Many men and women would like to undergo cosmetic dentistry treatments to improve the appearance of their smiles. However, before patients can undergo aesthetic treatments, your dentist should ensure that your teeth and gums are in good health. If you have cavities, gingivitis, or any other dental problems, they should be addressed prior to undergoing treatment. If you are interested in improving the look of your smile, it is in your best interest to consult a qualified dentist in your area to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment.

Restorative Dentistry

When you schedule an exam to have your teeth checked, your dentist will take X-rays and examine your teeth and gums. If your teeth and gums are in good shape and you don't need any restorative work, you can move forward with cosmetic treatments. However, many patients that visit the dentist, especially if it has been a long time between visits, have developed cavities or gingivitis. Cavities can be treated with fillings or placement of a dental crown. Gingivitis can be treated with proper oral care. Once these dental problems are resolved, the patient can move forward with cosmetic dentistry procedures.

Some patients that visit the dentist have extensive amounts of dental damage and decay. In these cases, the dentist may need to recommend a full mouth reconstruction plan that will address both restorative and cosmetic needs.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Patients with healthy teeth and gums can undergo dental treatments such as the placement of porcelain veneers or teeth whitening. The placement of dental veneers can change the shape, color, and size of your teeth. The thin veneers are placed over your natural teeth to provide you with desired results. The teeth whitening procedure only improves the color of the teeth. However, it is much less expensive than the veneers treatment.