Miraculous Cosmetic Dentistry by Dr. Maryam Seifi

Are You Considering Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment in the Rockville, MD Area?

You may be wondering when to see a cosmetic dentist versus a general dental practitioner. Cosmetic dentistry embraces a number of treatment options in order to achieve the patient’s goals for a more aesthetic smile. This can mean anything from relatively simple professional teeth whitening to more involved procedures for straightening crooked teeth. 

General dentistry, on the other hand, has the purpose of restoring oral health by treating (or preventing) oral disease, such as infections, cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, etc., which may be causing tooth pain. These situations need urgent attention whereas cosmetic dentistry is often considered to be elective treatment.

Why choose to have a dental procedure that is not, strictly speaking, necessary? While the details of what someone wants to address vary from patient to patient, the common thread in nearly all cases is self-esteem. Do you find yourself covering your mouth when you laugh or smile because you are embarrassed about your teeth? No one needs to feel this way. If you find yourself hiding your smile or feel your smile doesn’t make the outward impression you want, then you should consult with a cosmetic dentist. Let’s face it, your teeth and smile are a significant part of your personal presentation to others. Dr. Seifi and her team have consistent excellent results when it comes to helping patients get that confident, bright smile they have always wanted.

Cosmetic Dentistry to Improve Oral Health and Prevent Future Problems

Cosmetic dental treatment not only benefits how you look—it can improve the overall health of your mouth as well. Plaque can form in the tight crevices between crowded teeth. This hard-to-reach area may be too difficult to clean with average brushing and flossing.  When plaque is not cleared away, it provides the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to painful infections, gingivitis, tooth decay, cavities and even the loss of one or more teeth. Treatments to straighten and align teeth can improve the health of your gums and teeth by making it easier to properly clean each of your teeth. 

Missing or damaged teeth can also impact your health. A missing molar, for instance, can make it difficult to chew or grind down certain healthy foods like nuts, fresh fruit, raw vegetables and more. A balanced diet is important for getting all the nutrients the body needs. A full set of strong teeth is required as the first step in breaking down food so those nutrients can be accessed and absorbed.

Common Reasons for Consulting a Cosmetic Dentist

Cosmetic dentistry is a highly individualized form of dental care and there is a variety of dental services that are considered cosmetic treatments. Read through the following common reasons patients come to our office and see if you could benefit from treatment:

How Much Cosmetic Dentistry Will I Need?

Determining how much cosmetic dental work a patient may need can only be done in a personal consultation.  Because this area of treatment is extremely variable from person to person, a thorough evaluation is necessary.  Here are the steps involved in determining an individualized course of cosmetic dentistry for you:

1. Schedule an Initial Consultation with Dr. Seifi: Your consultation with Dr. Seifi is crucial in making sure that your smile goals are met. She will listen carefully to your dental concerns and answer all your questions. A successful cosmetic dentistry plan involves attention to detail and education on what’s involved in handling what you want improved. Patients find Dr. Seifi’s explanation of the process puts them at ease knowing that they will be in good hands and on their way to achieving natural-looking, beautiful results. 
   
   
2. Get Your Full Evaluation: After discussing what you want to achieve with cosmetic dentistry, a thorough evaluation will be done to ensure the process goes as smoothly as possible. This also gives the patient the ability to have a better understanding of their own dental situation in a way he or she may never have had before. This step usually includes one or more of the following:
   
   
3. X-rays to examine what is going on with the teeth below the gum line and see if there are any hidden problems or issues with the jaw
4. Digital scans of the teeth to create a 3D image of how the teeth currently look in order to better delineate a course of treatment or to show the patient how his or her teeth could look with treatment
5. Dental impressions to create a replica of the teeth that can be used for planning treatment and creating veneers, crowns, bridges and/or implants that will properly fit with the existing teeth 
6. Color matching using a shade guide, which is a set of porcelain “teeth” with varying tooth colors, so any crowns and veneers and the like can be customized to match the rest of the teeth
   
   
7. Receive Your Cosmetic Dental Treatment: Now for the big event. Your specific treatment may require only a single visit, but it may be necessary to do multiple appointments. The number of visits required to receive your full treatment depends on the extent of your personalized cosmetic dental program. 
   
   
8. Return for a Follow Up Appointment: Sometimes adjustments are needed as the patient starts living life with their new smile. Dr. Seifi doesn’t call it a completed job until her patients are comfortable and totally satisfied with their treatment results. 

Family Cosmetic Dentistry for Beautiful Smiles

Cosmetic dentistry benefits patients of all ages. When it comes to your family’s dental health, you should seek nothing less than the best care. Dr. Seifi’s Rockville, MD, dental practice offers a variety of treatment options for every member of your family.  Besides being an experienced professional in her field, Dr. Seifi believes that going to the dentist shouldn’t be scary. That’s why she and her team take the time needed with every single patient to make it a positive experience, no matter the patient’s age. There’s nothing more rewarding than the happy smile of a patient who is delighted with their dental service.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Painful?