If you are interested in improving the appearance of your smile, your cosmetic dentist is ready to help you explore your treatment options. In order to get your treatment journey started in the best way, you should do a bit of preparation before your consultation. For example, you should make a list of questions that you plan to ask. Here are a few important topics that you should discuss with your dentist:
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
Cosmetic dentistry can produce powerful, dramatic results, but it cannot work miracles. Therefore, you should commit to treatment only if you have realistic expectations about the road in front of you. Ask your dentist to see their gallery of before and after pictures for any procedure that you are thinking about undergoing. You can also do a Google search to find other examples of exactly what cosmetic dentistry can accomplish.
How Long Will the Treatment Take?
Some cosmetic treatments are very fast. For example, procedures like in-office teeth whitening and dental bonding usually require just one brief appointment. Other services, however, require multiple appointments spread out across the course of a few weeks or longer. If you are preparing your smile for a special event, you should be sure to ask if your desired treatment can be completed on time.
Does the Treatment Come with Any Risks/Downsides?
Cosmetic dentistry is very safe in most cases. However, every treatment has its own unique set of pros and cons. For example, veneers are a popular choice because they are long-lasting and beautiful. However, they do require that the underlying enamel undergo some modifications. Teeth whitening is very effective at getting rid of dental stains, but its results may last just a few months or few years. A number of cosmetic treatments cause a temporary increase in dental sensitivity.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Your dental team cannot make any guarantees about how long your new look will last. However, they can provide information about the average lifespan of specific treatments. For example, dental bonding may last for up to 5 years, whereas veneers can last up to 20 years in some cases. Your care team can also give you tips on how to make the results of your treatment last as long as possible.
How Much Will It Cost?
The price of cosmetic dentistry services can be anywhere from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. Ask your dental team for a detailed cost estimate and information about the payment options they offer. Many practices offer low-interest financing to help patients fit their treatment into their budget.
Meet the Practice
New Haven Dental Group is proud to offer a full range of treatments for patients in our community, including veneers, teeth whitening, dental bonding, and more. We are always happy to take a few extra minutes to answer questions about the services we provide. If you would like to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, contact our Branford office at 203-439-6895.