If you’re interested in a cosmetic dentistry consultation from a dentist in San Diego, it’s important to know what to expect. Depending on your particular oral health needs, and your cosmetic dentistry requirements, your dentist in San Diego will develop a custom plan just for you.
Wondering what you should expect during this process? Let’s go over the basics now.
- Prepare For Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
Before you go in for your first consultation, you should prepare for your appointment with your cosmetic dentist in San Diego. If you have your dental and medical records, or can request copies of them from your previous healthcare providers and dentists, you should do so – this can aid in the planning process.
You should also take some time to think about what issues you want to treat with cosmetic dentistry. Do you just have minor tooth stains? Cracked or chipped teeth? A “gummy” smile? Jagged or misshapen teeth?
Answering these questions for yourself can help you narrow down your best choices for cosmetic treatment, and allow you to have a more focused discussion with your dentist.
- The Consultation Process
When you meet with a dentist for cosmetic dentistry, they will first ask you basic questions about your oral health, as well as what you dislike about your current smile. You’ll also be asked questions about your budget, lifestyle, and personal preferences – such as invasive surgery vs non-invasive treatments, or your fear of needles or dental drills.
These questions will help your dentist determine which procedures may be right for you. Then, he will perform a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums, to ensure that you are free of gum disease, tooth decay, or other oral health issues which may cause complications with cosmetic treatment. X-rays may also be taken.
After this exam is over, the doctor will consult with you to discuss their findings, and recommend the appropriate treatment plan, based on your cosmetic goals. Your treatment could involve one or more of the following:
- Porcelain veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Invisalign
- Crowns and caps
- Gum contouring
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Dental bonding
At some offices, you may even have digital images taken of your face and mouth. Your doctor can use advanced software to model the results of cosmetic dentistry, and show you the results of each treatment. This helps you decide on the proper course of action.
- Financing Considerations
Most cosmetic dentistry treatments are not covered by health insurance or dental insurance plans, as they are not considered to be “essential” for your health and well-being. There are some exceptions, such as ceramic crowns or tooth-colored fillings that may be partially covered – but for the most part, you are responsible for paying for your own treatment.
Set a budget for yourself, and be prepared to finance your cosmetic treatments – most dental offices allow you to set up low-interest payment plans in order to fund your treatment.
Your budget will be taken into account by your dentist when they develop your treatment plan. For example, if you can’t spend too much money, they may recommend teeth whitening and dental bonding – but if you have a higher budget, porcelain veneers may be a better choice.
- Making Your Appointment
After your initial consultation, you’ll have to make a separate appointment to begin the process of restoring your smile, in most cases.
Depending on how many procedures you’ll be undergoing, you may have several different appointments, and you should be prepared to spend some time recovering if these involve surgery.
Work with your dentist and their front office to determine when the best times are for you to be treated, and to ensure that all of your cosmetic dental work is done in a timely fashion. Then, all that’s left to do is make it to your appointments, get your treatments, and enjoy your new, bright smile!
Know What To Expect From A Cosmetic Dentist In San Diego With This Guide
Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the process of cosmetic dentistry consultations. While each dentist may vary their approach somewhat, most appointments will follow the 4 basic steps outlined here – so you’ll know what to expect when you schedule your consultation!