Cosmetic dentistry offers a way to transform your smile, boost your confidence, and improve your overall appearance. But is it the right choice for you? Not everyone is an ideal candidate for cosmetic dental procedures, but what factors really make the difference? Continue reading to explore cosmetic dentistry and the qualities your dentist is looking for to see if it’s a good fit for you!
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. While many procedures can also enhance the health and function of your pearly whites, the primary goal is aesthetics. Common treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, and clear aligners like Invisalign or SureSmile.
If you’ve been dreaming of a brighter, straighter, or more uniform smile, cosmetic dentistry might be just what you need!
The Qualities of a Good Cosmetic Dentistry Candidate
You don’t need perfect oral health to pursue cosmetic dentistry, but there are certain factors that can make you a better candidate. For example:
Healthy Gums and Teeth
A strong, healthy foundation is incredibly important when it comes to cosmetic treatments. You should have minimal gum disease or untreated cavities. However, even if you do have some minor issues, your dentist can address these issues before starting cosmetic work.
Commitment to Oral Care
If you’re unhappy with the color, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth, you’re more likely to be motivated to take care of your results. This is a definite green flag for dentists as it confirms your commitment to your treatment!
Realistic Expectations
It helps to have some knowledge of the various cosmetic treatments you could have and understanding what’s achievable. Be sure to communicate your goals with your dentist and ask for before and after photos during your consultation. This will help you temper your expectations and get excited for what your future smile may look like.
Conditions That Complicate Cosmetic Treatments
While the bar for cosmetic dentistry candidacy isn’t high, there are certain conditions that can slow or halt your progress. These might require additional treatment before moving forward with your treatment:
- Severe Decay or Gum Disease: These issues compromise the healthy base for your treatment, so they need to be treated first.
- Grinding or Clenching (Bruxism): Habitual grinding can damage cosmetic restorations, so you may need a nightguard or other treatment to address this habit beforehand.
- Extensive Tooth Damage: Heavily damaged teeth might require restorative work, like crowns or implants, before moving forward with aesthetic procedures.
Cosmetic dentistry is a fantastic option for anyone looking to glamorize their grin. With healthy gums, realistic goals, and the right procedures, you can achieve the smile you’ve always wanted! If you’re still unsure whether you’re a good candidate, talk to your dentist. With a short consultation, you’ll learn everything you need to know!
About the Practice
At Mark W. Jacob, DDS, PC, we’re passionate about creating beautiful, confident smiles for our patients. Our expert dental team offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry services that can be fully customized to meet all your smile goals! Whatever your vision is, our team can help you achieve it. Call (847) 564-2180 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with us or visit our website to explore all our services.