Cosmetic Dentist - Preparing for Your Smile Makeover Consultation

In order to help your cosmetic dentist choose the best treatment for you, it's important to prepare yourself for a smile makeover consultation. Everyone has different budgets, preferences, and goals, and the more specific you can be the more likely you will be able to achieve the most optimal results possible. Clear communication is important, so a little bit of research will be invaluable during your consultation.

The first thing you should do is give yourself a critical assessment of the current condition of your smile. You have to know exactly what it is you like, dislike, and what you want to see changed. Take into consideration all aspects of your teeth. Do you like the color? The shape? The size? If you don't, what could be changed about these features that you think would improve your overall appearance? It might be smaller front teeth, or more even coloring, closing up any gaps, and even reduction of the amount of gum line that is visible. Whatever changes you can think of, take note. In recent years there has been much advancement, and most patients are surprised at what a cosmetic dentist can accomplish with updated tools and technology.

Once you've come up with your perfect smile, it's time to make a budget. Some procedures are very affordable and might even be covered by your insurance, while others can really drain your wallet. Fortunately, a smile makeover can take place over several months or even years in small steps, which can help make your goals much more manageable. Check the internet to determine prices for the procedures which most interest you such as teeth whitening, veneers, or gum reduction.

Location will often be the greatest determiner of cost, so if possible compare nearby areas that you are willing to travel to as well. If you can't afford much at first, save up for the treatments that will give you the most bang for your buck. If you're missing a prominent tooth, for example, that may be a better spend than bothering with laser whitening. If it's your gums that bother you the most, make that your priority.

Before you can undergo a smile makeover, you'll need to have good overall oral health. If you have some problems such as aching teeth or bleeding gums, start brushing and flossing regularly as soon as possible. It's also beneficial to invest in a quality electric toothbrush. A little bit of hard work and diligence with home care can stop gum disease and decay in its tracks before it becomes an expensive repair. Otherwise, a cosmetic dentist may have to first address any underlying health concerns before working on the aesthetics.

When you arrive at your smile makeover consultation after doing your homework, you can be more confident that you and your cosmetic dentist will be on the same page about your treatment plan. They will likely give you a range of options for treatment methods, materials, and make some valuable suggestions about maximizing your results within your budget.