation by contacting our staff on the website or by calling (559) 226-5656.