Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of procedures aimed at enhancing the appearance of your smile. From teeth whitening and veneers to gum recontouring and dental bonding, cosmetic dentistry can adapt to many dental issues. While these procedures can help you achieve the smile of your dreams, not everyone may be an ideal candidate.
Read on to learn about what dentists consider when determining your suitability for smile enhancement through cosmetic dentistry.
1. Overall Oral Health
Before undergoing any cosmetic dental treatment, it’s important to have a healthy foundation. Your dentist will assess the health of your teeth and gums to ensure they are free from decay, infection, or periodontal (gum) disease.
It’s necessary for dentists to address any underlying oral health issues before continuing with cosmetic procedures to ensure long-term success and minimize the risk of complications.
2. You Have an Idea of What You Want
Cosmetic dentistry can address a wide range of dental concerns, including discolored, chipped, cracked, or misaligned teeth. Depending on your specific dental issues and smile goals, your dentist will recommend the most suitable cosmetic treatments to achieve the desired results.
3. Commitment to Oral Hygiene
Dentists like to see a commitment to good cleaning practices before providing cosmetic dentistry. This is because good oral hygiene is key to the success of cosmetic procedures. Patients committed to maintaining excellent dental habits are more likely to be successful candidates for cosmetic dentistry.
4. Realistic Expectations
You should have realistic expectations when considering cosmetic dentistry. While modern dental techniques and materials can produce remarkable results, it’s not magic. There’s no wand your dentist can wave to “make it happen.”
Understand the limitations of cosmetic procedures and communicate openly with your dentist about your goals. They will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan to achieve your desires while maintaining a down-to-earth vision.
5. Lifestyle and Habits
Your lifestyle and habits can also affect your candidacy for cosmetic dentistry. For example, if you smoke or regularly consume staining beverages like coffee or red wine, you may need to adjust your habits to keep the results of teeth whitening.
Additionally, patients who grind their teeth (bruxism) may require special treatment to protect veneers or cosmetic dental bonding.
By considering these factors and consulting with a skilled cosmetic dentist, you can find out whether you are a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. This is the first step in achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. Don’t wait, call your dentist, and schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation today!
About the Practice
At United Dental Centers of Chicago, you’ll be greeted with a smile and leave with one of your own. No matter what you’re looking for, their team of dental experts can help with a customized treatment plan to meet all your smile goals. They use the latest dental technology to give you a dental experience that’s efficient, painless, and effective. Call (773) 646-6262 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation or visit the website to learn more.