Cosmetic dentistry is a popular option for individuals who want to change their appearance and feel better about their smiles. Because imperfections can arise in many forms (i.e., chips, cracks, stains, discoloration, gaps, misshapen teeth, slight misalignment, etc.), it’s natural for people to turn to dentists for help. But is everyone a candidate? Can anyone receive veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, gum recontouring, and metal-free restorations? Read on to find out.
What Makes a Person Eligible for Cosmetic Dentistry?
When a person is unhappy with their smile, it’s easy to assume that they can simply undergo cosmetic dentistry to fix the problem(s). Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Yes, a majority of individuals can find hope with one or more of these dental treatments; however, there are factors a dentist must first consider.
When a patient meets with a cosmetic dentist for a consultation, a thorough examination of the person’s oral anatomy must occur. This will ensure that their oral health is in good enough shape to undergo treatment.
If any signs of tooth decay, gum disease, or oral cancer exist, appropriate services (i.e., dental fillings, periodontal therapy, tooth extraction, etc.) must be provided beforehand so that successful cosmetic results can occur later on.
How to Know When Cosmetic Dentistry is the Right Choice
Although a person may be given the green light for cosmetic dental treatment(s), it is important that they understand what they are preparing to enter into. Unlike preventive and restorative dentistry, cosmetic care is elective, which means it is unlikely that dental insurance will cover the cost. As a result, patients must determine how they plan to pay for treatment before agreeing to move forward.
Other considerations include:
- Making sure the patient finds a qualified cosmetic dentist to perform the services. Failing to do one’s research can result in lackluster or damaging results that require time and money to fix.
- Identifying how long treatment will take. Some patients may be pursuing cosmetic dentistry for a special event coming up. Knowing how long treatment will take can help to narrow down which one(s) might be best.
- Knowing which solution(s) will help to create the type of smile the person desires.
Instead of assuming cosmetic dentistry isn’t possible, discover how a dentist can help to ensure that a healthy, beautiful, and vibrant smile is what lies ahead.
About Grand Dental – Wilmington
At Grand Dental – Wilmington, we offer fully personalized, comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. If you have been looking for ways to improve the appearance of your smile, we can use fully customized veneers and other unique solutions to make multiple corrections at once. If you’d like to schedule a cosmetic consultation, visit our website or call (815) 240-8822.