You've done it. You've made the decision to have your smile enhanced through cosmetic dentistry. Now it's time to get ready for the procedure.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

Communication between you and your dentist is essential to the success of your procedure. Through questions and dialogue, you can give your dentist a clear understanding of the smile you want, and in return, you'll get complete understanding of the procedure. Give your dentist as much information as possible so that he or she can provide you with the best plan of care.

When you ask the right questions, you get the information you need to walk into the dentist's office with confidence, peace of mind and excited anticipation!

• What do you want to see changed in your smile? (be specific!)
• What do you like?
• What don't you like?'
• What do you expect from the result?
• What procedures will be used for your smile enhancement?
• What do those procedures entail?
• Does this result meet your expectations and address the areas you think need improvement?
• How long will the procedure take?
• What kind of pain management options does your dentist offer?
• What are the pros and cons of each?
• How long can you expect your dental restorations to last?
• Is there any special care you must give your new smile?
• Are there any risks' If so, what are they?

Things to Remember

Unlike other medical or dental procedures, there is not much preparation needed for cosmetic dentistry.

If your dentist has prescribed medication for relaxation or pain-management to take before the procedure, remember to take it as directed. This medication may make you drowsy, so be sure you have a family member or friend drive you to and from your appointment.

Expectations

With the advanced care offered by cosmetic dentists, you can expect to have a comfortable, pain-free procedure that produces enduring, attractive results.

Choosing Your Cosmetic Dentist

Unlike many other medical specialists, dentists are not required to have any advanced education or training to practice cosmetic dentistry. In fact, the requirements for practicing cosmetic dentistry vary from state to state. As a result, some cosmetic dentists may not have undergone much advanced training, if any.

To be assured you are receiving quality care, ask your family dentist or doctor for a recommendation. Search for a dentist who has post-graduate education and training in cosmetic or restorative dentistry from a reputable institution. Check membership in professional associations, such as the American Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and others. Look at before and after photos of his patients' smiles. Do you like what you see' Ask him to provide you with patient testimonials. This is your smile. And you deserve the best.

Choose the Clinic

Your cosmetic dentist has treatment rooms in his or her office that are completely equipped to facilitate your smile enhancement. Many offices offer a wealth of creature comforts, such as massage pads, cable TV, DVD movies or movie glasses to help you feel relaxed and at home. All procedures take place in the office so you'll already feel comfortable with the location.

Consultation

Your first visit to your cosmetic dentist will primarily be a consultation and an examination of your dental health.

You and your dentist will discuss your health history, what you want to achieve through cosmetic dentistry and what your expectations are for the result.

He or she will then conduct an examination of your smile to determine the health of your teeth and the best options available to achieve your goals. The examination will include the use of an intra-oral camera and comprehensive x-rays of your teeth.

After the examination, the dentist will recommend the best plan of care to get the smile you want and explain the procedure in detail.

Communicate

Communication is key to getting the smile of your dreams. But communication can come in many forms. First, discuss your expectations with you dentist. Tell him or her just what you don't like about your smile. Explain how you want it to look. Do you want your teeth whiter' Straighter' More even' Is your smile too 'gummy'' Be specific. Be visual. Bring pictures that illustrate the smile you want ' pictures of models, actors or any people whose smiles you admire. You can get a smile just as beautiful.

Know the Risks

As with any dental procedure, there are risks associated with cosmetic dentistry. Risks vary with procedures, so consult your dentist about the risks you may encounter.

Some common risks:

Smile Whitening

Smiles that have been whitened may become discolored more quickly than non-whitened teeth when exposed to staining substances, such as coffee, tea, colas or tobacco.

During the smile whitening process, the teeth may be increasingly sensitive. This sensitivity usually disappears 1-2 days after the treatment is complete.

Porcelain Veneers

The placement of porcelain veneers on teeth is irreversible. Thin sheets of fired porcelain, veneers are bonded onto the front surface of the teeth. Prior to placing a veneer on the tooth, a thin layer of enamel must be trimmed off from the front of the tooth. Enamel cannot be replaced once it's removed, rendering veneers permanent.

Cosmetic Dentistry Costs

Cosmetic dentistry procedures can vary in cost. It can range from $300 for a take-home smile whitening kit to $35,000 for a full mouth rehabilitation, depending on the location and skill level of the doctor. Once you have discussed your goals with your dentist and an examination has been completed, your dentist will present you with a treatment plan and procedure cost for your approval. Many offices offer extended payment plans so that the treatment you choose will work into your budget.

Quality Over Cost

What makes cosmetic dentistry more costly than general dentistry? Quality.

Quality in Training

To stay current with the advancements made in cosmetic dentistry, dentists must make significant investments in continuing education and training for themselves and their team members.

Quality in Technology & Materials

To provide advanced care, dentists must upgrade the technology and materials used in their practices.

Yes, the materials used in cosmetic dentistry, such as porcelain veneers, porcelain inlays or onlays, natural-colored composite and other non-metal dental materials, are more expensive than the metal or silver mercury amalgam that is typically used in general dentistry.

But they are also safer, stronger, longer lasting and more attractive than metal dentistry.

Metal or silver mercury amalgams are actually detrimental to the health of your teeth. Reactive to changes in temperature, metal restorations expand and contract when exposed to hot or cold, much like the mercury in a thermometer. This movement can cause the tooth to chip, break, and allows bacteria to enter under filling, causing dangerous decay.

Unfortunately, reimbursements from dental insurance have not kept pace with the evolving cosmetic dental practice. In fact, most dental insurance plans have not increased their benefit maximums since their inception in the early 1970's.

As most cosmetic dentistry procedures are elective, they are not covered by dental insurance. As a result, most cosmetic dentists offer a variety of payment options and payment plans to fit their patients' budgets.

Take Your Time

When considering any cosmetic dental procedure, take your time. Set your goals and determine the best options available for achieving those goals. Research your dentist's advanced training, ask for referrals, and don't ask them to rush your case. Remember the old adage: time, cost, quality ' choose only two.

Anesthetics

Whatever cosmetic dental procedure you've elected to have, it can be completely comfortable and pain-free with the use of anesthesia.

Lidocaine or Marcaine are the anesthesias most commonly used in cosmetic dentistry. Effective and safe, they are ideal for almost any cosmetic procedure.

For patients who experience anxiety when at the dentist, sedation dentistry is available. The dentist will prescribe a pill to be taken prior to your appointment. The pill will help ease your anxiety and allow you to 'sleep' through your procedure. You will still be aware of what is going on, but you will be extremely relaxed.

More Risks to Consider

Fortunately, the risks associated with cosmetic dentistry are few. Be aware that after the procedure is complete, it will take you a while to get used to your new smile. Some patients will experience minor discomfort as the teeth find their new bite. This can easily be corrected through adjustments in the dental office.

Afterwards

For the most part, once your procedure is complete and your anesthesia-induced numbness wears off, you need only continue with regular dental care. However, porcelain veneers, onlays, inlays, crowns or other restorations may need one or two adjustments for a better fit following the procedure.

Recovery

Recovery varies with the procedure. If your treatment plan included a gum lift, there will be some sensitivity as the tissue heals. The use of a laser for the procedure will speed up the healing time significantly. Some patients benefit from taking Ibuprofen for a few days afterwards. Ask your dentist what you can expect to experience.