Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field of general dentistry that primarily focuses on improving the appearance of the smile. Commonly touted as a ‘smile makeover’, it is seen as a great confidence booster. Expert clinics for cosmetic dentistry Los Angeles also highlight the functional aspects of oral health that a successful cosmetic dentistry treatment can confer.
Cosmetic dentistry includes many dental procedures. From minor repair work for chipped or discolored teeth to more extensive treatment plans for restoring missing teeth, every procedure aims at reducing aesthetic flaws while increasing the functional capabilities of the teeth. Thus what’s in store is an overall improvement in the function and appearance of the teeth and smile. Depending upon the aesthetic goals one wishes to realize, a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles will guide you through the process. Here’s what to expect at the end of the initial consultation:
The Right Treatment For Your Dental Concern
Issues like missing teeth, discolored teeth, misaligned, crooked, or chipped teeth; there are a range of dental concerns that affect your oral health and the overall appearance of your smile. The cosmetic dental expert will take into consideration your requirements and compare them against your current oral health condition. Once you book an appointment with the best cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles, you will be well-apprised of the right treatment procedure to address your specific concern.
Eligibility Check
While everyone is a suitable candidate for cosmetic dentistry, the broad spectrum of procedures under its domain has treatment-specific eligibility. Depending upon the cosmetic dental procedure you are considering, the dentist will evaluate your current dental health to match with its eligibility criteria. For instance, a person whose jawbone structure is weak may not be an ideal candidate for dental implants. In such cases, the dentist will look at other supporting treatments like bone grafting to address the key concern. The first visit to the dental clinic is thus an important one as it is a reality check.
The Treatment Duration
Following a thorough dental examination, the Los Angeles cosmetic dentist will roll out a treatment plan. Teeth whitening procedures are typically performed without much procedure preparation and have no downtime. On the other hand, cosmetic dental procedures like veneers, bridges, and implants are long drawn and require multiple sittings. After the first visit to the cosmetic dentistry clinic, you’ll have a fair idea of the total treatment duration.
Total Downtime And Post-Procedure Care
Dental implants are the most comprehensive of the cosmetic dentistry procedures available. If your dentist recognizes the need for a dental implant to restore a missing tooth, he will guide you through the step-by-step stage of the entire procedure. This will give you an exact idea of the healing phase and the possible complications one needs to be wary of. Therefore, proper guidance on post-procedure care is important to minimize complications, accelerate healing, and improve the longevity of the treatment.
Total Treatment Cost
One of the key things that is under consideration before finalizing a cosmetic dentistry procedure is the total cost of the treatment. There is no doubt that a cosmetic dentistry procedure is a costly affair. But a lot is based on the type of procedure, the materials used, and the skill set of the dentist, among other things. Also, if the cost of the procedure appears high initially, a quality treatment will even out the outflow with prolonged results and low subsequent maintenance costs. Thankfully, with leading Los Angeles cosmetic dentistry clinics having tie-ups with insurance providers, chances are that few components of the bill may be covered under a health plan.
Result Longevity
Before committing oneself to any cosmetic dental procedure one must be aware of if and when a repeat procedure is required. Cosmetic dental procedures like teeth whitening, dental veneers, etc have a defined lifespan. While good post-treatment care can prolong this duration, one will certainly require subsequent touch-ups for uninterrupted efficacy. One can openly discuss this issue with their cosmetic dentist during their initial visit to get a clear idea of what is in store.
Realistic Expectations
A reputed cosmetic dentistry clinic will make you aware of what to realistically expect after each procedure. This is based on other patient’s before-and-after pictures along with your computer-generated images. This helps negate any kind of false promises or unrealistic expectations that one might carry about the cosmetic procedure. Also, being aware of the short and long-term expectations of your chosen treatment is important for making an informed decision.