Congratulations! You’ve decided to take control of the appearance of your smile and seek more information about cosmetic dentistry. Soon you will have not just a glowing grin, but a boost of self-confidence, too. But before you book your procedure, it’s important to make sure you know the details of your treatment. Here are a few questions you should ask your dentist before you invest in any form of cosmetic dentistry.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
Before you spend any of your hard-earned money on cosmetic dentistry, you probably want to know what kind of results you can expect from it. For example, while teeth whitening can often lift from six to eight shades of discoloration in one treatment, if you have heavy stains or are a smoker, you may not experience as noticeable of results. Be sure to see what your dentist thinks is possible prior to your procedure so you don’t feel disappointed with the outcome.
How Long Will It Take?
For some procedures such as teeth whitening, you can expect the entire process to take about an hour. Cosmetic bonding can be much faster than that depending on how many teeth are being repaired. For something like veneers, you could require at least two appointments, but their duration will depend on how many veneers you need. Check with your dentist about how long you should expect the treatment to take so you can plan your schedule accordingly.
Will it Hurt?
While most cosmetic procedures aren’t painful, you may experience some sensitivity following a few of them, so if you are concerned about discomfort speak with your dentist beforehand so you know what to expect. Often, you can get relief from over-the-counter painkillers. In some cases, you may want to see if there are any sedation options available.
How Long Will My Results Last?
All good things come to an end, as they say, and this can also be true for cosmetic dentistry. Products like veneers can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance, but professional whitening will only last as long as you care for your teeth. Thus, if you immediately return to drinking coffee, smoking, or consuming dark foods, you can easily form new stains within weeks. Therefore, to make the most of your investment, be sure to follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions so you don’t end up back in the chair needing your work redone.
Remember, cosmetic dentistry is a great way to enhance your smile and boost your confidence, but you should only undergo treatment if you truly understand how it works. Asking your dentist these important questions before your procedure is an excellent way to ensure that you know what to expect, and how to maintain your beautiful smile for as long as possible.
About Our Practice
At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the teeth. We work together as a team to help provide each patient with the highest possible level of care, and we look closely at the bigger picture, so your treatment won’t just address part of the issue. Whether you need a general exam, a restoration, or are seeking to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry, we’re here to help.
To schedule a cosmetic dentistry appointment, please visit our website or call us today at 904-285-7711.