With all of the changes to dental care over the years, coupled with our society’s general tendencies to emphasize our appearance or looks, there’s no doubt that the demand for cosmetic dentistry has dramatically increased.
Your Alexandria dentist wants you to know that if you have questions about cosmetic treatments this blog is an excellent place to start. Here are just a few of the more common questions we hear from patients and non-patients alike.
Question #1: Do cosmetic dentists have specialized training?
Some dentists have more advanced cosmetic training than their peers, so it’s always a good idea to do some homework before you commit to anyone or anything. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry suggests you take a look at a dentist’s before and after shots to see their previous complete work, ask about their continuing education efforts, and read references and reviews if they’re available.
Question #2: What are some of the most common treatments people ask for?
At our dental office in Alexandria, we meet so many patients of all ages and walks of life who are ready for a smile makeover with cosmetic dentistry. Sometimes we can achieve this with just one type of treatment, but most cases require a mixture of dental procedures to get the results you’re looking for and deserve. To revamp the aesthetics of their smile, patients often ask for:
1 – Bonding – This tooth-colored material is expertly placed on teeth to help them be more uniform and free from gaps or discolorations. Slightly decayed or chipped teeth can often be fixed with bonding because it can cover the entire surface of your tooth for a change in shape and color.
2 – Whitening – Teeth whitening is probably the most widely recognized cosmetic dental treatment because it’s something we can do in the dentist’s office or the comfort of our own home. This can help lighten and brighten your smile for any big occasion.
3 – Veneers – Usually thin and made of porcelain or plastic, your dentist places veneers over the front of your teeth for an immediate upgrade to the shape and color of your smile. Veneers can help you say goodbye to unevenly spaced, chipped, broken, or discolored teeth.
4 – Crowns – Also known as caps, crowns are used to help fix deteriorating teeth by covering your tooth for better appearance and function. They tend to have the longest life expectancy compared to other popular cosmetic restorations.
Question #3: How long will my results last and how much will they cost?
We understand that cost is important when considering any investment, especially in your smile and health. It’s impossible to throw out any numbers as to how much your cosmetic dental care would cost because we don’t know what procedures you’re interested in or would make a good candidate for.
Your smile overhaul should last for many years. It all depends on how well you take care of your teeth at home and if you keep your regular dental checkups and cleanings. You’ll want to make sure you’re not grinding your teeth or using them as tools to open packaging, etc. because it can damage your new dental work.
We hope you’ll talk to your dentist in Alexandria about how cosmetic dentistry can change your smile and your life. We’re proud to offer trusted cosmetic treatments in the comfort and privacy of our office with a team you know and trust.
Welcoming patients from Alexandria, Old Town, Del Ray, and nearby areas.
