If you’re thinking about having a smile makeover, it’s important to be informed about what that might entail. Since a smile makeover involves receiving several dental treatments that require significant investments of time and effort, planning ahead can help you remain comfortable and avoid unpleasant surprises. Thankfully, your dentist will certainly be happy to thoroughly address any concerns you might have. Here are a few questions that you should ask your dentist at your smile makeover consultation.
What Treatments Do You Recommend for My Smile Makeover?
There are many treatments that can go into a smile makeover, and which ones are right for you depends on your situation. A few examples include:
- Teeth whitening treatments can address stubborn stains and discoloration.
- Veneers can completely transform a smile by permanently covering unsightly flaws like cracks, chips, stains, and gaps.
- Invisalign treatments can straighten out misaligned teeth without the irksome dietary restrictions or conspicuous metal parts that come with traditional metal braces.
During your consultation, your dentist will thoroughly examine your mouth to assess your oral health and determine which treatments can be used to address your concerns. They will be happy to tell you everything you need to know about any procedure they recommend.
How Long Will It Take to Complete My Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover can require quite an investment of time, and how long it will take depends on the treatments to be performed and when they are scheduled. Teeth whitening can be completed in about an hour at the office or over two weeks with a take-home kit. Veneers can be placed over the course of two appointments scheduled a few weeks apart, and Invisalign can take six to eighteen months to complete. Knowing how much time your makeover will require can help you plan ahead to minimize any inconvenience.
Will I Need Any Restorative Work Before I Can Receive Cosmetic Dental Treatments?
A patient will need to be in good oral health to receive the cosmetic dental treatments entailed by their smile makeovers. Untreated cavities or gum disease can make one’s desired results impossible by causing veneers to break off, damaging teeth during the Invisalign process, or causing severe discomfort during teeth whitening. Your dentist will carefully assess your oral health during your consultation, and they will probably recommend resolving any tooth decay or gum disease before proceeding with your smile makeover.
A smile makeover can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. The consultation is a key part of the process that determines the course of your treatments and helps you understand what to expect. Asking the right questions at your appointment can help you attain the best results.
About the Author
Dr. Virginia Gregory earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1985 and has completed extensive post-graduate coursework to expand her skill set. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the South Carolina Dental Association. Her office in Mt. Pleasant, SC offers cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, and smile makeovers. To schedule a smile makeover consultation, contact her office online or dial (843) 884-8884.
