Cosmetic Dentistry: Treatments and Trends
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about improving the way your smile looks.
The right surgical procedures can also restore and protect your natural teeth, which helps to improve dental health and prevent long-term dental issues.
Not sure what options are available to you?
Outlined below are some of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments and trends in the U.S.:
Treatment Options
- Porcelain veneers: Thin porcelain shells bonded to the natural teeth
- Teeth whitening: Fast and effective service that lightens the teeth up to 8 shades
- Composite fillings: Restorations that correct minor-to-moderate tooth damage (such as cavities)
- Dental implants: A post that replaces a tooth root
- Dental crowns: A dental crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth or dental implant
- Dental bridges: False teeth that fill in gaps left by one or several missing teeth
- Inlays and Onlays: Inlays fill in cavities and hollows between the raised points of a tooth; onlays fill in cavities in these spaces as well as the cusps
Cosmetic Trends
- Porcelain veneers to improve teeth shape, color & alignment
- Dental implants, porcelain crowns & bridges to fill in gaps left by missing teeth
- Gum lifts & contouring to raise and reshape the gum line
Finding the Right Cosmetic Dentist
The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) makes it easy for you to search for a qualified cosmetic dentist — someone who continues education and stays informed about the latest cosmetic dental procedures.
This organization offers a convenient tool that lets you search for a dentist in your area, review credentials, and find out how long they’ve been treating patients.
Obtaining Referrals: What to Know
Do you have friends or family members who have had cosmetic dental procedures done in the past?
If you like the way their dental work looks, reach out and ask them if they would highly recommend their dentist for your next cosmetic treatment.
Find out what they liked about this dentist, if they thought the prices were fair, and whether or not they’d work with them again.
Narrowing Your Choices
Once you’ve created a shortlist of potential dentists, narrow down your choices.
Start by looking at each dentist’s website to see what services they do and don’t offer. Eliminate anyone who doesn’t provide the specific treatment you want.
Next, look at their before and after pictures to understand the quality of their work.
Be sure to check each dentist’s availability, too.
Are they accepting new patients? How soon can they get you in for a consultation?
What to Expect at Your Consultation
Your next job is to schedule a consultation.
During the consultation, the dentist will talk to you about your goals and current dental symptoms.
They will look at your teeth, too, and check for potential issues that need to be addressed before you have cosmetic work done. They may take x-rays as well.
Considerations for the Consultation
During the consultation, pay attention to how you feel when interacting with the dentist and their dental assistants.
Are they friendly and direct? Do you feel comfortable asking questions or expressing concerns? Do they offer a realistic timeline for the healing process?
Be sure to ask about pricing for different treatment plans during the consultation, too.
How much will it cost to get the dental work you’re seeking? Do they offer payment plans?
Top Dentists In Your Area
It doesn’t matter if you’re struggling with periodontal disease and interested in bone grafting or want to invest in a new set of porcelain veneers. Skilled cosmetic dentists can make all the difference.
Are you looking for a cosmetic dentist in the Kansas City area? If so, come see our team at Gordon Dental Implants & Cosmetics.
With state-of-the-art equipment and a variety of treatment options, we’ll give you the smile you’ve always wanted. We also offer general dentistry to improve oral health for patients of all ages.
Contact our dental office in Leawood, KS today to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services or book an appointment with our Dental Implant Specialist, Dr. Philip Gordon.