Getting a beautiful smile is about a lot more than slapping on a few whitening strips and hoping for the best. Though it would be nice if our teeth always developed in straight, perfectly spaced rows, in fact, for the vast majority of people, a perfect smile doesn’t “just happen” – it takes a plan of action to take that dingy, crooked smile to something even a Hollywood actor would envy.
Fortunately, with today’s advanced techniques, getting a great-looking smile is a lot simpler than you might think. For most people, a beautiful smile is just five simple steps away:
#1: Know what you want
To reach any goal, you need to first understand what that goal is. So your first step in getting the smile you’ve been dreaming of is to really take a look at your smile and figure out what features you’d like to have changed. Look closely at your mouth while smiling and unsmiling, open and closed, and while in front of a mirror. What do you see that you don’t like? Think about things like gaps, spacing, crowding, overbites or underbites, your gum line, and discolorations. Pretty much anything you don’t like about your own smile, and write it all down. Now look at the smiles you like. What is it about those smiles that makes them attractive to you? Thinking through all these issues can help you better understand the concerns you want to discuss with your dentist.
#2: Communicate your needs
Now that you understand what it is you don’t like about your smile as well as the features you find attractive, it’s time to communicate those ideas to your dentist. Ultimately, your smile will be a collaborative effort between you and your dentist, so be sure to discuss all your concerns and explain the features you most want to see in your own smile. Often, a skilled dentist can point out features or concerns you may not have even considered. Communication is key to achieving the smile you want.
#3: Understand your options
Smile design encompasses a wide range of treatments, from orthodontic treatments like Invisalign to cosmetic treatments like crowns and veneers to restorative procedures like bridges and implants. Your dentist can review all of these options, and more, so you understand the options available to help your smile look its best.
#4: Develop a plan
Once your initial consultation is complete, a series of x-rays and photos will be taken, and all your data will be “fed” into a computer program called the Dawson Diagnostic Wizard. This state-of-the-art program can map out a plan of action based on your unique needs, identifying not only the procedures needed to help you achieve your goal, but also the order in which each should be accomplished. It’s like having a roadmap to your ideal smile.
The Wizard also provides a great opportunity to discuss your treatment options with your dentist, so you feel confident about the care you’ll receive.
#5: Learn about financing
At Dentistry for All Ages, we understand that while many procedures are covered in full or in part by dental insurance, some costs may fall outside of the insurer’s guidelines for compensable treatment. We also understand that many patients may not have dental coverage through their employer or on their own. That’s why we’ve worked very hard to make sure we have financing solutions in place to help every patient look and feel great.
From payment plans to full financing options, we make it our goal to make smile design and all dental care affordable for every patient. Once your course of treatment has been settled, we’ll work with you and your dental insurance company, if you have one, to develop a payment plan that works with your budget.
Interested in learning more? Schedule a no-obligation evaluation today. It’s simple: Just call 859-296-9711, and we’ll do the rest.