Save
This Page to Del.icio.us
Comments and Questions for the Doctor
Please let us know your questions, comments, and suggestions. We look forward to hearing from you!
Knoxville Cosmetic Dentist Dr Gene Sapp
Your Smile..
It's the first thing people notice about you. Your smile makes
an immediate impression on those around you. Dr
Sapp and his cosmetic dentistry team take great
pleasure in helping you to imagine, achieve, and maintain a bright,
beautiful,
healthy
smile. Let us help you begin the journey to a
whiter, more satisfying smile!
A beautiful smile affects those around you in a marvelous way. It gives you the needed confidence for a productive, happy life and a positive self-image!
The process of improving your smile...
Yes, we provide general dental services in addition to smile design!
Research has shown that infants are drawn more to attractive smiles than those generally perceived as unattractive. While some may insist that physical appearance is unimportant or superficial it is crucial to note that the most basic feelings, instincts, and drives we have as living beings are driven, at least initially, by appearance. The appreciation of beauty is a uniquely human capability and plays a central role in all our lives.
An attractive face and, particularly, a beautiful smile are essential to success in our modern society. Yes, some would argue that a person really doesn't even need teeth let alone a beautiful smile to live a happy and productive life. While this is arguably true, one need only look at the smiles and faces around us to see that this is the exception rather than the rule. Celebrities, businesspeople, professionals, and neighbors are all smiling. Shouldn't you try cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic Dentistry: First steps to a beautiful smile>
Once you have made the decision to improve your smile, the first thing you should do is set a budget. Depending on your geographic location, the cosmetic dental treatment you require, and the experience of the cosmetic dentist, the investment for treatment can vary greatly. You should mention your budget early in the process if the dentist does not bring it up, to avoid surprises later.
Next you should select a cosmetic dentist, make an appointment, and receive a comprehensive cosmetic dental examination. This smile analysis is separate and in addition to the regular dental exam.
Depending, again, on your budget, you may require one to three consultation appointments where you and the cosmetic dentist develop the treatment plan and design your smile. Careful planning and good communication at this stage help in creating a predictable result and a beautiful smile.
Cosmetic Dental Treatment
The actual treatment phase of a cosmetic dental plan will vary depending on the procedures involved. Many dentists offer tooth whitening or bleaching as a first step in the cosmetic dental process. Most bonding procedures require only one or two appointments. Smile designs requiring lab work such as porcelain veneers, inlays, cosmetic crowns, and bridges may take from three to 6 weeks. Orthodontic tooth movement can take many months. Note that you can have cosmetic procedures performed in shorter times, but you will pay more for the service. Finally, if the cosmetic dental plan includes minor surgery such as "gum lifts" or implants, you may be looking at two to six months for completion. Remember, also, that your mouth should be clean and free of decay and gum disease before you start extensive work.
Maintaining your Smile
Once treatment is complete, the cosmetic dentist will construct a night guard for you, protecting your beautiful smile from wear and possible breakage from night grinding. Finally you will be placed on regular dental maintenance, usually on a six month basis.
Cosmetic dental work, like all dental work, wears and sometimes, unfortunately, fails at varying rates. Dentists generally expect to get anywhere from five to ten years of useful life from the average cosmetic dental restoration. Most cosmetic dentistry will last considerably longer and many developing problems can be corrected if found early on. Regular dental visits are more important, the more dentistry you have in your mouth.