Thinking Of Having Cosmetic Dentistry Done? Why You Should See Your General Dentist First

If you are not happy with the way your teeth look when you smile, and have decided to have some type of cosmetic dentistry work done, you should see your general dentist first. Explain to him or her what it is you are hoping to accomplish. Together, you can decide the best course of action to achieve your dental goals. You may find it is to your advantage to have the general dentist handle the cosmetic procedures you need, and here are a few reasons why.

Money

A cosmetic dentist is a specialist, and as such charges more for his or her services than a general dentist charges. Not all cosmetic dental procedures are covered by insurance, so you are going to have to pay the bill yourself. However, if your general dentist can show that having the procedure is necessary for your eating, digesting or speech, your insurance may pay for a portion or all of the bill. Most procedures that would fall under this category can be performed by a general dentist.

Comfort

If you are one of the many people who are not comfortable with dental work, it will be better for you to go see someone you are familiar with than to go to a specialist you have never seen before. The more comfortable you are, the easier the treatment will be. Some procedures can be affected by how relaxed you are. If you hold your jaw tighter, or can't keep your mouth still long enough, any molds the dentist takes can be slightly off. This means that dentures, veneers, or crowns may not fit properly or comfortably.

Convenience

Getting an appointment with a specialist often has a longer wait than making one with a general dentist, like those at Smile 1st Dental Care. In addition, if there is a problem, such as a cavity, that is normally handled by a general dentist, the specialist may tell you the problem must be fixed before he or she can proceed with your treatment. This will require you making a new appointment with the specialist. A general dentist will be able to take care of the problem and continue with the cosmetic procedure, perhaps at the same visit.

Your general dentist can tell you if he or she is capable of doing the cosmetic procedure you require. If it is not possible, then you will be referred to the specialist. Having a referral may be enough to convince your insurance company to pay for the procedure. However, you should understand that no matter who does the work, you may have to pay for it yourself. Considering the financial amount, the comfort and the convenience of using a general dentist, it would be best to start there and only go to a specialist if necessary.