consultation with a cosmetic dentist

consultation with a cosmetic

Your initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist is an opportunity for you to learn about the practice that you've narrowed down your search to, as well as discuss what you like and don't like about your smile. It's also an opportunity for you and the cosmetic dentist to establish realistic expectations for your cosmetic dental treatment.

Consultations for cosmetic dentistry treatments typically include records gathering. Because these records are important for developing a unique and precise cosmetic dental treatment plan that will satisfy your needs, a significant amount of time may be spent for this purpose. Records gathering involves, but is not limited to:

* A comprehensive intraoral examination and inspection of any existing dental work.
* Intraoral photographs
* Radiographs (x-rays)
* Impressions of your upper and lower teeth (models and study casts will be made later).
* Looking through smile design books that show an assortment of before and after photographs of different cosmetic dental procedures.
* Reviewing different tooth shapes and sizes to see what appeals to you.
* Discussing tooth color
* Using a computer monitor, reviewing your smile tooth by tooth with the cosmetic dentist so you can thoroughly understand what can be changed and how.

Your consultation may also include a meeting with a patient coordinator. The patient coordinator's role in the cosmetic dental practice is to help you with scheduling appointments and follow-up care.

You may also meet with the practice's office manager to discuss the types of financing or payment options available to help you manage the cost of your cosmetic dentistry treatment – dental insurance does not typically provide coverage for cosmetic treatment. If not, remember to ask about what the financing options are. While payment plans are available through a number of dental loan providers, your cosmetic dentist may offer in-house payment options as well.


Considerations for the Consultation

Cosmetic dentistry results may vary and are dependent on the skill of your dentist. Finding a qualified cosmetic dentist therefore requires careful consideration, even during the consultation stages of treatment.

During your consultation, make note of how you feel about the practice's ambiance. Specifically, are you comfortable with the cosmetic dentist's chair-side manner? Is the staff friendly, welcoming and quick to address your concerns? Since cosmetic dentistry treatment can take time, it is important to establish a rapport with all individuals involved.

If the cosmetic dentist provides you with a diagnosis and treatment plan during the consultation, it is important that he or she share that information with you in detail. Make sure that you understand your diagnosis and any viable treatment alternatives. Make sure that you feel completely comfortable with the level of detail and thoroughness of the explanations you are given so that you can make an educated decision about your cosmetic dental treatment.

Likewise, when providing you with a treatment plan, the cosmetic dentist should be able to tell you about the type of materials that will be used in the fabrication of your restorations. Be sure to ask about how long the results are expected to last and the type of maintenance required in order to sustain the benefit of the procedures. For example, teeth whitening must be repeated every three to six months – depending upon the procedure you choose – in order to maintain the benefits. Similarly, you may be required to wear a protective mouth guard at night to help maintain your veneers.
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Since most cosmetic dentistry procedures include restorations made in a dental laboratory, ask about the dental laboratory technician your dentist plans to involve in your treatment plan. Is the laboratory technician or ceramist a Certified Dental Technician or an accredited member of the AACD? Has the dentist worked with this laboratory technician for many years and/or on similar cases in the past?

When you select a cosmetic dentist, you are selecting a dental professional who will help you change your appearance by changing the look of your teeth and your smile. It is a very personal and important choice. Most procedures are not reversible, so you will want to take your time, ensure that you feel comfortable with the dentist, and that you feel confident with his/her skills and capabilities. When you do, you will likely be happy and completely satisfied with the results that are achieved with the cosmetic dentistry treatment you receive