Smile Makeover Musings: 3 Questions to Ask Your Dentist

November 1, 2025

Woman smiling at reflection in mirror with dentist touching her face

Although some dental flaws can be addressed with simpler cosmetic services, if you have suffered severe damage, decay, or tooth loss, you might require a complete smile makeover.

Your dentist offers options to restore your mouth’s appearance and functionality and boost your confidence, but not all of them are right for everyone. Therefore, you must consult your provider to determine appropriate solutions to meet your unique needs. This visit is also an ideal time to ask any questions regarding your treatment plan and the procedures involved. Continue reading to learn 3 things you should know before moving forward!

Question #1: What Treatments Are Involved?

One of the first things many patients want to know is how many procedures, and which ones, will be included in their smile makeover. However, the answer depends significantly on your unique circumstances, so your dentist can’t provide accurate information until after your initial examination and discussion.

Once your provider knows more about your current dental condition and the improvements you would like to make, they can devise a customized treatment plan that includes as many procedures as required to achieve your goals. There is no absolute limit to the number of general, cosmetic, and restorative services that might be included based on your needs.

Question #2: What Outcome Should I Expect?

It’s only natural to want to know what the results of the various treatments will look and feel like. Once you and your dentist decide on an appropriate path forward, they can walk you through the details of what’s typically involved.

This can include everything from detailed information to prepare you for the day of your procedure, such as if you’re having dental implants placed, to aftercare instructions to help you mend quickly after your treatment while avoiding potential complications. They can also let you know how to care for your teeth and gums once the upgrades are complete.

Question #3: How Can I Maintain the Results?

You might also ask your dentist how long you can expect the results of your recent enhancements to last. Some services, like teeth whitening, tend to fade after 6 months to 3 years and often require periodic touch-ups to maintain. Meanwhile, other solutions, like porcelain veneers and dental crowns, can last 15+ years if cared for correctly.

Generally, you can preserve your upgraded grin by brushing and flossing twice daily to remove plaque and bacteria that cause common problems, like cavities and gum disease, that might interfere with the results.

Also, visiting your dentist every 6 months for a routine checkup and cleaning allows them to monitor your condition and address any concerns before they worsen.

About the Practice

At Bell Road Dental Care of Phoenix, patients benefit from a team of dentists eager to help them build and maintain the most beautiful, healthiest smiles. Dr. Jafari, Dr. Ferriera, and Dr. Patel share decades of combined experience and collaborate to deliver a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs conveniently under one roof. They take the time to learn about your unique concerns and goals, then utilize state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate, comfortable treatments to meet them. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (602) 404-3483.