Are you unsatisfied with the way that your smile looks? You can talk to your dentist about methods of boosting the appearance of your teeth with dental procedures. Every smile is different, so you can expect a personalized approach to getting you the smile of your dreams.
To streamline your experience, it can help to know what happens during this appointment before you arrive. Read on to learn each step of your first visit with a dentist for a cosmetic consult.
What Happens During an Initial Cosmetic Consultation?
Oral Health Evaluation
Though you schedule this appointment to discuss cosmetic dental treatment with your dentist, they will first want to check your oral health. You will receive the best results from smile enhancement when your teeth and gums can provide a stable and strong foundation for dental work.
So the dentist will begin the session by examining your smile for signs of dental concerns such as cavities or gum disease. If they notice any issues, they will want to treat them before pursuing cosmetic dental solutions.
Smile Design Planning
With a healthy smile in place, you and your dentist can discuss your smile aesthetic goals. The dentist will consider your desires along with the existing dental structure and your medical history to determine the best cosmetic treatment method to enhance your smile’s appearance.
Your dentist understands that every smile is different and they will employ a personalized approach to designing your smile. They can get you the smile of your dreams while ensuring your final look appears natural.
They will also maintain open communication throughout the entire process. If you have any questions about what your smile will look like or what the treatments will be like, do not hesitate to ask.
Scheduling Cosmetic Dental Treatments
When you have a smile enhancement plan set in stone, you can work with the practice’s staff to schedule any required dental procedures. Depending on your treatment plan, you may need to visit your dentist more than once.
In some cases, you can reach your cosmetic dental goals in one session, as with in-office teeth whitening. Other treatments, like porcelain veneers, will require multiple appointments to finish your cosmetic treatment.
Your dentist can also give you dental treatments that you can complete from the comfort of your own home. Take-home teeth whitening kits use custom-made trays that, when worn as directed, will gradually brighten your teeth.
They may also help you straighten your teeth with invisible braces. These are customized plastic aligners that you wear 22 hours each day to align your smile. Though you may have to visit your dentist for check-ups, you complete this treatment largely as you go about your usual routine.
Your dentist will confirm the length of your appointment and how many times you will need to visit before scheduling. The expected commitment will vary for each patient.