Q&A with Dr. Sayed Mousawi, DMD, CAGS, and Dr. Elmehdi Boujida, DDM, of Hampton Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry
Q: How does cosmetic dentistry differ from general dentistry?
A: General dentistry is the primary dental care that focuses on maintaining and treating overall oral health. This includes routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, diagnosing and treating cavities, and gum disease. These are essential procedures, whereas cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of the smile. We use a variety of procedures to address concerns like teeth discoloration, chips, gaps, misalignment and uneven gum lines. Our goal is to enhance the aesthetics of your smile and in many cases, age reversal.
Q: What factors should a patient consider when deciding between different cosmetic dental procedures?
A: To decide on which cosmetic procedure(s) to perform, the clinician, first and foremost, has to hear the patient’s chief concern. Cosmetics can be subjective. What I consider aesthetic might not be what the patient is looking for. What makes an aesthetic smile is specific to each patient. However, generally there are four cornerstones of an aesthetic smile:
- Teeth color
- Teeth size (height and width)
- Gum architecture
- Facial aesthetics/midlines
To achieve an “aesthetic smile” or a “cosmetic smile,” all four have to be considered and modified to reach the patient’s aesthetic goal.
Q: What is a misconception people have about cosmetic dentistry, and what is the reality?
A: There are generally two major misconceptions when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. The first one is pain, and the second is price.
The reality is an aesthetic smile can be achieved without the use of anesthesia. A whitening can give a brighter smile without any pain. We offer no-prep veneers for some cases that don’t require any injections. Invisalign treatment can deliver high aesthetics without any injections or post-operative pain. Superficial enameloplasty and bondings can also be done without any local anesthesia. Internal bleaching of root canal-treated teeth is also done without any local anesthesia. In many cases, our patients can leave our practice with a significant improvement after getting one or multiple procedures done without any pain.
When it comes to price, I understand some cases can be pricey and could easily cost north of $10,000 to $15,000 or so depending on the procedures performed. However, there are simple procedures that can give large improvements and cost a few hundred dollars.
For example, a simple in-office whitening can improve a smile drastically; it’s pain-free and it’s generally affordable. A lot of insurance companies cover anterior bondings and enameloplasty, making them affordable while offering a significant smile improvement.
An aesthetically pleasing smile can be truly transformative, impacting confidence and overall well-being. First impressions are lasting, and a healthy, attractive smile can make a positive difference in both personal and professional interactions.
Q: How long do dental implants last?
A: Dental implants can last a lifetime; their durability depends on factors such as oral health, lifestyle habits and implant quality. When it comes to tooth restoration, dental implants stand out for their durability and functional resemblance to natural teeth.
Material quality: Dental implants are typically made of titanium, a biocompatible material that integrates with the jawbone seamlessly.
Oral hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing and dental checkups are crucial. Maintaining a clean mouth helps in preserving the integrity of the implant.
Lifestyle choices: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can compromise the health of the gums and bone, affecting the implant’s stability.
Regular checkups: Periodic visits to your dentist help ensure that your implant is in optimal condition.
Dental implants have revolutionized the way we replace missing teeth, and with meticulous care, they can last for 25 years or even a lifetime.