Smile Makeovers FAQ
...the art of individualized care
Dallas, Texas
Which cosmetic dentistry procedures will give me a great smile?
Is professional whitening better than over-the-counter products?
How long will my new smile last?
How quickly will I be able to complete my treatment?
Which cosmetic dentistry procedures will give me a great smile?
There are over a dozen different cosmetic dentistry procedures available, including veneers, crowns, bridges and accelerated orthodontics. What procedure -- or combination of procedures -- needed to correct your smile is something that can only be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Every individual's mouth is different. There are often many different ways to fix a damaged smile. Only a qualified cosmetic dentist can determine what method -- or combination of methods -- will work best for you, taking into account time, cost, comfort and a host of other individual factors.
It's important to select a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry. It's equally important to select a dentist that you feel comfortable with. That way, he or she will be able to suggest what will work best for your individual needs.
Is professional whitening better than over-the-counter products?
Yes. Professional whitening, done under the supervision of a cosmetic dentist, produces better results. Your newly whitened teeth with be more natural looking, more even and the results will be tailored towards your individual smile. Over-the-counter products create a much less natural look.
Professional whitening can be done both in the dentist's office and at home. The teeth are whitened according to specific desires. A highly concentrated whitening powder is used, which creates dramatic results. The whitening products are not available over-the-counter and, for optimal results, their application must be supervised by a trained cosmetic dentist. Over-the-counter products will not produce the level of whitening that your cosmetic dentist's treatment provides.
Additionally, a cosmetic dentist will create molds of your teeth, so you will have applicator trays designed specifically for your mouth. This results in whitening which is much more even and natural-looking than over-the-counter treatments.
Whitening is just one procedure used to fix a damaged smile. However, it is one of the most common.
How long will my new smile last?
Today's materials, such as veneers, are actually stronger than natural teeth, and are far more resistant to wearing and breakage than your natural teeth. With regular checkups and care, your smile should last for many, many years.
How quickly will I be able to complete my treatment?
Most smile makeovers can be completed in as little as one to three visits (but may vary depending on the complexity of each case).
For example, a smile makeover often involves placing veneers or crowns on the top eight to ten teeth. In the first appointment, you and the doctor would discuss what you want your smile to look like.
In the second appointment, the doctor would carefully prepare your teeth and place the temporaries. This appointment typically lasts 2-4 hours.
In the final appointment, your new teeth will be placed, polished and adjusted. Again, the appointment will take around 2-4 hours.
The total time from start to finish? Less than a month, and sooner if possible. Soon you'll be smiling with confidence!
The most important thing to remember about a smile makeover is this: find a dentist who you feel comfortable with and who is specifically trained in cosmetic dentistry . A graduate of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies is ideal, since LVI is generally considered to be the most prestigious cosmetic dentistry school in the country.
There are numerous ways to repair a damaged smile, but only a qualified cosmetic dentist can help you determine your options. Additionally, the success of many of these procedures directly correlates to the skill of the cosmetic dentist performing them. Be sure and ask questions -- a qualified cosmetic dentist won't mind answering them.
An LVI graduate, Dr. Taylor has a thorough knowledge of cosmetic dentistry. During your initial consultation, Dr. Taylor will be able to discuss with you all the options available to fix your smile. It can be something as simple as tooth whitening or as intricate as veneers and bridges. If you live in the Dallas area, please contact Dr. Taylor today -- the sooner we can determine how best to fix your smile, the sooner you'll be smiling with joy!
