Your boss informs you about an upcoming meeting in which you will be responsible for presenting the latest project for the company. Presenting in front of a room full of potential investors, you eagerly start preparing. Although it is still a few months away, you don’t want to waste time. As you prepare for bed, you can’t stop thinking about this being your big opportunity to make a great impression but suddenly, you catch a glimpse of your teeth and your brain shifts its focus to your imperfect smile. If this sounds like a familiar situation, and you’re ready to do something about it, allow a cosmetic dentist in Oklahoma City to discuss how changing the aesthetics of your smile can improve your appearance and boost your confidence.
What Factors are Involved in Choosing Cosmetic Dentistry?
Before you rush in to see your cosmetic dentist, you will need to consider a few things first, such as:
- Cost: What is your budget? Most insurance companies do not cover cosmetic services, so you will need to determine how you will pay for treatment.
- Timeline: When do you want your new smile? Some treatments take one day while others can take months or years.
- Problem Areas: How serious is your particular case? Do you have stubborn, deep-down stains that make your teeth appear yellow or gray? Maybe it’s a cracked or chipped tooth that needs repairing?
- Treatment: Are you interested in a more invasive procedure or do you want something that is void of sedation and needles? Are you okay with altering your natural teeth to achieve results?
All these factors must be considered before moving forward with any type of cosmetic treatment. Fortunately, you and your dentist will discuss these types of questions and concerns during your initial consultation.
What Issues Can Cosmetic Dentistry Fix?
If another word can be associated with cosmetic dentistry, it should be “versatility.” So many treatment options are available to fix a host of imperfections. Too often, patients believe their smiles are “too far gone” for any type of treatment, but the reality is that cosmetic dentists can truly transform a person’s smile into something beautiful – a work of art.
Some of the most common problems that are easily fixed with cosmetic dentistry include:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Stains
- Discoloration
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor misalignments
- Crooked or misshapen teeth
What Are Its Benefits?
When considering cosmetic dentistry, it’s no surprise that you will have a list of questions and maybe even some concerns, especially if you’ve never ventured down this path before. No matter which method of treatment you choose, your dentist will discuss its process, timeline, and cost, all of which you must consider before agreeing to move forward. But it’s also important to consider the benefits of receiving this type of care, some of which include:
- Improved appearance: The cosmetic flaws that are currently present on your teeth will be no more once you finish treatment. You will see a dramatic difference in the way your teeth look and feel.
- Boost in confidence: When you look great, you feel even better about yourself. Whether it is a job interview, big event, or in your case, special presentation, you can stand before a person or crowd and know that your smile looks its best.
- Better oral health: Fixing the cracks, chips, stains, and even gaps in your smile will reduce your chances of developing problems in the future. Tooth fractures can lead to cavities and even a possible root canal, while gaps can trap harmful bacteria and food particles that lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Cosmetic dentistry can alleviate these concerns and have you on a path to better oral health.
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry but don’t know where to start, call your dentist and schedule a consultation. This will be a great first step to deciding if and how you want to transform your smile.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Mitchell completed his undergraduate studies at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater before earning his dental degree from the University of Oklahoma. As a dentist in Oklahoma City who provides a wide array of comprehensive services, you can trust that your oral health is in good hands. Whether you need preventive services, restorative care, or cosmetic solutions to fix your imperfect smile, Dr. Mitchell and his team will work to personalize a treatment plan for you and help you achieve the results you desire. To find out more, contact us at (405) 755-2670.