Cosmetic Dental Care Des Plaines, IL
People who want to improve the look of their smile may want to consider cosmetic dental care for effective results. Cosmetic dental treatments are elective procedures that improve the appearance of the teeth, gums, and overall smile. There are various treatments that patients can choose from depending on their wants and needs. This type of dental treatment varies from simple to more complex services. Some of the options include teeth whitening, clear braces, implants, and veneers.
Not all dentists provide cosmetic services, so it is good to research and ask questions before proceeding. Cosmetic dental care is available at Apple Family Dental in Des Plaines and the surrounding area. With the number of options available, choosing a cosmetic procedure takes careful consideration. Call us at (847) 553-4848 and let our team help you find the right treatment plan for you.
Types of Cosmetic Dental Care
There are various types of cosmetic services for people who want to improve their smiles. People interested in these services should keep the varying treatment length and price in mind when discussing cosmetic dentistry options. Some of the popular procedures include:
- Clear braces or aligners: These are ways to straighten teeth less visibly. Clear braces have clear brackets connected with a wire and are a good choice for more crooked teeth. Aligners are removable plastic trays. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, cosmetic dentists generally recommend aligners for patients whose cosmetic dental issues are minor.
- Dental implants: According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, implants are among the most important dentistry advancements. They replace one or more missing teeth by inserting a titanium rod into the jawbone and then placing a tooth cap on top. This treatment is secure, and the teeth look and function like natural ones.
- Teeth whitening: This is one of the most popular choices for smile improvement. It is also generally the easiest and least expensive method. A dental professional can bleach teeth in the office or recommend an at-home kit.
- Veneers: These are thin porcelain shells that are attached to the front surface of each tooth. Veneers can cover up discoloration, chips, gaps, short teeth, worn enamel, and other imperfections. They can also change the shape, length, or color of the teeth.
“There are various types of cosmetic services for people who want to improve their smiles.”
Cosmetic Dental Care Options
Any type of dental treatment used to improve the teeth's appearance qualifies as cosmetic dentistry. Dentists often use a combination of cosmetic procedures to help patients achieve their desired results. Some of the different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments are:
- Dental implants: This option allows dentists to replace missing teeth by anchoring artificial teeth to the natural root. Not only does this enhance cosmetic appearance, but it also improves the functionality of the mouth. Some similar options include bridges and dentures.
- Gum recontouring: Many people have gums that are either receded or overextended. Gum recontouring allows dentists to restructure gums, so they anchor teeth properly without being overly noticeable. This treatment improves the appearance of the smile by properly rationing the gums and teeth.
- Inlays and onlays: Inlays are restorative devices that fit inside cracked teeth to improve their appearance and make them stronger. Onlays cover the top of the tooth and offer the same benefits. These options treat cracked or chipped teeth located at the back of the mouth.
- Teeth whitening: While there are several procedures available for whitening teeth, the Oral Health Foundation states that professional bleaching is the most common treatment. Dentists use bleaching agents to remove stains caused by foods and beverages, medications, tobacco use, and aging. While this process may not fully restore teeth to their original shade, it can make them several shades lighter.
“Any type of dental treatment used to improve the teeth’s appearance qualifies as cosmetic dentistry.”
Choosing the Right Treatment and Cosmetic Dentist
Patients should carefully research and consider their treatment options. It is also essential to use careful consideration when looking for a qualified cosmetic dentist. Some criteria to consider choosing a cosmetic dentist are how long the dentist has been practicing, how extensive the practice is, what dental technologies they use, and previous patient results.
The initial consultation is important for patients to learn more about the practice and express their needs. This appointment is also an opportunity for the cosmetic dentist to advise which treatment will be the most beneficial and set up realist treatment expectations. The cosmetic dentist will gather information using X-rays and teeth impressions and review the patient's teeth shape, size, and color. This information will help the cosmetic dentist create a custom treatment plan for the patient.
“Patients should carefully research and consider their treatment options.”
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Home Care Routines
Home care and maintenance differs from treatment to treatment. For most cosmetic treatments, dental care and oral hygiene regimens are the same: brush twice daily and floss at least once a day along with visiting the dentist for routine checkups. However, some cosmetic treatments require more individualized care.
For dental implants, brushing and flossing twice daily is crucial. Using a soft toothbrush and low-abrasive toothpaste, gently brush under, in, and around the implant to clean hard-to-reach areas. We also recommend using an unwaxed tape for flossing or implant-specific floss along with an oral irrigator.
For gum contouring and teeth whitening treatments, we advise patients to rest and avoid rigorous activity including biting and chewing. The gums and teeth require healing, which may take up to a week. During this time, patients should avoid spicy, sticky, and acidic foods and beverages. They should also continue to brush teeth two to three times daily and floss at least once a day.
“For most cosmetic treatments, dental care and oral hygiene regimens are the same: brush twice daily and floss at least once a day along with visiting the dentist for routine checkups.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the different types of cosmetic dentistry treatments?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Q. What are required home care routines for cosmetic treatments?
Q. What are dental care routines for cosmetic treatments?
Q. What are some of the types of cosmetic dental treatments?
People Also Ask
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Dental Care Routines
For all cosmetic treatments, patients are advised on dental care routines for their individualized treatment plans. This may include home care and maintenance, dental care practices, and other specific instructions related to their specific treatment. In most cases, we recommend patients exercise the same care guidelines set by dental professionals.
A cosmetic dentist will likely recommend their patients brush twice daily, once in the morning and once before bed. We advise that patients undergoing cosmetic treatments brush their teeth after every meal to ensure their teeth and gums remain clean and healthy. This also helps with healing and prevents tooth decay and tooth loss. We also recommend patients floss and rinse at least once a day to remove tiny food particles and debris. Lastly, patient follow-ups are critical as they ensure treatment and recovery are going as planned, and allow providers to make alterations or offer suggestions as needed.
“We advise that patients undergoing cosmetic treatments brush their teeth after every meal to ensure their teeth and gums remain clean and healthy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does cosmetic dentistry differ from general dentistry?
A. General dentists focus on maintaining and restoring oral health. Cosmetic dentists focus on improving the look of the smile using elective procedures. This type of dentistry combines science and art to enhance aesthetics.
Q. How long does cosmetic dental care take?
A. Procedure length can vary. Some treatments, like teeth whitening, may only take one relatively short visit with the dentist. Other treatments, like dental implants and braces, will take a series of appointments. Patients can research or ask about treatment duration during a consultation.
Q. Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
A. The cost of cosmetic procedures varies greatly from one treatment to another. Every insurance policy is different, and not all cover cosmetic dental care. Contact your insurance company to see if they cover any procedure so you can plan financially.
Q. Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dental care?
A. Cosmetic dental care can benefit many people with cosmetic dentistry issues. People with misaligned, stained, worn, broken, chipped, or misshapen teeth can find solutions through cosmetic dentistry. Good candidates should also take good care of their oral health by brushing and flossing regularly.
Q. Are there side effects of cosmetic dental services?
A. There are generally few side effects to cosmetic care. For less complicated treatments, the patient may notice a little sensitivity in the teeth or gums. This discomfort should go away after a few days. More invasive procedures like implants may cause discomfort, swelling, and bleeding after treatment. These side effects typically also only last a short amount of time.
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Dental Terminology
Call Us Today
Having a beautiful smile is a confidence booster. Learn about how you can enhance your smile by speaking to our team at Apple Family Dental. Call us today at 847-553-4848 to schedule an appointment and discuss the best treatment plan to meet your individual needs.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
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