Many people have extensive dental issues due to genetics, untreated misalignments, oral trauma, or advanced infections like tooth decay or gum disease. Thankfully, your dentist is prepared to address a plethora of cosmetic and oral health issues through an intensive treatment plan called a smile makeover. By addressing each of your dental health issues through a series of restorative and cosmetic treatments, your dentist can transform your smile to improve your health and confidence. Here are a few great questions to ask your dentist when considering a smile makeover.
What Issues Can My Smile Makeover Address?
A smile makeover can include any treatment your dentist offers, meaning that it can potentially resolve virtually any oral health issue you have. The treatments your smile makeover can involve depend on your preferences and the state of your oral health. Dental stains can be addressed by teeth whitening treatments, dental misalignments can be corrected with Invisalign, damaged or misshapen teeth can be treated with cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers, and so on. During your consultation, your dentist will recommend the appropriate treatments to address your needs.
How Long Will My Smile Makeover Take?
Different dental treatments take different amounts of time to complete. For example, it can take six to eighteen months to complete Invisalign, but dental crowns and porcelain veneers can be placed in as few as two appointments over about two weeks. Teeth whitening and cosmetic bonding often only require a single appointment. Sometimes, multiple treatments can be administered in a single visit. During the planning process, your dentist will schedule your treatments so they can be effectively carried out in an acceptable timeframe.
How Can I Preserve the Results of My Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover can be a big investment, so it only makes sense that you’ll want to ensure that your results last for as long as possible. If you ask your dentist how you can make your results last longer, they may have special advice suited to your particular situation. However, it’s safe to assume that they will tell you to limit your consumption of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, attend regular exams and cleanings at their office, and practice excellent oral hygiene at home by flossing, brushing, and using antibacterial mouthwash every day.
A smile makeover can be an excellent way to achieve the smile you have always wanted. Scheduling a consultation at your dentist’s office can put you on the path toward your ideal grin.
About the Author
Dr. Les Latner earned his dental degree at the Washington University School of Dental Medicine in St. Louis before completing a two-year residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. He is proud to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. His office in Los Angeles offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as smile makeovers. To schedule your smile makeover consultation, contact his practice online or dial (310) 477-1081.