Cosmetic dentistry is the lovechild of science and art. For one, it's one of the most groundbreaking aspects of dentistry, delivering impeccable results that are durable and ensure longevity. On the other hand, it's also art, with how cosmetic dentists meticulously craft and design each tooth, down to the nitty-gritty details. It takes an artistic eye to produce natural-looking teeth that are almost impossible to differentiate from the original. This is why finding an experienced dentist is a must if you want to achieve such results. In this article, we'll discuss why experience matters and how the best cosmetic dentists deliver natural-looking results.
Their skills are refined.
Our teeth may be one of the hardest parts of our body, but they surprisingly need a sense of delicacy to handle. On top of that, each person's tooth is unique, so no two cases are the same. As such, a skilled dentist can wield different dental tools easily and with impressive precision. He can only do so if he has the skills for it, which can be attained through years of practice. A dentist's skills should also go hand-in-hand with the drive to learn and do better, not only as part of their continuing career development but also to help serve their patients better.
Their techniques are advanced.
Every licensed dentist went to dental school, where they learned the basics and all the other necessary information on the job. Coupled with seminars and other certifications, their skills and knowledge expand each time. However, it is through experiencing different cases each time that they can practice their skills and hone their techniques.
This culmination of skills is crucial, especially when they want to help a patient achieve the most natural-looking smile they could have. Many developments in the field of dentistry allow dentists to make dental prostheses faster and more accurately, but it's still important to be able to do these manually, which is only made possible if they have the techniques and skills for it. Cosmetic dentists at Adawn Dental Studio boast a team of professionals who are equipped with such skills and expertise, so you're guaranteed a safe and efficient treatment.
Cosmetic dentists need to be particular and thorough with their methodology, since one wrong move can compromise either the aesthetic or integrity of the dental prosthesis they're working on; in the worst case, it could even be both.
Take, for example, porcelain veneers. This dental prosthesis is one of the most popular treatment plans as of late, since you can barely tell them apart from one's original teeth. Porcelain veneers are made of high-quality ceramic materials that are fashioned into shell-like fittings that are bonded to the front of your tooth. Can you imagine it? Each tooth is different, but generally, they range from around 5 cm in width and 11 mm in length, and the dentist has to chip off a small amount of enamel from the front teeth so they can fit the veneer in front of your tooth. They need to perform surgery on such a small area, which calls for incredible skills, along with precision and control. Only a dentist with advanced techniques can perform a procedure with dexterity and flawless results.
With time, they have handled diverse cases.
As mentioned above, no two cases are the same. Some people are blessed with perfectly aligned and pearly white teeth, while others aren't. In a way, you could say the saying "calm waters don't make good sailors" is applicable in this sense. Having patients who have normal and few problems had the work cut out for the dentist. On the other hand, a dentist who has handled diverse cases is way ahead of his colleagues since being exposed to them widens their understanding of different patient needs and challenges.
Regardless of the case, dentists must also encourage their patients to perform oral hygiene practices consistently to ensure that their oral health is in prime condition. They will offer you advice on what the best brushes and dental products are to use. On top of this, they will also urge you to adopt healthier habits, like being mindful of what you consume, especially since your diet impacts the whiteness of your teeth, as well as their integrity.
They can anticipate challenges.
Speaking of challenge, a trained dentist can not only spot a potential problem before it develops, but they can also anticipate possible challenges with each case they take on. Rotting teeth are the most common case of dental issues, and every dentist knows how to handle that. If anything, correcting misaligned teeth and treating patients with severe gum disease requires extensive work, even more so if the patient has a complex case.
One misaligned tooth is easy to fix, but what if the patient has their whole set of teeth misaligned? On top of that, it could be worse, and they could also suffer from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Such cases like these entail a lot of work just to help correct these issues, even more so to achieve a bright and beaming smile. Impossible as these cases may sound, a great dentist always finds ways to weather any challenge thrown their way and be able to work through it all without compromising their patients' oral health.
They have a personalized approach to each case.
There are a lot of dental problems, with many more yet to be addressed properly. Fortunately enough, the times today are pretty advanced, with technological innovations being introduced consistently that help dentists with complex treatments and even reduce a patient's chair time.
Dentists also screen you for other signs of underlying sickness, like periodontitis and oral cancer, among other things. Many oral issues creep up silently that you'll only notice you're suffering from such once you start experiencing a symptom or two. It's just like how it is with tooth decay; one moment, you're enjoying a meal, and then the next one, you feel a stabbing pain and heightened sensitivity, unaware that the cavity has seeped into your tooth. Although cosmetic dentists are more focused on aesthetics, they also ensure that you can talk, eat, and perform other oral functions without a problem, since the two aspects are intertwined.
Characteristics of a Good Dentist
Besides having the skills and experience, dentists should also have qualities that complement their skills. These two go hand in hand, so they could provide the best service and become more efficient at their job.
Professional
Before everything else, a dentist must be professional, meaning they adhere to a high standard of behavior and work quality. They are competent, respectful, and practice with integrity, setting a good example in the workplace and always behaving in a considerate manner.
Detail-oriented
As mentioned multiple times in this article, being particular with every detail is a must for dentists, given the delicacy of the subject they handle. They must not withhold information and hold the patient's welfare to the highest degree, ensuring that the latter will receive prime treatment and also recover without any problems after every procedure.
Patient and Understanding
When it comes to checkups and treatments, the procedure isn't the only thing the dentist has to deal with. They also have to consider their patients' overall condition, since undergoing any kind of treatment can be nerve-wracking for some. In fact, many people even skip going to the dentist altogether due to dental anxiety. To lessen their worries, dentists should also have a welcoming facility equipped with a relaxing atmosphere to help their patients ease their nerves. Having a friendly and accommodating staff is also a must, so they can entertain every inquiry the patients may have.
Excellent Communicators
Just like doctors, dentists should be able to efficiently communicate procedures to their clients, ensuring they can explain each treatment in layman's terms. There is a lot of jargon in dentistry, and for a scared and anxious patient, it could dictate whether or not to continue with their procedure. Along with explaining the procedure, the dentist should also inform their patients if there are other things they need to consider in the long run and share any knowledge that may affect their patients' smiles.
Empathetic and Compassionate
Dentists need to practice empathy and compassion not only to their patients but also to their staff, colleagues, and everyone else. Even if they are the ones performing the procedure, it wouldn't be made possible without the help of people and fellow professionals who work and have worked with them, hence the need to extend empathy to these people as well.
Respectful and Non-judgmental
Some people who suffer from dental problems tend to suffer from low self-esteem and are ashamed of their smiles. There are individuals who have become withdrawn due to the severity of their dental problems, and it would only worsen if left unchecked. As such, dentists should always be respectful of their clients' conditions and exercise consideration in such cases.
All in all, a lot goes in when it comes to achieving natural-looking teeth, and the bulk of it comes from the dentists themselves. So, if you plan on getting your teeth fixed, choose your dentist wisely; their skills, experience, and qualities must be assessed thoroughly to ensure you can achieve the optimum results and longevity.
