What you need to know before getting a smile makeover.

A smile makeover is truly a life-changing experience, especially if you’ve long been dreaming of a smile you can feel proud to call your own.

Knowing that your dream smile is achievable is very exciting, and the team at Tory Hill Dental share that enthusiasm with our patients. We also believe that it’s important for patients to know what is involved in a smile makeover, particularly for patients who haven’t undergone extensive dental treatment previously. The more you know before your smile makeover, the more prepared and confident you’ll feel in moving forward.

Here are the 5 most important things for smile makeover patients to keep in mind.

1. Consider What’s Natural vs. too Perfect in a Smile

If you’re interested in a smile makeover, chances are you already have some idea of what kind of smile you might want.

Perhaps a friend or family member just had some cosmetic dentistry done. Maybe your inspiration comes from the gleaming Hollywood smiles of actors or actresses. Looking to others for smile inspiration is a great idea, but consider that a carbon-copy of a perfect smile may not actually be desirable.

There is such a thing as a “too perfect” smile, and though such a grin may look great on the screen, it can look odd in person. Unnaturally white teeth or teeth that are cookie-cutter in shape are two examples of a “too perfect” smile.

A much more attractive approach to a smile makeover is to aim for “my teeth but better.” This type of goal is not only realistic and achievable, but it also makes for a smile that’s stunning but still unique to you.

2. Recognize the Importance of Health as a Priority

Above all else is your oral health. A cosmetically enhanced smile may look outwardly attractive, but under the surface could be a battle with tooth decay or periodontal disease.

Generally, it’s best for patients who are actively on the path to optimal oral health to postpone their smile makeover until any active oral health issues are healed. Once your teeth and gums are healthy you’ll be able to move forward with your smile makeover knowing your hard work will pay off.

However, if you find yourself in a situation where you really need some help—such as a tooth needing to be replaced—you’re not without options. During your consultation, you’ll figure out a plan that prioritizes your oral health while still addressing some cosmetic concerns.

3. Understand and Plan Ahead for Your Appointments

Smile makeovers tend to be more involved, meaning multiple appointments are usually necessary.

Porcelain dental crowns, porcelain veneers, and porcelain dental bridges require the use of a lab to sculpt the porcelain material. This means a minimum of two appointments is necessary, with a two-to-three-week waiting period in between. If your smile makeover includes permanent dental implants, your total treatment time could be six to eight months before you’re finished, as implants require an extensive healing period in between stages.

Be aware of how long your smile makeover may take and be prepared to make space in your schedule to allow for your visits. It’s best to not skip or postpone appointments in your treatment plan.

4. Know What Type of Long-Term Care Will Be Needed

Walking out of your final appointment with your brand-new smile is an incredible feeling. The next step is to keep up a regular schedule of dental check-ups and cleanings to ensure all of your hard work is protected.

Thanks to modern dentistry technology and techniques, most types of cosmetic and restorative services last 10 to 15 years or more with nothing but proper oral hygiene. Dental bonding and teeth whitening are less permanent, fading with time. If either of these services were included with your smile makeover, you’ll need to get touch-ups annually or every few years.

5. Choose a Dentist You Can Trust with Your Smile

The best way to ensure your smile makeover is a success is to pick the perfect dentist for you. You want a dentist that’s highly skilled in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. You also want a dentist that you feel comfortable with and trust.

Our staff has a great deal of experience and a keen eye for helping patients get the smile of their dreams. You’ll find that the rest of the Tory Hill Dental team is equally compassionate and welcoming—whether you’re a new patient or you’ve been visiting for years.

Take the first step by booking a smile makeover at Tory Hill Dental.

Feeling ready to move forward with your smile makeover? You can call our Buxton office to schedule your consultation or fill out this quick online form. If you’re not quite ready for your smile makeover, don’t hesitate to give us a call so we can answer any questions or concerns you might have.