Understand how the smile makeover process could help you.

We often connect our smiles to our identities because they play such a big role in how we present ourselves to others and even how we see ourselves. Despite this, your teeth and your smile as a whole may have a bigger impact on your overall appearance than you realize. Even small, positive changes to the appearance of your smile can make a surprising difference in your appearance and confidence.

But what if your smile needs more help than just one or two small changes? That’s where a smile makeover comes in! This process, which consists of several cosmetic procedures to revitalize your smile, can completely transform your appearance and restore your confidence in your smile, helping you to feel—and look—years younger! 

If you’ve never heard of a smile makeover before, you might find yourself wondering what the process is like and what procedures it involves. We’ve put together a guide to help you understand the smile makeover process and if it’s something you’d like to discuss with Dr. Garcia. 

Why might you want a smile that complements you?

There are many reasons you might want to pursue a smile that complements you, but the biggest is often improving your self-confidence and self-image. Improving these two aspects of how you perceive yourself and carry yourself out into the world can make a huge difference in your daily life, helping you be happier and feel more comfortable and confident as you interact with the people around you. Even just this aspect of gaining a revitalized smile makes it worth it for many people.

Since these changes in your smile can help you look younger or help your smile look brighter, happier, and friendlier—especially with the boost in confidence—it can also help change the way other people perceive you. Studies have shown that people put a high value on a beautiful smile, with 45% of study participants reporting that someone’s smile is their most attractive feature regardless of their age and 48% of people saying a smile is the most memorable part of meeting someone new. It’s even more memorable than the first thing someone says! Additionally, gaining straighter, more even teeth can make them easier to clean, which helps improve and protect your oral health in the long term. 

Why is a personalized treatment plan better than a one-size-fits-all approach?

Your teeth and bite are just as unique as your fingerprints—and so are your goals for your smile. As a result, you and your teeth deserve a personalized treatment plan. It’s the best way to ensure that you get a treatment that meets your unique oral health needs while also giving you the smile of your dreams. It’s also the best way to ensure that your new smile is just as unique as you are! Overall, a personalized approach addresses your needs and wants better, ensuring that you gain the best possible results in a healthy, beautiful smile that you’ll genuinely love for years to come. 

What does your cosmetic dentist consider when planning your smile makeover process?  

The first thing Dr. Garcia considers when planning your smile makeover process is the condition of your teeth and gums. We want you to truly love and feel confident in your smile, but part of that is putting your oral health first! Dr. Garcia can’t perform cosmetic procedures until she knows you have optimal oral health. If you’re struggling with an oral health issue like gingivitis, don’t worry! You can still gain the smile of your dreams – you’ll simply have to treat the oral health issue first to ensure that your smile is healthy before you start.

Once she knows your teeth and gums are healthy, Dr. Garcia will begin working with you to plan your smile makeover process. As she does this, she’ll consider your personality, your personal goals for your smile, and your smile’s needs. This includes considering any damaged teeth that need to be repaired or ways that the function of your teeth could be improved as well as considering which treatment options will work best for your lifestyle and personality.

An example of this might be recommending clear aligners as an alternative to braces because you’d rather undergo orthodontic treatment discreetly and aren’t concerned about losing the removable aligners. She’ll always listen carefully to your preferences and include you in the planning process to ensure that your smile makeover process includes the best options for you. 

What procedures might be included in your smile makeover?

The smile makeover process can include a combination of many different procedures, so it’s a bit different for everyone. One basic treatment that smile makeovers often start with is professional teeth whitening. Since porcelain or zirconia dental restorations can’t be whitened later, we often recommend that you start with a teeth whitening treatment to brighten your smile. This way, any restorations you get on your teeth during the rest of your smile makeover process can be made to match the new, whiter shade of your teeth.

The smile makeover process can also include procedures like orthodontics to straighten teeth or misaligned bites and porcelain veneers to change the size, shape, or shade of teeth as well as to cover stains, chips, cracks, or gaps. Dental crowns are often used to restore chipped, cracked, or worn-down teeth while dental implants are used to replace missing teeth.

Implants are incredibly versatile and can be secured with many different tooth restorations, allowing them to replace anywhere from a single tooth to full arches of missing teeth. You’ll often receive a combination of treatments like this during your smile makeover process to help you achieve the healthy, functional, and beautiful smile of your dreams. 

What should you think about before you talk to your dentist?  

During the planning phase of your smile makeover process, there are several things you should discuss with your dentist. The first are aspects of your smile that you’re dissatisfied with, such as features of its appearance or even functionality, and what your overall goals for your smile are. We know that this can be a difficult, even vulnerable, discussion to have, but it’s so worth it! It’s an important part of ensuring that Dr. Garcia understands exactly what you do—and don’t—want from your smile so that you can finish the smile makeover process with the best smile you could have ever hoped for.

It’s also important to discuss any health issues and medications with Dr. Garcia before you begin the treatment process. These seem like small details, but they can help Dr. Garcia understand your unique risk factors and choose the best treatment options for you. It’s also an important part of ensuring that anything she may prescribe for you during this process won’t interfere with any medication you’re already taking. 

What questions should you ask your cosmetic dentist?

Asking questions during your consultation to plan your smile makeover process is also a great idea because it gives you the information you need to choose the best treatments for you. It’s a good idea to ask questions about why Dr. Garcia thinks a certain treatment is right for you, what the recovery process is like, how to maintain the restoration after you’ve gotten it, and how long it lasts. After all, this type of treatment is much more than just the results—you’ll have to care for it, so it’s important to understand what that involves and if it’s something you’re willing to do before you commit to it.

We also understand that there’s a big difference between talking about what a treatment can accomplish and actually seeing it, so don’t be afraid to ask for before and after photos! We always have some on hand, and it’s a great way to get a real-life look at how these restorations look on other patients. Additionally, you can ask for an estimate of your treatment cost, including an estimate of how much your insurance is likely to pay if applicable, and for details about financing options.

Don’t wait – start your smile makeover process today.

A smile makeover could be the key to transforming not just your appearance but also the way you view yourself and interact with the world around you. It can help you feel more confident than ever—and that’s a true gift! If you’d like to learn more about the smile makeover process and what it might look like for you from the best Austin cosmetic dentist, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Garcia at any time.