If you’re self-conscious about imperfect teeth, you’re not alone. Visible flaws in your grin can impact how you feel about yourself as well as how you engage with others. Fortunately, your dentist can give you a smile makeover to enhance your appearance and restore your self-confidence.
Before you move forward with any procedures, though, you first must have an appointment with your dentist to be sure you understand what’s involved. This consultation is the perfect time to ask any questions you may have, to ensure you’re comfortable with each step in the process. Read on to learn 3 questions that can help guide your decisions!
Question #1: What Problems Can a Smile Makeover Fix?
During your initial visit with your dentist, you should bring up any concerns that you have in order to discuss potential treatments that address them. Because a smile makeover can include anything from cosmetic to restorative services, there’s a solution for almost any issue, such as:
- Chipped or cracked teeth.
- Overcrowding.
- Gaps between teeth.
- Stains and discoloration.
- Missing teeth.
- An overly gummy smile.
Question #2: How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Treatments can either be completed in a single office visit or could take several appointments, depending on the services you’ve selected. For example, a professional teeth-whitening procedure can lighten your grin by several shades in a single office visit to address external stains. If you’ve opted for porcelain veneers, however, the entire process generally takes at least two appointments from start to finish.
To plan accordingly, ask your dentist how long you should expect the procedure to take, as well as whether there’s any preparation or recovery time you need to account for.
Question #3: What Results Should I Expect?
Another way to set appropriate expectations is to identify what the anticipated outcome will be. For example, if you have a chipped tooth and are choosing between veneers or dental bonding, understanding what it will look and feel like can help you determine which one works best for you.
You can also ask about how long the results will last, how durable they are, and whether there are any restrictions or special care instructions that you should be aware of. All of this can impact your newly perfected teeth once the dental work is completed.
Now that you know what kind of information is helpful, you can work together with your dentist to come up with the perfect plan to give you the smile that you deserve!
About the Author
Dr. James P. Kostas has more than 30 years of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their dental well-being. He earned his dental degree from the Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has achieved Fellowship status in both the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Dental Implant Association. He’s an expert who can assist with a wide range of services from basic checkups and cleanings to building lifelike restorations to complete your grin. If you’d like a smile makeover, you’re welcome to request a consultation appointment on the website or by calling (781) 272-0441.
