How can I make sure I get the results I want from a cosmetic dental procedure?

Some people have it very clear in their mind what they want to achieve when they smile. As long as a person can articulate what they want, a skilled and experienced dentist can help determine if the goals are even possible. Quite often a trained cosmetic dentist can allow participation in the planning and implementation of a case.

In my office, the normal steps to a porcelain veneer smile case are as follows:

1. Choosing from a catalog (or other means) a style of a smile desired and shade or color.
2. Having a diagnostic wax-up (a wax "blueprint") made before starting, allowing you to see what shape is planned. Some limitations to the case can be revealed at this point.
3. After the teeth have been shaped for veneers, the temporaries should look like the shape of the waxup (which is how they will look when complete). This will allow for a "trial smile" and if there are any desired changes they can be made at this time.
4. Prior to being bonded in place, the veneers can be tried in and evaluated. If the shape and color are satisfactory, they can be permanently bonded in place.

Once bonded in place, there is no going back. If changes are desired after bonding, there likely would be a fee, even up to 100% of the original investment if the whole thing must be redone. Quite often the patient will be asked to sign off at each step, giving permission to continue.

If all these protocols are followed, you should be able to ensure your goals are met.