Your regularly scheduled visits are the perfect time for you to ask your questions.
If you aren’t completely happy with your smile or you want to improve your oral hygiene, it is time to talk to your dentist. Some patients want to get in and out of the office as quickly as possible, but you shouldn’t hesitate to take your time and reach out to your dentist with any questions. They will be happy to help, and you might be surprised to learn that you have been making some incorrect assumptions about your oral health and dental treatments. The correct information can help put you on the right path toward fulfilling your smile wishes, so here are some questions you should consider asking your dentist.
1. How can I improve my smile?
Why not start with a broad question? You may have a crooked tooth that bothers you, but your dentist will be able to make suggestions that go beyond cosmetic issues and help you improve and protect your smile for the long term. They will also be familiar with your history, which will allow them to make specific suggestions based on your needs. All patients aren’t created the same, and you can work with your dentist to create a customized care plan that addresses both short- and long-term goals.
2. What are my options when it comes to teeth whitening?
White teeth are typically associated with a beautiful smile and good oral health. That is why people have become increasingly concerned with whitening their teeth. Depending on your overall goals and how many shades you would like to lighten your teeth, your dentist may recommend different treatments.
For those who simply want a whiter smile, in-office teeth whitening treatments are a highly effective and affordable option. If you have discolored teeth that are chipped and cracked, you may be a good candidate for veneers or implants.
At-home kits are also available, but you will want to make sure you visit your dentist, get a thorough cleaning, and identify any potential problems before you go this route.
3. Will cosmetic dentistry treatments create a natural look?
Cosmetic dentistry is designed to improve your smile while also creating a natural look. However, every dentist has a different skill set and level of experience when it comes to these procedures. It is always a good idea to do some research and ask for recommendations and before and after photos in order to find the right dentist who will be able to produce the results you are looking to achieve.
4. Do I have any dental health problems?
Ideally, this is something your dentist will automatically bring up to you as part of your routine exam, but it never hurts to ask questions and advocate for yourself when it comes to health care. Being proactive about asking questions will make your dentist more aware of your concerns and help you better understand your current oral health. Armed with that information, you can begin to put together a custom care plan.
5. Do you offer payment plans and financing options?
Many patients assume that effective cosmetic dentistry procedures are simply beyond their budget. However, most dentists work to make these treatments more accessible by offering various payment and financing options. For a relatively small monthly fee, you can get the smile you have always wanted and improve your confidence.
6. What tips do you have for improving my oral hygiene routine?
We have all heard that you should brush and floss at least twice a day and visit your dentist twice a year, but these are general rules. Based on your current oral health, your dentist may have specific suggestions that will help you create a better routine that supports your personal oral health. There may be new products, techniques, and procedures that you aren’t aware of that could become a vital part of your routine.
7. How can I correct crooked teeth?
If you are unhappy with your smile and would like to straighten your teeth, there are options besides wearing braces. In some cases, your dentist may be able to use bonding to fill in gaps and reshape your teeth. This treatment is painless and provides instant results.
Invisalign is also a popular option for adults because it provides a non-invasive way to gradually correct your smile. The system uses a series of clear aligners that are custom-fit to your mouth to slowly shift your teeth into place. No one will know you are wearing an aligner, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of braces.
8. Is there a way to improve a gummy smile?
Typically, a “gummy smile,” won’t affect your health and isn’t a sign of a larger problem, but it is still something people tend to want to correct. Fortunately, there are a variety of different treatment options. Simple Botox injections can allow the upper lip to more adequately cover the upper gums. There are also crown lengthening and gum contouring options that reduce the visibility of gums and increase how much of the tooth is exposed. You can work with your dentist to find the right treatment that will help you achieve your goals.
9. Why are my teeth sensitive?
When it comes to sensitive teeth, there can be a wide range of causes. You may have a cracked tooth or dental decay, or your sensitivity may be caused by medications and teeth whitening products. The most important thing to remember is that you don’t have to settle for sensitive teeth. No matter what the cause, there are solutions that will allow you to manage sensitivity.
Dental treatments are more advanced and less invasive than ever before. For patients, that means effective solutions that allow them to enjoy better oral health and a more beautiful smile. If you want to feel more confident about your smile and address any other oral health concerns, all you have to do is reach out to your dentists, describe your goals, and ask about potential solutions.
At Wohlers Family Dentistry, we are always happy to answer your questions and work with you to create a customized treatment plan. Call today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
