Combining Orthodontics With Cosmetic Tooth Contouring
By Dr. Spencer Hornstein | Published on May 3, 2011 | 0 Comments
Orthodontists can play a large role in the aesthetic look of their patients’ smiles; however, meeting with a cosmetic dentist after finishing an orthodontic treatment is really what can help patients find pure perfection. According to Bethesda cosmetic dentist Dr. Spencer Hornstein, patients who have recently undergone orthodontic treatments – either by wearing braces or Invisalign – are increasingly flocking to his office, Dentistry of Bethesda, for follow up services.
Although an orthodontist can straighten a patient’s teeth out, he cannot change the shape of those teeth – a factor that plays a large role in the overall look of a person’s smile. For that, a patient must return to a cosmetic dentist after getting his or her braces taken off for cosmetic tooth re-contouring.
In many cases, Dr. Hornstein says patients will ask him what they should do if they are considering a smile makeover long before they even consider meeting with an orthodontist. Dr. Hornstein is known for recommending that patients seek out the advice of an orthodontist if they want their teeth to be in perfect alignment. During this evaluation, an orthodontist will be able to tell the patient whether traditional treatments like braces or retainers will be able to get him the smile he is hoping for.
Dr. Hornstein says it is not uncommon, however, for orthodontists to refer their patients back to the cosmetic dentist – either instead of getting braces or in addition to their orthodontia – as a way to ensure a pleasing final result.
When a patient visits Dr. Hornstein’s office after having seeing an orthodontist, Dr. Hornstein and his team will put together a mock-up of what the patient’s teeth can look like if he or she choose to move forward with orthodontia and tooth re-contouring.
Once a patient in Bethesda has spoken to a cosmetic dentist, had a consultation with an orthodontist, and seen a mock-up of what his or her teeth can look like at the end of the process, Dr. Hornstein believes the patient is in a position to make a good, educated, value-based decision. In most cases, the decision comes down to making a choice between going through orthodontia, re-contouring, and whitening, or heading straight for porcelain veneers.
Patients know for themselves what they are willing to go through – both in time and money – to achieve the smile they want. Dr. Hornstein is a cosmetic dentist in Bethesda who tries to give his patients as much information as possible before letting them make a final decision on how to proceed.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.