Smile Makeover

The Initial Consultation for Your Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can help improve a person's overall appearance and self-confidence. However, modern cosmetic dentistry offers patients so many cosmetic dentistry options that the process can sometimes be intimidating. The initial consultation is the patient's chance to explain what the goal for the makeover is, find out what procedures are available, get questions answered and plan out a treatment schedule and budget.

What to expect during the initial consultation

The initial consultation is a multi-step process that usually begins with a conversation between the patient and the dentist about the patient's goals for treatment and the available dental procedures. The dentist will explain how changing the size, shape and position of the teeth can achieve the desired outcome.

Questions the patient should ask

The consultation is a good time to address any questions or concerns an individual has about the upcoming smile makeover. Patients should ask the dentist about these topics:

  • Recommended procedures
  • Expected cost
  • Length of time to see results
  • Length of treatment
  • Expected recovery

The dental exam

If the patient elects to continue with the smile makeover, the next step after the initial conversation is a comprehensive dental exam. This exam may be performed at the same time as the initial consultation or scheduled for a later date. The dentist will assess the overall health of the patient's teeth and gums, existing dental work and any issues that need to be corrected, as well as take any necessary X-rays and impressions of the teeth and mouth.

At this point, the dentist may be able to recommend a treatment plan; however, for more complex cases, the dentist may need to review the information gathered before making recommendations. Once the dentist has completed the assessment, a full discussion of the types of treatments available to the patient can be had. Common procedures include teeth whitening, dental veneers, composite bonding, tooth implants, white fillings and braces or aligners. 

Creating the treatment plan

After the treatment options have been explained to the patient, a coordinator will discuss the costs of the various procedures. The coordinator will also help the individual getting the smile makeover plan out a schedule for the various procedures to be performed and provide a treatment plan to take home to review before scheduling the first appointment. Most cosmetic dental procedures are not covered by insurance; however, financing is often available.

By the time the initial consultation is complete, the patient should know how many appointments will need to be scheduled to complete the smile makeover, how far apart those appointments will need to be scheduled and the total estimated cost of treatment. With this information in hand, if the patient decides to move forward, the initial appointment can be scheduled. 

Conclusion

Many people may find the prospect of having a smile makeover both exciting and confusing. The initial consultation serves to provide the potential patient with all the information needed to choose a treatment plan that accomplishes their goals, while also fitting their schedule and budget. 

Are you considering a smile makeover in the Foothill Ranch area? Get more information at https://www.foothillfamilydentists.com.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

Fixing Alignment Issues In Your Smile Makeover

Patients consider a smile makeover for many different reasons. Sometimes it can be replacing missing teeth or changing the shape and size of the teeth. In other cases, patients are interested in correcting alignment issues. Common complaints include the front teeth not being centered in the smile, spaces between teeth and crowding of teeth. These…

Smile Makeover Treatment Plan Options

Thinking you would like to have a smile makeover? Great! New advances in dental technologies now allow for a number of cosmetic treatments that can improve the way you look when you smile. Your smile makeover may only include one makeover option or it may include three or more, it is simply up to you.…

How A Smile Makeover Treatment Can Improve Your Appearance

A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures used to fix problems with the teeth and improve one's appearance. Though the main objective is to improve the appearance of the teeth, there are other advantages to getting a smile makeover.Numerous patients have found that a smile makeover has both expected and…

Pros And Cons On Common Treatments Used To Fix Your Smile

When you are trying to fix your smile, there are a wide range of options available. Many dental issues can be treated with a range of procedures, so it is typically up to the patient to consider what they are more comfortable with and what their budget allows for.Without any further ado, here are both the benefits…

Foothill Family Dentistry

Share
Published by
Foothill Family Dentistry

Recent Posts

The Importance of Seeing a Preventive Dentist Regularly

Patients who want to keep their smile bright for as long as possible should regularly…

3 weeks ago

When Should You Replace an Old Dental Filling?

Replacing old dental fillings is a part of good oral healthcare from time to time.

2 months ago

Benefits of Having a Family Dentist for Your Oral Health

A family dentist treats patients of a wide range of ages, helping them to maintain…

3 months ago

The Importance of Regular General Dentistry Visits

Regular general dentistry visits are necessary for a number of reasons, however, it ultimately comes…

4 months ago

What Foods Are Off-Limits During Braces Treatment?

It is essential for braces wearers to avoid eating certain foods while undergoing treatment. Read…

5 months ago

Indications for a Root Canal: What To Look Out For

Discolored teeth that turn brown, black, gray, or dark yellow are likely dying and need…

6 months ago