Cosmetic Dental Care Modesto, CA
People who want to improve the look of their smile may want to consider cosmetic dental care for effective results. Cosmetic dental treatments are elective procedures that improve the appearance of the teeth, gums, and overall smile. There are various treatments that patients can choose from depending on their wants and needs. This type of dental treatment varies from simple to more complex services. Some of the options include teeth whitening, clear braces, implants, and veneers.
Not all dentists provide cosmetic services, so it is good to research and ask questions before proceeding. Cosmetic dental care is available at Great Smiles Dental in Modesto and the surrounding area. With the number of options available, choosing a cosmetic procedure takes careful consideration. Call us at (209) 222-3636 and let our team help you find the right treatment plan for you.
Understanding What Cosmetic Dental Care Is
Cosmetic dental care provides elective or desired treatments and services to improve a patient's smile. People may want cosmetic dental care for various reasons, from color correction to replacing missing teeth. According to the American Dental Association, teeth discoloration is one of the most common cosmetic complaints, with 90% of patients wishing their teeth were whiter. Cosmetic dentistry can also solve issues like gums covering too much of the teeth surface or misshaped teeth.
Some cosmetic dentistry forms have been around since ancient times, but modern technology has led to great improvements in the last few decades. The materials used in treatments today are much more durable and natural-looking. While cosmetic dental care's primary aim is to improve appearance, treatments can also provide restorative benefits. An example of this is dental fillings, which are considered restorative and cosmetic to a certain extent. Patients can opt to use porcelain or composite filling material to match their teeth color and maintain their natural appearance.
“Cosmetic dental care provides elective or desired treatments and services to improve a patient’s smile.”
Cosmetic Dental Care Options
Any type of dental treatment used to improve the teeth's appearance qualifies as cosmetic dentistry. Dentists often use a combination of cosmetic procedures to help patients achieve their desired results. Some of the different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments are:
- Dental implants: This option allows dentists to replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural root. Not only does this enhance cosmetic appearance, but it also improves the functionality of the mouth. Some similar options include bridges and dentures.
- Gum recontouring: Many people have gums that are either receded or overextended. Gum recontouring allows dentists to restructure gums, so they anchor teeth properly without being overly noticeable. This treatment improves the appearance of the smile by properly rationing the gums and teeth.
- Inlays and onlays: Inlays are restorative devices that fit inside cracked teeth to improve their appearance and make them stronger. Onlays cover the top of the tooth and offer the same benefits. These options treat cracked or chipped teeth located at the back of the mouth.
- Teeth whitening: While there are several procedures available for whitening teeth, the Oral Health Foundation states that professional bleaching is the most common treatment. Dentists use bleaching agents to remove stains caused by foods and beverages, medications, tobacco use, and aging. While this process may not fully restore teeth to their original shade, it can make them several shades lighter.
“Any type of dental treatment used to improve the teeth’s appearance qualifies as cosmetic dentistry.”
Choosing the Right Treatment and Cosmetic Dentist
Patients should carefully research and consider their treatment options. It is also essential to use careful consideration when looking for a qualified cosmetic dentist. Some criteria to consider choosing a cosmetic dentist are how long the dentist has been practicing, how extensive the practice is, what dental technologies they use, and previous patient results.
The initial consultation is important for patients to learn more about the practice and express their needs. This appointment is also an opportunity for the cosmetic dentist to advise which treatment will be the most beneficial and set up realist treatment expectations. The cosmetic dentist will gather information using X-rays and teeth impressions and review the patient's teeth shape, size, and color. This information will help the cosmetic dentist create a custom treatment plan for the patient.
“Patients should carefully research and consider their treatment options.”
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Home Care Routines
Recommended home care routines will differ from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment. Patients should always continue practicing general oral hygiene regimens along with their recommended home care routine. We will discuss specific routines with each patient following their treatment and give them any necessary instructions and tools to use at home, when applicable.
Patients with dental implants are advised to brush their teeth using a soft toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste and floss twice daily with an unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss. It is important to brush gently under, in, and around the implant to clean hard-to-reach areas. We also recommend using an oral irrigator to ensure that bacteria and plaque are removed throughout the mouth.
For patients undergoing gum contouring and teeth whitening treatments, we advise rest and avoiding rigorous activity such as biting and chewing. As the gums and teeth heal, patients should avoid spicy, sticky, and acidic foods and beverages. They should continue to brush their teeth two to three times daily and floss at least once a day.
“Recommended home care routines will differ from patient to patient depending on the type of treatment.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What is cosmetic dental care?
Q. What are the different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Q. What home care routine should I follow?
Q. What are dental care routines?
People Also Ask
Q. What are the benefits of composite fillings?
Q. What dental treatments are possible in a smile makeover?
Q. What are some of the most popular tooth-related dental aesthetics procedures?
Q. How are dental veneers placed?
Dental Care Routines
Dental care routines consist of both home and dental office practices. After every treatment, we recommend a certain amount of dental checkups or follow-ups necessary for proper care and maintenance. It is important that patients continue visiting their primary dentist to receive their necessary routine checkups and professional cleanings.
To keep the teeth bright, clean, and healthy after cosmetic treatment, we recommend that all of our patients brush, floss, and rinse after every meal. We highly encourage patients to come to all of their follow-up appointments to ensure their treatment plan is going as intended and make any adjustments as needed. During these visits, we may also recommend other treatments as issues or conditions arise to keep them from developing further.
“To keep the teeth bright, clean, and healthy after cosmetic treatment, we recommend that all of our patients brush, floss, and rinse after every meal.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does cosmetic dentistry differ from general dentistry?
A. General dentists focus on maintaining and restoring oral health. Cosmetic dentists focus on improving the look of the smile using elective procedures. This type of dentistry combines science and art to enhance aesthetics.
Q. How long does cosmetic dental care take?
A. Procedure length can vary. Some treatments, like teeth whitening, may only take one relatively short visit with the dentist. Other treatments, like dental implants and braces, will take a series of appointments. Patients can research or ask about treatment duration during a consultation.
Q. Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
A. The cost of cosmetic procedures varies greatly from one treatment to another. Every insurance policy is different, and not all cover cosmetic dental care. Contact your insurance company to see if they cover any procedure so you can plan financially.
Q. Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dental care?
A. Cosmetic dental care can benefit many people with cosmetic dentistry issues. People with misaligned, stained, worn, broken, chipped, or misshapen teeth can find solutions through cosmetic dentistry. Good candidates should also take good care of their oral health by brushing and flossing regularly.
Q. Are there side effects of cosmetic dental services?
A. There are generally few side effects to cosmetic care. For less complicated treatments, the patient may notice a little sensitivity in the teeth or gums. This discomfort should go away after a few days. More invasive procedures like implants may cause discomfort, swelling, and bleeding after treatment. These side effects typically also only last a short amount of time.
Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Having a beautiful smile is a confidence booster. Learn about how you can enhance your smile by speaking to our team at Great Smiles Dental. Call us today at 209-222-3636 to schedule an appointment and discuss the best treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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