The Best Way to Clean Your Dental Implants
January 27, 2023
Looking to replace missing teeth? Dental implants are a healthy and hugely popular option to get your teeth looking the best they have in years, but in order to keep them looking like this it requires a little bit of attention. Like with anything, consistency is key – so first and foremost we need to be focussing on our cleaning routine.
(more…)Are Dental Bridges Removable?
December 29, 2022
Missing some of your teeth? These can be replaced with a dental bridge. These are a permanent alternative to dentures and for this reason they are not removable.
5 Reasons to Consider Clear Braces
November 29, 2022
“Brace face” is enough to deter any kid from taking their smile seriously – let alone being an adult seeking orthodontic treatment! It’s totally fair why you wouldn’t want traditional metal braces as an adult: you’re at a different stage in your professional life and it’s understandable why cosmetics and physical appearance impact such decisions. You sit in big board meetings and you may be forced to present in front of a lot of people. You may even have upcoming occasions or life events where your smile will be captured forever.
The Pros and Cons of Professional Teeth Whitening
July 17, 2022
Store bought whitening pastes, rinses, strips and gels promise you dramatic results, but often fail to deliver on any form of result. People come to us when they’ve exhausted all over the counter options, having wasted unnecessary money and time when there was a solution out there in the first place: in-office teeth whitening. So why aren’t people trying it sooner?
Top Dental Crown Materials
June 21, 2022
Crowns are used in restorative dentistry and placed on top of teeth to improve their appearance and functionality. Crowns can be made from various materials, each with its benefits and drawbacks. In this post, we’ll look at the most common crown materials. So, whether you require a crown or are just curious about the different types of materials available, read on for more information.
Is A Tooth Implant Right For Me?
October 21, 2021
You may be considering a tooth implant because you’re either missing teeth or your teeth are too weak to withstand chewing. You want the best for your mouth, and we understand that completely! But if your question is, “Is a tooth implant right for me?” we can give you some helpful information about implants and how they work. That way, when it’s time to decide whether or not an implant is an option for you, you’ll have all of the facts on hand!
(more…)Want a Brighter Smile? Teeth Whitening Options to Consider
February 16, 2021
When it comes to your smile, if you’re like most of our customers, you want it to be bright and stain-free. Few things give off as strong a first impression as a radiant smile that has been well cared for, so it’s easy to understand why teeth whitening procedures are among our most popular services among patients. So, what do teeth whitening regimens look like, and do you have options? Let’s take a look.
(more…)What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
January 27, 2021
When it comes to caring for our teeth, we often come across the term “cosmetic dentistry.” Understanding this term and what services and procedures fall under its category can go a long way toward the health of your teeth, and your wallet, by understanding what is and is not covered by your dental insurance. So, just what is cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is essentially, any dental procedure that is aimed at improving the overall aesthetic appeal of your smile, but not necessarily a requirement for overall oral health. In other words, they include a list of services and products that can improve the appearance of your teeth. Because these procedures are rarely considered medically necessary for a healthy mouth, they are often not covered by dental insurance plans, so it’s important to be prepare for any financial obligation you may incur.
(more…)Preparing for Cosmetic Dentistry: What to Expect
October 15, 2020
If you’re considering having some cosmetic dentistry performed, chances are, you have questions. Often times our patients come to us with concerns about cost, recovery times, result expectations, and many other things they are considering prior to an upcoming procedure – all of which are excellent questions! Whether you’re in the beginning stages and searching for the best dental office in DeSoto to perform your elected dental service, or you’ve been a patient for years and are looking to have some additional work done, we’re here to help!
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
For starters, one of the first things to understand is simply – what is cosmetic dentistry? Since different offices offer different procedures and services, it’s important to know exactly what your dentist can do before deciding which option is best for you.
Cosmetic dentistry is essentially an elective procedure that involves improving the overall healthy appearance of your smile. These services involve a wide range of options that can be tailored to your specific needs. At Lancaster Family Smiles, our team offers exceptional cosmetic dentistry practices that include:
- Gum line recontouring
- Gap corrections with bonding procedures
- Straightening options such as Invisalign, BioClear, and traditional braces
- Ceramic veneers
- Professional cleaning and whitening treatments
- Filling replacements to match your teeth
What to Know Before Your Procedure
Once you have discussed your viable options with your family dentist and come up with the right solution for your needs, it’s important to prepare by asking questions. Your trusted oral care professional should walk you through the steps from how to prepare for your upcoming procedure to tips for optimal recovery afterwards. It’s also imperative, however, for you to speak up with questions on anything you don’t understand.
Some of the most common questions and concerns we are asked by our patients prior to their cosmetic dentistry procedures include:
- Is this procedure covered by my dental insurance?
- Have others had great success with this procedure or service?
- Can I see images of previous patients’ successes?
- Will this be painful and/or how can I manage the recovery process?
- Do I need to be sedated for this procedure?
- How can I prepare for my treatment or procedure?
Preparing for Your Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure
After you’ve made the decision to schedule your elected cosmetic procedure, it’s best to begin preparations to ensure the smoothest service and recovery possible. Depending on which treatment you are seeking, your preparations could be minor or very complex. While your family dentist will be able to help you outline your preparations, here are a few of the most important steps to take prior to any cosmetic dentistry procedure:
- Call your insurance agency. Being surprised by high dental bills for something that your insurance didn’t cover is never a good thing. Always ensure you call to verify what procedures are (and are not) covered by your insurance before scheduling the service.
- Plan for down time. If you’re having a more extensive procedure done, you will want to plan for recovery time as needed. This may mean scheduling time off of work or other responsibilities.
- Follow your doctor’s orders. The most important step to ensure a healthy recovery process (and to allow optimal results), is to follow all advice given by your family dentist.