A smile makeover can help you correct all of the chips, cracks, stains, and other imperfections on your teeth so that you can enjoy the confidence that comes with a dazzling grin. But before you start any cosmetic treatment, it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into. Here are 4 questions that you should ask your dentist before beginning your smile makeover.
1. Does the Dentist Have Any “Before and After” Pictures of Past Patients?
You only have one smile, so naturally, you want to be sure that it’s in the hands of an expert. To get a feel for the kind of work that your dentist has done in the past, ask if they have “before and after” shots of patients who have undergone similar procedures. This will give you an idea of what you can realistically expect your smile to look like once your treatment is complete.
2. What Can the Dentist Do to Help Your New Smile Last as Long as Possible?
You can expect to invest a significant amount of time and money in your smile makeover, so it’s important to be sure that the results will last for a long time. Talk to your dentist about the steps they’ll take to ensure the longevity of your new grin. For example, if you’re having veneers or other kinds of restorations placed, you might want to ask about the materials they’re made of and how durable they tend to be.
Your dentist may also have tips for helping you take better care of your smile at home. In general, practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding bad habits like nail-biting can be excellent ways to protect the results of your cosmetic treatment.
3. How Long Will the Smile Makeover Process Take?
The timeline for a smile makeover will vary from patient to patient depending on what specific treatments are needed. Sometimes the process can be completed in just a couple of appointments, but in other cases (such as when Invisalign is used to straighten the teeth), it may take months to get the results you want. Make sure that you have a firm idea of how long the smile makeover process will likely be before you move forward.
4. How Much Can You Expect to Pay for Your Smile Makeover?
Since each smile makeover plan is customized according to the patient’s unique needs, it should come as no surprise that the cost of the treatment isn’t set in stone. Your dentist can give you an estimate of how much you can expect to pay for your smile makeover, and they can help you review your options for making it more affordable, such as third-party financing through CareCredit.
About the Author
Dr. Donald Bond greatly enjoys having the opportunity to help his patients enhance their grins. He has made a point of keeping up with the latest cosmetic techniques and materials, and he offers a wide variety of cosmetic treatments such as veneers and Invisalign. If you’re interested in having a smile makeover done, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Bond at White Clay Dental Associates in Newark by visiting his website or calling (302) 731-4225.