If you daydream about having a smile like a movie star, there’s only one way to achieve it. Dreams are simply goals with no end in sight. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, the best way to finally achieve the results you desire is to consider your goals, learn about the treatments, and talk to your dentist.
If you want help going through this process step-by-step, continue reading. Don’t dream it, be it!
Step 1: Consider Your Goals
What do you want your smile to look like? Straighter? Brighter? Free from chips, cracks, or gaps? These are all problems that cosmetic dentistry can solve, but you have to know what to ask for. For this step, take a moment to visualize what your perfect smile looks like and think of some ideas on how to achieve it.
Step 2: Do Your Research
Once you know what you want, the hard part is figuring out what will get you there. Luckily, you can find some of the more popular and effective treatment options below:
Teeth Whitening
If your teeth are too yellow for your taste, you can brighten them with teeth whitening treatments. This process uses a special gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These chemicals penetrate the enamel of your teeth, breaking up and lifting away years of stains.
Direct Bonding
If your issue with your smile boils down to small chips or cracks in your teeth, direct bonding offers a quick and easy solution. Your dentist will first apply a dental-grade resin to your teeth, using it to reshape or refurbish your broken teeth. After, they use a resin lamp to harden the treatment. This will restore aesthetics and function!
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are the all-star of cosmetic treatments. These are durable porcelain shells that are adhered to the front surface of your teeth. They can correct gaps, chips, discoloration, slight misalignments, and other dental issues with one treatment.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
Sometimes your teeth look too small, or you may have excess gum tissue around them. Aesthetic crown lengthening aims to fix this by adjusting the gumline, raising it so that it reveals your teeth. If you’ve had a “gummy” smile, this treatment can change that.
Step 3: Call Your Dentist
Once you have an idea of what your dentist can do for you, it’s time to give them a call. A cosmetic dentistry consultation is perfect for talking to your dentist and making a plan. They’ll take some X-rays, do some screenings, and decide which treatments they think you could benefit from.
Turning a dream into reality is all about making a plan and seeing it through. With these steps laid out and the knowledge you’ve obtained, you’ll be one step closer to your vision. If you’ve been on the fence about the decision, talk to your dentist. They can offer you insight, guidance, and encouragement to change your smile for the better.
About the Author
Dr. Angela C. Ruff is a friendly and talented dentist with over 30 years of experience. After earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she began furthering her education through independent study. She gained certification in Oral implantology at NYU and has been serving as President of the Greater Fayetteville Dental Society since 2016. To schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Ascot Aesthetic Implants & Dentistry, call (910) 630-6199 or visit the website to explore other services.