All things must eventually come to an end, and cosmetic dental work is no exception. When it comes to cosmetic dental work, however, which is defined as dental work that helps improve an individual’s smile or appearance, many elect to not just chalk up procedures as gone for good, but to revisit such issues and have the work redone.
Just what are some of the reasons as to why it’s time to visit a particular procedure, whether it be a veneer, bridge or crown? Here’s a closer look at some common instances when cosmetic procedures should be revisited.
Is it time to revisit cosmetic dental work?
Here’s a look at three situations where revisiting such procedures is likely a worthwhile endeavor:
- Procedure doesn’t meet patient expectations: Whether it’s from a complication or some other type of error, some cosmetic procedures just might not meet the patient’s expectations. If this is the case, and the patient is truly unhappy with the end result, a dentist can either attempt the procedure again or try a new, different procedure to better meet the patient’s expectations.
- Procedure needs to be redone due to age: As we noted in the beginning, everything has a shelf life. And depending on the particular type of procedure as well as the material that it’s made of, some cosmetic dentistry lasts longer than others. Take crowns, for example, as they have the potential to last up to 15 years. Other things like teeth whitening may need revisiting every 6 months or so.
- Miscellaneous issues: Aside from the shelf life of materials and certain cosmetic procedures, wear and tear also plays an issue. Holes and breaking certainly indicate that replacement is necessary. Replacement may be accelerated by your diet too, as crunchy and chewy foods can do a number on certain procedures if they’re consumed regularly over time.
What to expect on a cosmetic procedure redo
It’s first worth noting that seeing the dentist at least every 6 months can be a big benefit to any cosmetic work that you’ve had done. That’s because these appliances usually need maintenance too, and a professional teeth cleaning can help in this area.
In terms of receiving a cosmetic procedure for a recurring procedure, however, the process isn’t much different than from the first time you received treatment – the key difference is that the dentist has to work to ensure the previous appliance (i.e. veneer, bridge, etc.) is first safely removed. Then, the process essentially restarts. Your dentist may suggest an apparatus made of a new, more durable material. Or perhaps your situation has changed and it’s now a candidate for a different type of cosmetic treatment. New impressions may have to be taken and temporary appliances may need to be installed while the permanent ones are being readied.
For more information on cosmetic dentistry, and whether or not any previous work may be in need of a redo, contact Caven Dental today.
