Not every person has pearly-white teeth or that near-perfect smile. If you feel concerned about your smile aesthetics, it’s about time you book a consultation with your cosmetic dentist. Rapid advancement in technology now offers more choices for patients than ever before, and there are numerous clinics for cosmetic dentistry in Albany, CA. Before you meet a dentist, here are some essential details worth knowing.
Cosmetic dentistry fixes a wide range of concerns
Do you have worn down or damaged teeth? Do you have cracks in one or more of your teeth? Do gaps between teeth make you feel conscious about your smile? Are you concerned about staining? There is a treatment available for each of these concerns. The field of cosmetic dentistry has expanded in many ways, with more choices for every patient.
Common cosmetic treatments
Perhaps the most common cosmetic treatment is teeth whitening. The procedure bleaches your teeth and gives you a whiter smile. You can consider between in-office and at-home whitening. If you go for an in-office procedure, your dentist will use a whitening gel to address staining. The second common procedure is dental veneers, which look like thin shells and help fix many issues, like cracks, gaps, and minor misalignments. There are also other options in cosmetic dentistry, such as crowns, implants, and dental bonding.
There is no age limit
It is often believed that cosmetic dentistry is for the young. The truth is anyone, regardless of age, can benefit from different treatments. Your dentist just needs to ensure that you have healthy teeth and gums. For instance, if you have gum disease, you would need treatment for that before considering a procedure like teeth whitening.
Clinics offer flexible payment plans
People often don’t see a cosmetic dentist because they believe treatments are expensive and only for the rich. However, many dental clinics now offer flexible plans for payment, and it is possible to cover expenses according to your schedule. If you don’t have immediate money to pay for a procedure, ask the clinic staff if they can help. Insurance is unlikely to cover most options.
Most treatments don’t hurt
Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are minimally invasive and don’t cause pain or discomfort. If there is a slight chance of pain, your dentist will use local anesthesia, and you will not feel a thing. Sedation is rarely required, but when multiple things are being done at once, you may bring this up with the dental care provider.
You can expect instant results
Treatments such as teeth whitening and bonding offer immediate results. While some procedures require more than one trip to the dental clinic, you can expect to see a difference soon. If you still have concerns, your dentist will set the expectations right during the initial consultation. Also, there is little to no recovery time for many treatments.
A smile makeover requires many treatments
If you have any issues, such as a gummy smile, uneven teeth, or minor misalignment, your dentist will usually combine a mix of treatments to give you a smile makeover. Make sure you ask about the procedures and costs and whether there is any downtime to plan your schedule accordingly.
The right clinic makes a difference
Not all cosmetic dentists are the same. You have to do your homework, which includes looking for reviews online and asking people you know to find a dependable dental practice. The first visit should give you a fair idea of what to expect. Check whether the dentist answers your questions, shows before-and-after pictures, and discusses risks and concerns.
As a patient, you should be able to communicate with your cosmetic dentist in Albany freely. Make a list of top-rated clinics in your area NOW!