Treatments designed to improve the overall look and appearance of a smile fall under the category of “Smile Makeover.” Because these treatments involve more than just cleaning and preserving the teeth, a general dentist generally does not offer makeover services. Those services are typically left to a cosmetic dentist.
When it comes to maintaining and preserving the overall health of one’s smile, a general dentist will typically suffice. However, many people want to alter the appearance of the smile or gain a whole new smile. Doing either of these things may involve extensive work, which often requires specialized knowledge. A cosmetic dentist has that knowledge.
A cosmetic dentist undergoes the same schooling as a general dentist. However, whereas a general dentist graduates dental school and go on to practice dental medicine, cosmetic dentists enroll in additional courses after graduating. Those courses teach cosmetic dentists how to do everything from whiten teeth to apply veneers to install a complete set of implants.
While cosmetic dentists typically have more training than general dentists, the former often relies on the latter to create the foundation for a new smile. For instance, before a cosmetic dentist can whiten a patient’s tooth, the general dentist must clean and prep the surface. Teeth that have not been cleaned may not take to the procedure well. If a patient turns to a cosmetic dentist to hide a severely decayed or cracked tooth, the dentist will need X-rays, which are likely to come from a general dentist's records.
Before agreeing to this treatment, patients should conduct ample research and interview the dentist who is to perform the work. Below are some questions patients should ask before undergoing cosmetic dentistry procedures:
As mentioned, a cosmetic dentist should have additional training. Patients should always ask a dentist about the years of training, experience and special certifications. The dentist should also provide patients with before and after pictures of previous patients’ smiles.
Smile makeover treatments vary from practice to practice. There are advantages and disadvantages to each type of treatment. Many offer immediate results, while several take months to a year to complete. Patients should discuss all options — along with the pros and cons of each — with a cosmetic dentist.
Some procedures take just a few hours, while others can take months to years. A cosmetic dentist should be honest and upfront with patients regarding both treatment length and healing time.
The short answer to the question of who performs smile makeovers is a cosmetic dentist. However, not all cosmetic dentists are created equal, as each offers a unique suite of services. If you are interested in changing the look and appearance of your smile, discuss your individual smile makeover needs with a cosmetic dentist today.
Request an appointment here: https://lonetreedentistry.com or call Lone Tree Dentistry at (925) 301-4286 for an appointment in our Brentwood office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Smile Makeover in Brentwood, CA.
Do you have a damaged tooth? Read on to learn how a family dentist can help you get your smile's function and appeal back. You could be disheartened if you damage a tooth, but the good news is that a family dentist can restore the tooth.The dentist will usually examine the affected tooth to know…
Wondering whether a family dentist has any tips or tricks to get your child to brush their teeth? As a parent, it can be extremely difficult to get children to brush their teeth regularly. Thankfully, with the help of a family dentist, children can adopt new brushing habits to ensure that they maintain good oral…
Want to understand the benefits of choosing a family dentist who can provide your family with the necessary dental services they need? One of the more important benefits of a family dentist is that they treat dental patients of all ages, which means they know which treatment options are ideal for children and which ones…
Wondering when you should see an emergency dentist? Emergency dentists are general dentists who have undergone additional training to be prepared for urgent dental issues. Some of the more common emergent issues include broken teeth, dislodged teeth, abscesses or bleeding gums. An emergency dentist is the best resource to make use of when the gums…
Are you considering dentures to replace your missing teeth? Dentures are oral appliances that act as artificial teeth for those who are missing teeth, whether on the top, on the bottom, or on both arches. Dentures were once loose, bulky pieces that would slide around in the mouth when eating, speaking, or even smiling. Additionally,…
CEREC® crowns are revolutionizing dentistry. Patients no longer need multiple visits to get a dental crown. Instead, these crowns can be made directly in the dental office on the same day, saving precious time.Not only are these restorations convenient, but they are also aesthetically pleasing. The crowns are made from tooth-colored ceramic, and there are…