Predictable Smile Design

The ability to generate a smile design plan with a predictable end in mind is what sets a cosmetic dentist apart from other dentists. Traditionally, a patient comes to the dentist with a problem. The dentist looks at the problem and generates a solution. The patient has to trust the dentist's judgement and pretty much take whatever is produced. While there is nothing inherently wrong with this approach, it fails to take into account the specific needs of the patient where smile design is concerned. One dentist's beautiful smile may not be pretty at all to the patient. The cosmetic dentist employs various treatment planning tools that allow the patient to express what they are looking for and allow the dentist to show the patient what the final result might look like. This process can take as long as necessary and accomplishes two things. First, the dentist can develop as clear an idea as possible what specifically the patient is looking for. Second, the patient has input into the final outcome and is informed on the front end if their needs can be met. This process, known as co-diagnosis, is time-consuming and is part of the reason the best cosmetic dentists are considerably more expensive than average. It's also central to their success. Without careful planning and previewing, your chances of getting exactly what you want are greatly reduced. Give this due thought when you are considering cosmetic dentists.

Smile Design Tools used by the cosmetic dentist include computer imaging, removeable mock-ups in the mouth using tooth-colored resin, Wax teeth built on models of the patient's own teeth, thorough cosmetic dental examination including measurements of teeth, gums, lips, facial structures, and, most importantly, a good ear to hear what the patient is saying.