There is an old saying that when you smile, the whole world smiles with you. Unfortunately, if your teeth are crooked, severely discolored, or you are missing a few teeth, you may get a few side glances whenever you smile. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fix your teeth so that you can smile with confidence.
However, the decision to fix your teeth cannot be taken lightly. Some procedures are very complicated and require a long recovery period. Other procedures will require you to change your diet and increase the number of dentist appointments you have to schedule. The following are some of the things to consider before you decide to fix your teeth:
Tips before a smile makeover
1. Make sure your dentist has experience with the specific procedure
While some dentists have the proper credentials, they may not have experience with a specific procedure. Ask your dentist to give you before and after pictures of the specific procedure of their patients.
Be cautious, as some dentists have pictures of models and not real patients on their website or office. If he/she has never done the procedure in the past, ask him to refer you to a dentist who can do it.
2. Make sure your insurance covers the procedure?
Some dental procedures are very expensive, and your insurance provider may not cover them. This is often the case with cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. Before you get any procedure, ask your provider if it is covered. If it is not, ensure you have enough money to pay for it.
3. Consider Long-term effects
Some procedures that fix your teeth may also have long-term effects. For example, teeth whitening may make your teeth more sensitive, and you may need to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. Teeth straightening can also affect your speech slightly, while dentures and dental implants may require you to change your diet.
4. Longevity of the procedure
Before choosing any procedure, it is important to consider its longevity. For example, teeth whitening is not permanent. As long as you keep consuming coffee and other drinks that will discolor your teeth, you might need to do it again.
Even a crown or a bridge lasts up to 10 years, but it could break down faster if you do not take good care of it. Certain procedures also require regular visits to your dentist. All of these will cost quite a bit in the long run.
5. There are no one-size-fits-all treatments
A lot of dentists complain that patients come to their office with pictures of celebrities and instruct them to make their smile look exactly like the one in the picture. This is a tall order, as facial and jaw structures affect how a smile looks.
The dentist can whiten your teeth, give you dental implants or even porcelain veneers to make your smile shine. However, there is no way to guarantee that your smile will look exactly like that of your favorite celebrity because dental procedures are not one-size-fits-all treatments.
We can restore your smile
The most effective way to improve your smile is to fix your teeth. However, ensure you have all the information you need before you choose the procedure. This ensures that you get the right treatment and that you are not disappointed by the process or the results.
Call our Leawood, KS, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.