Is Your Cosmetic Dentist Good?

A radient smile is something to which we all aspire. Never before have so many techniques and procedures been available that offer such reliability and effectiveness in smile restoration. Cosmetic dentistry, once only available to movie stars and the wealthy, is now accessible to ordinary Americans.

Today, cosmetic dentists offer many different cosmetic dental procedures that can be tailored to the specific needs of an individual. However, the ultimate success of your cosmetic dental work is largely dependent upon the art and expertise of your cosmetic dentist.

Six Ways to Ensure Your Cosmetic Dentist is Top Notch
Cosmetic dentistry utilizes a number of different techniques for repairing a smile, like porcelain veneers, dental implants, teeth whitening, and Invisalign braces. When you are ready to make an investment in your smile, you?ll want to ensure that your cosmetic dentist is one that can produce the results you desire. You?ll want to perform the following steps before choosing your cosmetic dentist:

1. Ask friends and family members for recommendations ? the people closest to you are often a reliable source for first-line recommendations of cosmetic dentists to interview
2. Schedule consultations with several cosmetic dentists ? a consultation will give you more detailed information upon which to make your choice of a cosmetic dentist
3. Ask to see before and after photos of the dentists? work with patients ? looking through a portfolio will give you a good idea if the results for other patients are similar to what you seek
4. Check training, experience and credentials of every prospective cosmetic dentist ? most cosmetic dentists proudly display their diplomas upon office walls, but also request any credentials that you do not see
5. Ask about cosmetic dental techniques and technology used ? you?ll want a cosmetic dentist that is well-versed on all the latest techniques and has the latest technology to give you the best results
6. Ensure that you are comfortable with the office, staff and friendliness of the dentist ? bedside manner is just as important with a dentist as it is with a doctor

Ask the Right Questions
The chair side manner of a cosmetic dentist can easily be evaluated by asking yourself the following questions after observing the cosmetic dentist in his or her surroundings:

? Did the cosmetic dentist take time to listen to you?
? Did he or she make eye contact and have a caring manner?
? How about personality? Did your prospective dentist make you feel at ease?
? Did you feel a connection with this dentist and his or her staff?
Please visit the website of board-certified cosmetic dentist, Dr. Rod Strober at Strober Dental in San Diego, Californa to have your questions answered about the procedures that would benefit your smile.

Treating Misshapen Teeth With Cosmetic Dentistry

Misshapen teeth are a common cosmetic dental problem. Most patients have at least one tooth that is too small, too short, or has been worn down unevenly, making it look out of place.

Unfortunately, all it takes is a single misshapen tooth to throw off the symmetry of an otherwise attractive smile.

In the past, malformed or misshapen teeth were simply something patients had to live with. With today?s cosmetic dentistry materials and techniques, that is not the case. If you want to improve both the look and function of your smile, cosmetic dentistry has several options for treating misshapen teeth. The option that is best for you will depend upon the extent of your tooth?s damage and your own aesthetic preferences.

Causes of Misshapen Teeth
Several different factors can influence the shape of a tooth either during or after its development, including:
? Genetics
? Malnutrition
? Illness
? Medical treatments
? A traumatic injury to the mouth
? Excessive bruxism (tooth grinding)
? Environmental factors

Misshapen teeth are not just a cosmetic issue. Over time, they can cause other teeth in your smile to shift, throwing off your bite and causing premature tooth wear in other areas of your mouth. By addressing this problem now, you can prevent future dental problems and preserve the beauty and strength of your smile.
Treatment Options for Misshapen Teeth

As long as your misshapen tooth is healthy, cosmetic dentistry offers several different options for treatment, including:

? Dental bonding ? Bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin material to re-shape gapped teeth, short or small teeth, narrow teeth, or chips in the tooth?s enamel. Dental bonding is highly customizable and cost-effective, making it a popular option among patients. You can correct problems with several teeth in one office visit.

? Porcelain veneers ? Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of a tooth, masking the tooth?s inherent flaws. Porcelain veneers are custom-designed to fit your teeth and provide a more symmetrical, even smile line. Because porcelain reflects light just like enamel, your veneers will be virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your natural teeth.

? Dental crowns ? When a tooth becomes worn down, its strength and integrity are often compromised. Dental crowns can restore a weakened or misshapen tooth?s strength, making it a functional part of your smile again. Today?s dental crowns can be custom-designed and color-matched to seamlessly blend with your surrounding teeth.

To learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can treat misshapen teeth, please visit the website of experienced Oklahoma City cosmetic dentist Dr. Terry Bass, DDS today.