The artistic side of cosmetic dental planning can easily be varied from patient to patient. There are many factors that make a smile that can be adjusted to a patient’s preferences. Just as an architect will work with a client to design a family home, dentists can design smiles to meet the needs of our patients. Whether you are unhappy with your smile or have serious dental problems, comprehensive treatment planning is required. Seek second opinions until you find a cosmetic dentist who will approach each case with the eye of an artist.
How to Prepare for Your Dental Planning Sessions
When planning for your new smile it is wise to do some planning on your own. Start by asking yourself the following questions:
- Am I ready to commit to maintaining my new smile after undergoing dental work?
- What cosmetic features of my smile have always bothered me?
- Is my oral health good enough to qualify for the cosmetic treatment I want?
- Knowing that cosmetic treatment has variable outcomes, can I get a cost estimate?
- Do I know if my dental insurance plans will pay for what I want in this zip code and what the annual maximum is?
- Do I ever experience oral discomfort?
Dental treatment planning with an artist’s touch
First, your dentist must understand your concerns. The scope of treatment is determined by listening to the dreams, hopes, and aspirations of a patient. Then a state of the art full evaluation and review is done.
Making a plan
Data collection comes before the plan
When front teeth are involved, a trained cosmetic dentist will document the existing facial features, lip drape and movement patterns, teeth display during speech, and smile variations. These issues often require consulting with a ceramist, gum specialist, or orthodontist. Artistic smile design goes beyond simple cosmetic dental planning.
The consultation
An important role of the cosmetic dentist is to identify any problems and then offer solutions to fix them. Usually, there are multiple ways of addressing dental problems. Some choices take longer and cost more but come out better. Some solutions require higher competence levels than what the average neighborhood or “network dentist” can provide.
Ideally, once the patient is informed about all of the opportunities for improvement, it is up to that patient to decide the course of action. Many changes to the teeth and gums can change the look of their face. Oftentimes, the dental service choices can be overwhelming for the patient. That is when the dentist will use his or her own artistic talents to carefully design a beautiful smile.
The comprehensive approach may require more initial time in the dentist’s chair but the results will be life changing.
Choosing the scope of treatment
Scope of treatment
Some smile transformations can be done with teeth whitening and a few simple cosmetic procedures. Simple tooth reshaping can yield tremendous changes to your smile and your bite. Finding a dentist with a conservative nature is in your best interest.
Dental professionals use different cosmetic and restorative techniques to achieve similar results. Cosmetic dentistry is a creative and an artistic service. There are so many ways to reach a goal. The only way to determine what the costs are for you is to have a consultation.
Cosmetic dental treatment planning
Dental treatments either fix teeth or make them more beautiful. Sometimes, both types of treatments can be performed during one comprehensive procedure.
Dental planning for cosmetic issues focuses on aesthetics. Your planning may include chats with our doctor about the benefits of:
- Porcelain veneers: Veneers are thin shells made of porcelain. The veneers are placed onto the front of teeth in the “smile zone.” Veneers offer dramatic cosmetic results. This is one reason why they are commonly used by celebrities.
- Porcelain crowns: Crowns can protect a damaged tooth and improve aesthetics at the same time.
- Cosmetic bonding: Bonding uses a white resin to add to your enamel. If you have minor blemishes, bonding teeth can be an effective and affordable option.
- At-home whitening: We do not recommend in-office whitening. We will provide you with take-home kits that will brighten your teeth. Some people see improvements of several shades.
During your dental planning for cosmetic treatment, multiple treatments may be combined. This delivers drastic results. For example, bonding may be used to fill in a big gap in your smile. After your treatment, you may be given at home whitening kits.
The combo of removing gaps in your smile and dental stains can transform your smile. The results may leave you looking years younger. This approach to cosmetic dentistry is sometimes called a smile makeover.
Restorative dental planning
Restorative treatments fix dental problems. These problems may include:
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Missing teeth
- Jaw pain
If your dental planning is restorative in nature, the aim is to restore function to your smile. This requires replacing missing teeth. Our office offers advanced dental implants to replace lost tooth roots.
An implant is a titanium post that is placed in the jaw. Once the implant heals, it becomes a functioning part of the jaw. Implants prevent jawbone loss.
Other restorative treatments include:
- Dental crowns
- Tooth bridges
- Dentures
- Tooth extraction
Mouth reconstruction relieves oral pain and restores oral function. By combining treatments, you can save time and money. Rather than having to undergo multiple visits, you can enjoy a new smile through one comprehensive treatment plan.
Schedule an Appointment
This value for artistic dentistry makes Dr. Fondriest one of the leading cosmetic dentists in the country. He is a nationally recognized speaker with numerous publications intended to educate dentists. He is committed to the beauty of your smile. As a cosmetic dentist, he understands the importance of looking your best. A mouth reconstruction should be something done with confidence. Always seek one or more second opinions.
There are many dental benefits to treatment planning. Dental care leads to dental health and other benefits. We will be glad to call your insurance company to see what your plans cover. Dental coverage, like through Delta Dental Health Care, can cut down the cost of the treatments listed here.
Finally, remember that dentists recommend preventative care and good oral hygiene habits can save you money in the long term.
Dr. Fondriest is a highly sought after cosmetic dentist. He serves clients from throughout the United States.