Des Moines Cosmetic Dentistry Center

No. The preparation happens under local anesthetic, so you feel pressure and vibration rather than pain, and the placement visit typically needs no numbing at all. Mild soreness afterward fades within days.

Mild hot-and-cold sensitivity is common for the first week or two, then fades as your mouth adjusts. Sensitivity lasting beyond two weeks deserves a quick call so the fit gets checked.

No, though prepared teeth under temporaries feel temperature a bit more. Lukewarm drinks and an over-the-counter pain reliever cover it until the permanent veneers go on.

Tell the team when you book. Dental anxiety is common, and the appointment adapts to you: extra numbing, breaks whenever you want them, and a clear explanation of each step before it happens. Ask about comfort options at your consultation.

Most healthy adults with one or more missing teeth are candidates for dental implant surgery. A good candidate typically has healthy gums, sufficient jawbone density, and no uncontrolled medical conditions that would interfere with healing.

Yes, many patients with bone loss can still qualify. Bone grafting procedures can rebuild the jawbone and create a stable foundation for implant placement. After healing, dental implants can often be placed successfully.

Active gum disease must be treated before implant surgery. Healthy gums are essential for long-term implant success. Once gum health is restored and maintained, many patients can safely proceed with dental implant treatment.

Age alone does not disqualify someone from receiving dental implants. Most healthy adults, including seniors, can be candidates as long as they have adequate bone density and stable overall health.

Certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes, heavy smoking, or immune disorders, may affect healing. However, many patients with managed conditions can still be candidates after proper evaluation and treatment planning.

No. It changes the order of operations, not the destination. The disease gets treated and stabilized first, and then aligner treatment proceeds normally for most patients.

Usually, yes. Removable aligners let you clean your teeth thoroughly every day, while brackets and wires trap the plaque a gum patient most needs to avoid. Smooth plastic is also gentler on tender tissue than metal.

Tell the office right away. The plan pauses or adjusts while your gums get treated and recover, then treatment resumes. A short pause protects the result, and pushing through inflammation never does.

It depends on the stage. Gingivitis usually resolves with professional cleaning and better home care. Deeper infection gets scaling and root planing, and advanced cases with lost support sometimes need gum or bone grafts before any tooth moves.

No. Invisalign works for patients of all ages with healthy gums and bone. Candidacy is measured at the consultation, never on the calendar.

No. Patients in their 70s finish Invisalign successfully when their teeth and gums are healthy. Bone remodels at every age, and the exam decides, not the number.