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Finding the cosmetic dentist that’s right for you often requires a lot of research and careful consideration. With an increasing number of dentist’s offering a variety of procedures to choose from, such as cosmetic dentistry, and the possible need for inter-disciplinary care prior to receiving cosmetic dentistry treatment, your choices can be overwhelming. Many patients considering cosmetic dentistry treatment don’t know where to start and forgo receiving the treatment they want or need. If you’re struggling with trying to find the right cosmetic dentist for you, try applying these tips to your search process and see what happens.
Get a Referral! :- First things first, patients that are seeking cosmetic dentistry treatment should be aware that there isn’t a third party insurance administrator or official referral system in place to assist patients with selecting a cosmetic dentist. But the first thing you should do when you begin seeking cosmetic dental care is talk to your primary dentist. If you see your primary dentist regularly, he or she will be most up-to-date on the condition of your mouth. Based on their knowledge regarding your personal needs and cosmetic dentists in the area, they should be able to refer you to several specialists.
Narrow it Down :- Once you have some options to choose from you’re going to have to find a way to narrow down your list. This is the step where it’s important to do your homework. Very few people want to wind up with a cosmetic dentist who little to no experience and even less want to set up a consultation only to find out the “cosmetic dentist” they’ve chosen is under-qualified. One question you might consider asking when doing your homework is if the cosmetic dentist you are considering is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. In order to obtain membership, dentists are required to follow a rigorous path of study, adhere to ethical standards, and pass an examination to qualify as a member.
Other criteria you should consider when choosing a cosmetic dentist include:
1. Do you like the results of before and after photos from previous patients? Have the patients in these photos been treated by the dentist you are researching?
2. How many years of practice does the dentist have?
3. What dental technologies are used in the procedure you are considering?
4. What patient comforts are provided during the procedure?
Have you ever had a moment when you are so embarrassed to smile in front of someone that you cover your mouth with your hand? Many people have been in the same situation. The good news is there are a variety of things you can do to improve your smile and gain your confidence back! The following methods are five of the most popular ways to improving your smile.
Teeth Whitening :- It is easy to get discolored teeth. Virtually no one can escape some level of discoloration as they get older. It happens naturally throughout a person's lifetime. It also happens as you are indulging in your morning cup of coffee or tea and sipping on your favorite red wine. The teeth whitening industry is booming and offers a variety of methods that you can use in the comfort of your own home. Teeth whitening methods include whitening kits, strips and gels. If you are looking for a quick procedure with maximum results you will want to have the professional whitening procedure done at your dentist office. This professional whitening procedure usually involves a special whitening agent in gel form and a UV light. In just one hour of treatment your teeth can be whitened up to 10 shades brighter.
Teeth Straightening :- Do you desire a straighter smile? You can achieve this look by using teeth straightening techniques such as braces. The world of orthodontics has come a long way. While the standard metal braces that include brackets and wires are still available and beneficial, there are other choices such as invisible braces, which are a clear, removable alternative to braces.
Porcelain Veneers :- This procedure is great when you are looking to fill gaps, fix cracked or broken teeth and maintain a bright smile. This procedure is permanent and usually lasts up to 5 to 10 years before needing replacement. The porcelain veneer is bonded using specialty dental cements and is shaped and created by a cosmetic dentist to blend well with the overall look and shape of your mouth. These stain resistant porcelain veneers are increasingly becoming a popular choice for many patients seeking quick results.
Bonding :- The bonding procedure is affordable and is similar to the porcelain veneer procedure. The dentist uses a tooth colored resin and bonds it to your tooth. It is a procedure that repairs worn, fractured and chipped teeth. It is also a great way to cover up and whiten a discolored tooth or teeth that do not react to whitening agents. During the procedure the dentist prepares your tooth by etching the surface, coats it with a bonding liquid and shines a special light on the area to set it properly. Next, the dentist places the resin material on the tooth and shapes it to perfection. Lastly, a specialty light is shined on the area to harden the material. After the setting is perfected the dentist polishes the resin to match the rest of your teeth.
Some people may be concerned about the cost of each procedure. While prices vary per dentist, the most cost effective way to whiten your teeth is by purchasing over the counter products and kits but they may not be as effective as in office procedures. The cost for the other procedures varies and is determined by level of expertise of the dentist, lab, and how many teeth need to be fixed. Many dental offices offer a variety of payment options, including a financial plan that may require a down payment on the procedure and monthly payments until the entire cost is paid in full. Inquire with your dentist to learn about the financial options available to you to help you improve your smile.
Good habits are developed at an early age. This means that teaching kids to practice good oral hygiene often starts with parents. As soon as you hold your sweet bundle of joy in your arms for the first time, you can, and should begin caring for your child’s gums and emerging teeth. It only takes a few minutes, but it can lead to a lifetime of good, healthy habits.
Every kid wants to be just like dad or mom when they’re growing up. So one effective way to teach your kid’s good oral hygiene habits is to lead by example. You can start as early as infancy by familiarizing your child with the feeling of a wet wash cloth or soft infant tooth brush on their gums after eating. Give your baby a soft bristled toothbrush (even if they don’t have teeth yet) so they can copy what they see you doing, and they will!
Take the time to explain how to brush and floss and why these things are important for keeping teeth healthy and clean. Let your kids ask questions and sure that you answer them. Using age appropriate language and examples will help reinforce the point. Let your kids watch when you brush and floss your own teeth. If they still have questions after watching you, using a stuffed animal to demonstrate can sometimes help make the lesson stick.
Assist your children with brushing their teeth every morning and every night before bedtime. Stick to a regular routine so the kids know what to expect. A good rule of thumb is to have them brush for about two minutes. Teaching them a song or just making one up can help pass the time and make the task seem like less of a chore and more like fun. Most dentists recommend helping your kids brush until they are about four or five and supervising brushing habits until they are eight years of age.
Teeth Brushing is Fun!
The more fun you make brushing teeth for your kids, the easier it will be to get them to brush, and the sooner they will develop good oral hygiene habits. Use the following tips to make teeth brushing more enjoyable for you and your kids:
a. Let kids pick out their own toothpaste and toothbrush
b. Get a toothbrush with their favorite character on it
c. Get a toothbrush that plays a song
d. Let kids put toothpaste on their toothbrush by themselves
e. Make a game out of brushing your teeth
Brushing teeth consistently, seeing a pediatric dentist regularly and developing healthy eating habits will guarantee your kids have a lifetime full of bright, beautiful smiles ahead of them.
Avoid Sugary Foods:- Another important factor for developing good oral hygiene habits intertwines with good eating habits. Too many sugary foods can have a negative impact on your kid’s oral health. Everyone, young and old, has bacteria in their mouth and bacteria love sugar. The less sugar that your kids consume the better for their teeth and overall health. Fresh fruits and veggies are the obvious “best overall” snack choices but nuts and popcorn are nice substitutes as well. If you do let your kids have a sweet snack every once in while it’s a good idea to have them brush afterwards and minimize the impact of the sugary substance.
Your child’s good oral hygiene habits start with you! If you encourage healthy eating, lead by example, and teach your kids that teeth brushing can be fun and good for them, you’ll be laying the foundation for a lifetime of good oral hygiene habits. And yes, it really is that simple!