Transform Your Smile: What to Expect from a Cosmetic Dentist

Seeing a cosmetic dentist can bring dramatic improvements to your smile. The experience can even enhance your oral health. Knowing what to look forward to from this dental care provider can prepare you for your appointment. Here are the things to anticipate from a cosmetic dentist.

The first appointment

Visiting a cosmetic dentist for the first time can be exciting and nerve-racking at the same time. A thorough consultation is necessary to determine the patient’s smile goals. Understanding the patient’s reasons for getting the treatment can help customize it. Improving the patient’s smile may also enhance dental function and prevent further damage or even tooth loss.

The cosmetic dentist will then begin the physical dental exam. This assessment will provide a clear image of the patient’s oral health. This information is necessary for the dentist to identify and treat the issues. Specific characteristics may also interrupt the treatment. The dentist will then suggest a different type of solution. The evaluation stage will include the following:

• Head and neck examination
• Imaging and X-rays to assess the tooth structure underneath the gums
• Checks for tartar, damage, or decay
• Bite inspection
• Oral cancer assessment

Discussing the options available

The rest of the first appointment will be spent reviewing oral exam results. Discussing the patient’s cosmetic treatment options will follow. The cosmetic dentist can create a computer model and show photos of the possible outcome of the treatment. Taking impressions of the upper and lower dental arches will be necessary to create a physical model of the current smile.

After the visit

The cosmetic dentist’s team will schedule the patient’s follow-up appointments. The patient needs to confirm when the visits will be. Before the procedure, the team may also request the patient’s records. Confirming options for financing and payment will take place as well. That is why bringing insurance information will be useful during this visit.

About the procedure

The cosmetic dentist will discuss possible procedures for the patient’s current smile issues with the patient. Understanding each option is necessary for the patient to choose the right treatment. The dentist will then perform some tests. These exams will help determine which procedures are right for the patient.

The patient must prepare questions about the treatment. Doing so will make the visit quicker. The cosmetic dentist will be more than happy to answer each of them. Talking about these concerns can help the patient prepare well for the procedure.

Preparing for the procedure

The consultation will determine if the patient is a good candidate for the cosmetic dental procedure. If so, the preparations will begin. The cosmetic dentist will then stress the critical areas of the procedure. Below are some important steps to prepare for the treatment:

• Prepare for the recovery period. Get some time off work and prepare the recovery area at home. The patient will need a quiet, isolated place to heal.
• Make sure that the patient’s insurance company can cover the procedure. The confirmation should happen before the treatment begins.
• Follow the cosmetic dentist’s instructions for recovery. Prepare to make the necessary changes for a smooth and quick recovery.

Your cosmetic dentist can transform your smile and dental health

Cosmetic dental issues can improve your appearance. The right cosmetic dentist can improve your smile and dental function at the same time. It is important to prepare well for the upcoming treatments. Working with your cosmetic dentist can help you enjoy your new smile for years.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dentistofsantamonica.com or call Cosmetic Dental Care of Santa Monica at (310) 570-2011 for an appointment in our Santa Monica office.

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