Every smile makeover is unique and customized to the patient, but there are several steps that are observed for just about everyone. Knowing what to expect from start to finish can help you decide that it is indeed time to make a change to your teeth and oral health.
Step 1: Talk to your dentist.
You can’t get any dental work done – cosmetic dentistry or restorative dentistry – without your dentist’s help and expertise. So the first stage of this process is to have an honest conversation with your oral health time. Point out what you like and dislike about your teeth and smile, hear their recommendations for your smile. Getting the ball rolling is easy and there is no commitment.
Step 2: Undergo an evaluation.
Your dentist can make suggestions about potential treatments based on your complaints or observations, but they will need to see your mouth in its current state to truly let you know what’s possible. This oral health evaluation involves a thorough examination of your teeth and gums to make sure they’re healthy for any potential upgrades. If there is tooth decay or an infection present, they will need to be corrected before any noticeable changes can occur.
Step 3: Get digital scans.
Advanced diagnostics done during your evaluation typically includes digital scans of your mouth and jaw, whether through x-rays or 3D imaging. This is the fastest and most accurate way to assess the structure and health of your teeth and mouth.
Step 4: Review your treatment plan.
This is time to discuss what’s truly possible for your smile makeover. Your dental team will present a personalized treatment plan based on the health of your mouth and teeth and your hopes for your smile. There may be cosmetic dentistry, restorative dentistry, or advanced procedures recommended. Now is when you talk about budget, comfort level, and any existing dental anxiety.
Step 5: Get your smile makeover.
Maybe you are getting some porcelain veneers, dental crowns, Invisalign, or professional teeth whitening. There is a timeline that works best for every upgrade, and there may be downtime in between treatments to make room for the dental lab to create restorations or for your mouth to have time to heal.
Step 6: Take good care of your smile.
Depending on how many treatments you choose to undergo for your smile makeover, it could have weeks to months to well over a year to complete your smile makeover. Ask anyone who has ever gotten several types of dental work done – the time and effort are worth it. You end up with teeth that look great, work flawlessly, and last for years with proper care.
Step 7: Enjoy.
A balanced smile makeover takes into consideration the color of your teeth, their alignment, spacing, and of course their underlying health. A true smile makeover builds on each step to create teeth you feel great about showing off.
If you are ready to make a change to your teeth, schedule an appointment with Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell and her dental team at Red Bank Dentistry in Red Bank, NJ.
