What a Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Plan Should Include
11/30/2007
By Dr. Steven Goldy
A cosmetic dentist can help you improve your appearance and create a confident, healthy smile. There can be no ‘one size fits all’ plan when it comes to cosmetic dentistry - a comprehensive treatment plan can include everything from basic dental hygiene to advanced techniques and options to treat teeth that are discolored, chipped, misshapen or missing. Your dentist can reshape your teeth, close spaces, restore worn or short teeth or alter the length of your teeth with. Porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, or even bridgework or implants if indicated. So what should you expect when you visit a cosmetic dentist?
With new digital imaging technology you are able to see what the finished product will look like before you commit to the treatment. Once you are satisfied with the planned smile and decide to go ahead, your cosmetic dentist should do a complete evaluation of your dental health and hygiene and an individual smile analysis. There may be some underlying issues that need to be resolved before the cosmetic work can begin. Simply slapping some pretty porcelain veneers on top of old problems won’t give you a lasting result.
Once your dentist has done the evaluation of your mouth he or she will discuss your options and the cost of the proposed treatment.
The most common cosmetic dentistry techniques are:
- Whitening, or "tooth bleaching", is the most commonly prescribed cosmetic dental procedure. While many whitening options are now available, dentist-supervised treatments remain the recommended procedure for lightening discolored teeth. For the “WOW” type of result: ask your dentist about the Deep Bleaching technique pioneered by Rod Curthy.
- Enamel shaping removes parts of the contouring enamel to improve the appearance of the tooth. It may be used to correct a very small chip. The removed enamel is irreplaceable. It is also known as reshaping, slenderizing, and stripping.
- Bonding is an option for chipped or cracked teeth. It is a process in which an enamel-like dental composite material is applied to a tooth's surface, sculpted into shape, hardened, and then polished.
- Veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are bonded directly to the teeth and are an increasingly popular procedure. They are an option for closing gaps and disguising discolored teeth
Only once your dentist has completed a thorough examination of your mouth will you be able to design the correct cosmetic dentistry treatment plan together.
Author Bio:
Dr. Steven Goldy, DDS is a cosmetic dentist practicing in Beverly Hills. His approach to cosmetic dentistry is founded in his belief that everyone deserves to have the best possible oral health and a beautiful smile. You can reach Dr. Goldy at 310 550 1511 or visit his website at http://www.stevengoldydds.com His office is located at 415 N. Bedford Center in Beverly Hills, California.
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