Are you planning cosmetic dental treatment?

Dentists these days offer a range of options to help us achieve our best smiles. And great teeth really do help us to look healthier and feel more confident. Practising better preventive care means we have healthier teeth than previous generations. We’re aware, though, that expectations of how we’d like our teeth to look have changed too. Which is why our dentist is ready to help planning cosmetic dental treatments.

Getting ready for an important event this year?

If you’ve got an important event coming up later in the year that you’d like to look your best for, then planning cosmetic dental treatment well in advance is important. It shouldn’t be a last minute decision.

Perhaps you’re getting married? Or there’s a family wedding? Either way, there will be a lot of photographs and video that you’ll want to look your best in. Perhaps you’ve got a special anniversary, or a long awaited holiday that you’re looking forward to? Choosing outfits and arranging hair appointments is one aspect of preparation. To really make the most of yourself, it’s well worth planning cosmetic dental treatments early too. Very often the first thing people notice is a smile.

Our advice to you is to take some time for thoughtful research and planning. Begin by asking your dental professionals for advice and book a consultation with a dentist. Once you have some options, then consider them carefully.

The cosmetic treatments our patients ask about most often are:

• Tooth whitening – our most requested cosmetic treatment, a course of tooth whitening is the most economical way to freshen up the look of your teeth and boost confidence. Professional treatment prescribed by a dentist makes a difference that over-the-counter products can’t achieve because of the strength of the active ingredients.
• Crowns, Onlays and Veneers – are effective and lasting ways to improve the appearance of either a single damaged tooth or a whole set of teeth. In the right hands, crowns, onlays and veneers can transform your appearance. If you want a natural look, go to a dentist who takes time to get to know you and your teeth.
• Clear braces – increasingly popular, modern dental aligners are a discreet orthodontic treatment to move teeth into their optimal position. Straighter teeth not only look more pleasing, they can also help oral hygiene and comfort.
• Dental implants – are the nearest solution to getting your own teeth back. Whether you want to replace full or partial dentures with a more stable implant-supported prosthetic, or need to replace just one tooth, an implant dentist can help. If your own dentist doesn’t do implants, then ask for advice and a referral.
• Facial rejuvenation – some dentists now offer fillers and skin smoothing treatments. We recommend having treatments done by certified professionals in a regulated environment. After all, no-one knows facial structure better than a dentist.

How do I get started?

Planning your cosmetic dental treatments so you achieve the look you’d like begins with contacting your dental practice. Some practices have a treatment coordinator, while in other practices well-informed reception staff help answer your questions and provide information. During an initial consultation, your dentist will conduct a thorough assessment of your mouth. As cosmetic treatments need a good foundation, it may be necessary to have routine work first to restore dental health before any cosmetic procedures can begin.

Before you meet with the dentist, it’s a good idea to set a budget.

Plan how to pay for treatment

NHS dental treatment only covers essential care, so patients have to cover the cost of cosmetic work themselves. For patients who have dental insurance, some plans offer a discount for elective procedures. Private patients usually pay for treatment as it happens. For more expensive treatments, however, many dentists help patients apply for low interest financial assistance.

• Paying for your dental treatment

When you discuss your treatment with the dentist, be sure to talk about cost and payment methods before you begin. Check carefully your written treatment plan to ensure that it covers what you are expecting. In some cases, once dental work begins, problems needing additional treatment may come to light. If this happens, your dentist will discuss changes to the plan with you, adapt the course of treatment with your agreement and alter charges accordingly.

Always remember you are the customer, and you’re entitled to ask for clarifications and explanations. Don’t hesitate to ask questions for your own peace of mind. Knowing answers will help you to feel comfortable and confident.

Planning cosmetic dental treatments

Your treatment coordinator or dentist will help you to work out a time scale for your treatments. If you have a special event that you’re preparing for, make sure that your dentist knows about it.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are not without their side effects. Therefore it’s important to build in some recovery time between the treatment and the event.

Depending on the treatment, possible side effects may include:

• increased dental sensitivity
• sore gums
• discomfort around the treatment site
• facial swelling
• infection
• reaction to medication

Plan essential dental care too

Even if you’re not considering cosmetic treatments, if you’re planning for a big day take steps to make sure that toothache doesn’t ruin it.

If you haven’t been to the dentist in the last sixth months, make sure you book in for a check-up at least two months before the event. That should allow enough time to sort out any problems and allow some recovery time too.

Typical problems that can flare up without a lot of notice are toothache, impacted wisdom teeth, problems with fillings or an abscess. Your dentist can identify concerns before they develop into a problem, ensuring that your plans won’t be spoiled and you’ll have a terrific time.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to discuss your dental needs!

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