Cosmetic Dentistry

Jul 13, 2013 | Cosmetic Dentistry, Uncategorized

Cosmetic dentistry is a dental speciality centered around improving the aesthetic qualities of an individual’s smile through repairing structural defects, removing stains or discolorations, and enhancing their overall appearance. Depending on the type of alterations that need to be made, there are a variety of cosmetic dental treatments available.

Dr. Alkass of Alkass Dental offers some of the top cosmetic dental services. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and a certificate holder of the Aesthetic Advantage specialized aesthetic dental training program, Dr. Alkass is devoted to providing his patients with the latest advancements cosmetic dentistry has to offer.

DID YOU KNOW?

To become an accredited member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, dentists must submit documentation of successful cosmetic dental treatment. In addition, the AACD assists cosmetic dentists in achieving the best cosmetic dental results through offering educational opportunities to promote the best clinical skills and patient care.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR COSMETIC DENTISTRY?

You may be a candidate for cosmetic dentistry if you have damaged, misshapen, cracked, decayed, mildly crooked, or discolored teeth that you would like to have altered to improve the visual appearance of your smile. If you are currently uncomfortable with some aspect of your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alkass today, and he’ll help create a cosmetic dental treatment plan to address your concerns.

WHAT COSMETIC DENTAL TREATMENTS DOES ALKASS DENTAL OFFER?

Composite Tooth-Colored Fillings

Dental restorations that are used for fillings and can blend in with the surrounding teeth.

Crowns and Bridges

Crown are caps that can fit over a single tooth to correct color or structural damage. Bridges are used to fill in gaps left by missing multiple teeth.

Dentures

Partial and removable dentures can replace missing teeth and are removable for cleaning.

Dental Implants

Implants are artificial tooth roots that are imbedded into the jaw for stability. They replace missing teeth and restore strength and function.

Inlays and Onlays

Restorations that are more than a filling and are bonded to the surface of the tooth to correct structural defects.

Veneers

Porcelain shells that are adhered to teeth to correct their color and shape.

Teeth Whitening

Procedure that removes stains and brightens your smile. At Alkass Dental, we use ZOOM! Whitening products, which allows us to brighten your smile 6-10 shades in only one hour!

HOW DO I KNOW WHICH PROCEDURE TO CHOOSE?

With so many different cosmetic treatments available, it may be hard to know which treatment is the best for you. To determine which treatment is the ideal cosmetic dental treatment for you, consider your treatment goals. Having clear treatment goals will help you to find a treatment that will meet these goals, which will ultimately be the best treatment for you. To determine your treatment goals, think about the following questions:

  • What do I want to fix about my smile?
  • Am I happy with the color of my teeth?
  • Am I happy with the shape/size of my teeth?
  • Are my teeth crooked or overcrowded?
  • How long am I willing to commit to treatment?
  • Am I willing to alter the surface of my teeth in anyway?
  • Do I wish to keep or replace my natural teeth?
  • What is my budget?
  • Do I have oral health issues that need to be resolved?
  • Do I want a short-term or long-term solution?
  • Do I want a permanent alteration?

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM COSMETIC DENTAL TREATMENT?

Your expectations for cosmetic dental treatment depends on the type of treatment you decide on. Some cosmetic dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, are minimally invasive and relatively quick, while others, such as dental implants, can take longer and require more extensive work to be done.

When helping you to decide which treatment is right for you, Dr. Alkass will discuss what you can expect for the cosmetic dental treatments you are considering. Understanding these expectations is part of deciding which treatment to select. During your consultation, feel free to ask Dr. Alkass any questions you may have.

ARE COSMETIC DENTAL TREATMENTS PAINFUL?

If there is a possibility of experiencing discomfort during a cosmetic dental procedure, you will likely be offered a local anesthetic for your comfort. In some cases, sedation may also be used. With this, the treatments themselves are made as comfortable as possible.

Depending on the nature of your treatment, you may experience some minor discomfort after the procedure while you recover. Generally speaking, any discomfort you feel can usually be managed with over the counter pain medications. This discomfort will usually fade a few days after the procedure.

IS COSMETIC DENTISTRY EXPENSIVE?

The cost of your cosmetic dental treatment will vary depending on the type of cosmetic dental treatment. The good news, however, is that with so many options available, you are likely to find an option that can work within your budget.

Although dental insurance generally does not offer coverage for cosmetic dental treatments, some companies will offer partial coverage or an allowance for certain restorative treatments. Alkass Dental will help you work with your dental insurance company to get you as much financial assistance as possible.

WILL MY ORAL HEALTH IMPROVE AFTER COSMETIC DENTAL TREATMENTS?

Yes! When most people think about cosmetic dentistry, they tend to focus on the aesthetic benefits only. While this is a large part of cosmetic dentistry, it is not the only benefits offered by cosmetic dentistry. By repairing structural defects, properly aligning your teeth, and removing stains, your teeth will become healthier and easier to care for. After your cosmetic dental treatment, your teeth will have less areas for bacteria to become trapped and your chances of developing dental issues, such as decay, will decrease.

WILL I NEED TO FOLLOW ANY SPECIAL GUIDELINES AFTER COSMETIC DENTAL TREATMENT?

Depending on the nature of your cosmetic dental treatment, you may have specialized instructions to follow. Generally, these instructions usually include temporary dietary restrictions, keeping the treatment site clean and free of debris, and maybe taking a day off of school or work.

In addition to specialized instructions, you will also want to maintain excellent oral habits to maintain the results of your cosmetic dental treatment. These include brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting Alkass Dental every six months for a dental checkup and teeth cleaning.

HOW LONG DO THE RESULTS FROM COSMETIC DENTISTRY LAST?

The lifespan of your cosmetic dental treatment depends on a number of factors including the type of treatment, the way your body responds to treatment, and your oral health habits. Some cosmetic dental treatments have short lifespans, such as teeth whitening, while others have much longer lifespans, like dental implants.

When discussing your options, the lifespan of each treatment is an important factor to consider. Some cosmetic dental treatments may have a higher initial cost than others, but they might also have a longer lifespan as well.

For the best cosmetic dentistry has to offer, schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander Alkass today! Alkass Dental proudly serves Oakland County and the communities of Waterford, Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Pontiac, Sylvan Lake, and White Lake.

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