Who is a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dental Services

Cosmetic dental services have different types of procedures. Each one aims to restore the healthy function and appearance of your teeth. Complete treatments provide you with a healthier smile. Knowing if you are a good candidate for cosmetic dental services can help you prepare for your next appointment.

For dental implants

These dental restorations can replace damaged teeth or missing teeth. Titanium rods serve as the missing dental roots. The rods can also provide a stable foundation for the artificial crowns when the roots merge with the jawbone and gums. Good candidates for dental implants are patients with developed jawbones and good health.

Patients with cancer, gum disease, or diabetes are not ideal candidates for dental implant surgery. The health conditions can impair the site’s healing and osteointegration. Also, those who smoke may not recover well. Smoking prevents proper blood oxygenation and circulation. This habit can keep the titanium rod from fusing with the gum tissue and jawbone. Improper healing can lead to implant failure.

For teeth whitening

Clinical studies show that the enamel thins out due to aging. It also develops thin cracks that let stains seep into the teeth. The gradual process leads to stained, dull teeth. Staining foods, drinks, and medications can cause dental discoloration. Excessive fluoride can also cause staining. Cosmetic dental services like teeth whitening target superficial issues.

Ideal candidates for dental whitening are people without fillings. Healthy gums and yellow teeth also qualify a patient for this treatment. People with caps, dental bonding, or crowns cannot have teeth whitening. The whitening solution cannot improve the color of these restorations. People with sensitive gums and teeth cannot get teeth whitening. Those with defective restorations will likely experience irritation from the whitening reagents.

For dental reshaping

Cosmetic dental services are for people who want to have a better smile. Dental reshaping can improve the shape and function of teeth. The general dentist often performs this treatment on the front teeth. The procedure aims to remove some of the enamel to change the surface, shape, or length of the teeth. This treatment can enhance a patient’s appearance by correcting small, shallow, chipped areas. Some patients also want to lengthen and smoothen the surfaces of specific teeth.

For dental bonding

Those with mild aesthetic issues are ideal patients for dental bonding. This treatment can correct dental misalignment, chipping, and staining. People with good oral and general health who do not smoke can also get dental bonding. The dentist will match the bonding material’s shade to that of the natural teeth. The result is a natural-looking smile.

For invisible braces

A general dentist can recommend invisible braces to realign the jaw and teeth without the obvious brackets and wires. Corrective cosmetic dental services like these braces can straighten one’s smile. They can prevent serious health issues like cavities and painful chewing. These treatments can also result in diabetes or heart disease. Good candidates for invisible braces are people with the following conditions:

• Periodontitis
• Overbites
• Underbites
• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Crossbites