As a dentist who has been in dental practice in Shelby Township for over twenty years, I’ve been proud to witness the transformations that occur when a cosmetic dentistry patient sees their new smile for the first time. I’ve seen tears of joy, heard “oohhh’s and ‘aahhh’s of awe, and even heard some whoops of happiness!
A beautiful smile has an effect on people from the inside out. When people feel their smile looks good, they tend to smile more often. This not only sends a positive message to others, it has a beneficial impact on one’s overall mood. This is because the act of smiling triggers the release of a chemical in the brain known as endorphins. These chemicals provide a ‘natural high,’ of sorts. 
Too, smiling makes you look younger! Think about it: facial muscles used to smile provide a lift to the lower portion of the face. This picks up sags and smooths out wrinkles.
Over the years, I’ve seen a number of patients who have come for my advanced skills as a cosmetic dentist. I often hear many share why they delayed seeking a smile makeover for long periods – all of which they learn, once we’re in conversation – can be easily overcome.
The top 4 reasons for putting off cosmetic dentistry are:
COST – When people learn the total cost for their treatment, it’s not unusual to see their optimism for an improved life of fabulous smiles be overshadowed with an aura of doubt. The treatment fees for cosmetic dentistry are not inexpensive, yet, the skills, techniques, technology and materials utilized to create a natural look and feel can make all the difference in the world. I’ve seen (and repaired) people who opted for “cheap” prices for porcelain crowns, bridges, veneers, and dental implant restorations (replacement teeth). When teeth fail to fit properly in a bite or they look like ‘fake’ teeth, there is a disappointment that seems to grow and grow. The individual is left feeling STILL unhappy with the appearance of their smile AND realizing their only recourse is to spend MORE money to get the results they wanted in the first place. People who come to us for a new smile realize they can pay less money to some others who have labeled themselves a ‘cosmetic dentist,’ but here they know they’ll get the smile they always dreamed of that provides the look, feel, function and longevity that meets the highest standards in cosmetic dentistry. So, how do we help patients get past the cost of treatment? I’ve been blessed to have an exceptional group of talented, committed team members by my side for the span of my years in dental practice. My Financial Coordinator is one of these. She helps patients set up easy, monthly payment plans that break the fee into budget-friendly segments so they are able to enjoy their new smile without delay. And, what do my smile-makeover patients most-frequently tell me? “It’s the best investment I’ve ever made!”
DENTAL FEAR – Being afraid of dental visits and feeling overly-anxious during dental procedures can cause people to delay their pursuit of smile enhancement. Avoiding regular dentistry can also lead to cavities, teeth that are worn or chipped, crooked teeth, and teeth that are stained. Not having regular dental care can also lead to gum disease, which is the nation’s leading cause of adult tooth loss. Decayed, brown, and missing teeth can send a poor impression to others; one that is an unfair reflection of the true individual “on the inside.” We encourage patients to share their concerns regarding their comfort and any fears they have. In addition to the fear of pain, some people fear embarrassment from gagging or being seen without their denture or partial. In our initial conversations with new patients, we strive to have them become comfortable with us so they can openly share these concerns. Once they learn their concerns are fairly common, they relax. And, when they learn that we are known for our ability to address these concerns easily, patients relax more. They learn they can trust us and are able to reconsider all the dental options they’ve avoided over the years. For dental fear, we have a number of comfort options, including Oral or I.V. Sedation (twilight sleep). These ‘sleep dentistry’ methods are provided safely in our office through the constant monitoring of our trained staff and advanced safety equipment. Often, patients who were fearful in the beginning find they no longer need sedatives for dental care and relax in the dental chair, trusting us to always use a gentle, compassionate touch. (Consider downloading our “Guide For The Fearful Dental Patients”: https://www.banrbarbatdds.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Barbat-DentalFear-eBook-FINAL.pdf)
TREATMENT TIME – Everyone is so busy. Even my patients who are retired have schedules that have them always on the go. For adults who are juggling jobs, children, the upkeep of homes, and social activities, finding the time to add cosmetic dentistry to their schedules can deter some from going forward. Yet, today’s advanced technology and techniques are able to minimize the time needed for treatment. Many procedures can be completed in just one or two visits. We have completed some smile makeovers in two weeks, start to finish, in just two appointments. And, even while you’re in treatment, it will never be obvious that you are having ‘dental work’ performed. While a dental lab is creating your final porcelain veneers or crowns, we place ‘temporaries’ that will provide you with a smile you are comfortable sharing. We also schedule visits according to what works best for the patient. For example, we have early morning and late afternoon appointment times that may work best, or you may prefer a noon appointment to use ‘lunch hour’ time to have your dental treatment.
CONCERNS ABOUT ‘FAKE TEETH’ – As indicated prior, choosing a cosmetic dentist based on getting a ‘bargain’ price can leave you with disappointing results AND back to square one – not being comfortable with your smile’s appearance. Our years of advanced training has given us the precision skills needed to “do it right the first time.” Too, we work with one of the finest dental labs in the country and know their exceptional commitment to the appearance of each restoration and the longevity of the materials. Through this commitment, each patient receives a restored smile that has the luminosity and opalescence of natural teeth. Our advanced training also allows us to recreate smiles so they complement facial appearances. Your new look will light up your face with every smile!
Although you may have other concerns, we encourage people to share these during a no-charge private session. Here, we will sit in our private consultation room that is removed from the clinical side of the office. We can discuss your preferences and I’ll make recommendations. We can also discuss payment plans, comfort options, an estimated treatment schedule, and what to expect.
Before you deny yourself a beautiful smile any longer, get the facts. Call 586-739-2155 or tap here to begin. Your life may open up in an entirely different way with a new smile! And, we are ready to take you on that journey to achieve it!
