• Posted on: Mar 19 2019

choosing a cosmetic dentistGrand Rapids, MI

When you look in the mirror, are you dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth and mouth? Cosmetic dentistry can help resolve these aesthetic issues. Although cosmetic dentistry has been around for decades, not every dentist is qualified to perform cosmetic procedures; this actually is a specialization of dental science, using specific, advanced techniques and tools to produce great-looking results that function on a higher level.

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist for you is no less important than finding the right medical professional for you in any other advanced area of medical care. Your cosmetic dentists in Grand Rapids at A Life of Smiles have compiled this list of factors to look for when deciding on a cosmetic dentist.

Does your cosmetic dentist offer other specialized services?

Cosmetic dentists working at the forefront of their field should be up to speed on all the latest advances in all aspects of dental science. What if you develop TMJ disorder? Then you should seek the care of a neuromuscular dentist. What if you, or someone you love, is showing signs of a sleep breathing disorder such as sleep apnea? Then a sleep apnea dentist can help you find relief. 

A Life of Smiles is able to offer these services as well through the work that our cosmetic dentists do at the Michigan Centre for TMJ & Sleep Disorders. Both Dr. Jerry Mulder and Dr. Allyson Mulder are experienced and trained in the treatment of both TMJ disorder and sleep apnea.

Does your cosmetic dentist practice sedation dentistry?

Millions of Americans avoid seeing the dentist each year because of dental anxiety—a condition that occurs when going to the dentist or just thinking about receiving dental care provokes feelings of anxiety or outright fear. Dental anxiety may lead a person to neglect dental care for years, or even a decade or longer. This ironically magnifies the need to see the dentist, as neglecting the dentist encourages the development of serious oral health problems such as gum disease and widespread tooth decay.

At A Life of Smiles, we offer conscious sedation dentistry for patients who suffer from anxiety or a pre-existing condition that might make it difficult to remain in the dental chair for a prolonged period of time. We offer oral sedation. You will be given a small pill that provides a calming effect for the next few hours. You remain awake and able to communicate with others, but any feelings of anxiety will diminish, as will your awareness of your surroundings. Sedation usually lasts a few hours so that the dentist may be able to perform multiple procedures during a single appointment. You will need to arrange for transportation to and from our office if you are undergoing sedation.

Does your cosmetic dentist use the latest technological advances?

When you choose cosmetic dentistry, you are investing in yourself. Top-quality cosmetic dentists use only top quality, beautiful materials, and state-of-the-art tools, to produce the finest possible results. Our dentists always are pursuing the latest trends in dentistry, and have invested in technologies at the cutting edge of dental science in order to provide the highest possible level of care. For example, for our whitening procedures, we can use the Zoom! teeth whitening procedure to make these treatments even more convenient and effective. We also can provide same-day permanent restorations through the use of CEREC technology, which constructs beautiful, personalized crowns in a single appointment.

Cosmetic dentistry in Grand Rapids

If you are ready to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and its benefits, contact the office of A Life of Smiles at (616) 458-0631 to schedule a consultation. At this appointment, we will discuss your aesthetic goals while also evaluating your current oral health and medical history to make sure you are a good candidate for cosmetic procedures.

A Life of Smiles is proud to offer state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry services to patients in the areas of Big Rapids, Grand Rapids, and Holland, Michigan.

Posted in: Cosmetic Dentistry