If you are unhappy with your current smile and you’re considering a smile makeover, you want to make sure you get the best possible results. Here’s how, in seven easy tips.
Pick the Right Cosmetic Dentist
Nothing will make more of a difference in your smile makeover than your choice of dentist. So you should put most of your time into evaluating your options and finding the dentist that is best for you.
Talk to friends and family that has had cosmetic dental work done recently. Search for dentists in the area. Read reviews of dentists online. Look at Before and After Galleries. Visit with at least three dentists in person and talk to them about your goals. Then pick the one that you want to work with.
Don’t Neglect the Neuromuscular
Most people don’t know what neuromuscular dentistry is. It’s the study of how your teeth, bones, muscles, and nerves work together in your bite to create a smoothly functioning system.
Dentists that don’t understand neuromuscular dentistry can give you restorations that don’t fit properly, resulting in more chips and cracks. You might experience jaw pain and may develop TMJ as a result of a poorly fitted smile makeover. Make sure your cosmetic dentist understands neuromuscular dentistry.
Be Honest and Open
Even the best cosmetic dentist can’t give you the smile you desire if you don’t tell them what it is. You have to tell your cosmetic dentist frankly about what you dislike about your current smile and what you hope your future smile will look like. You can even bring in pictures of celebrity smiles that you like, although you have to understand that your smile will be uniquely you–and that’s the way it should be.
Listen to Your Dentist
In addition to being frank with your dentist, you have to be prepared to listen. Most importantly, they will tell you what reasonable expectations you can have for your smile makeover. There are some things that can be accomplished, and some things that cannot. Your smile makeover can make you look years younger and much more attractive, but it can’t guarantee a job, true love, or a long life.
You also have to listen to your dentist’s description of your role in your smile makeover. Great smile makeovers are a team effort–be prepared to do your part.
Be Prepared for Stages
Not all smile makeovers can be accomplished immediately. Often, in fact, we will have to do some procedures first, then, when those are complete, consider the next step. The total time for your smile makeover depends on the treatments you are getting, and can range from one month to one year.
Commit to Care
After your smile makeover is complete, you will be responsible for caring for it. Proper care can ensure your new smile looks beautiful for years, even decades to come. Your cosmetic dentist will describe the proper care of your restorations, but it’s up to you to follow through.
Act Now
There’s no reason to wait for your smile makeover. In fact, there’s very good reason not to wait. Most dental conditions are progressive: they get worse over time. That means that if you put off your smile makeover, you are likely to need more procedures–and more involved procedures–to get the results you desire.
So don’t wait any longer. Instead, call (843) 706-2999 for an appointment with a Hilton Head cosmetic dentist at Beyond Exceptional Dentistry.