Before booking a smile makeover consultation, most patients have the same questions on their minds: what the process really involves, how much it will cost, and what happens if they don’t like the result. Instead of letting uncertainty hold you back, we’ve gathered answers to the questions we hear most often at Brighter Smiles by Dr. Gonzaga Tabares, so you can arrive at your first appointment feeling informed and confident.
What does the first evaluation include?
Your first contact with our team usually happens virtually. Using photos, and in some cases videos, we can assess whether your case is a good fit and give you a preliminary diagnosis. This gives both you and our team a general idea of what’s possible for your smile, along with an approximate quote for your procedure. Keep in mind that final pricing may change during your in-person evaluation, where we may identify additional procedures related to your oral health that weren’t visible in the images you sent.
The in-person evaluation includes a review of your dental and oral health history, diagnostic imaging, and an assessment of the current shape, color, and alignment of your teeth. Through a direct conversation with the specialist about your goals and expectations, we define the parameters for completely redesigning your smile with porcelain veneers or resin veneers. This is also when we answer specific questions about your case, including final timelines and costs, so you have complete clarity about the procedure you’re about to undergo.
How long is the recovery? Smile makeover FAQ
One of the most reassuring facts about modern smile makeovers is how minimal the recovery actually is. Most patients experience little to no downtime after the procedure. Mild, temporary sensitivity to hot or cold is common in the days following treatment, but it usually resolves on its own and rarely interferes with everyday activities like eating or talking. Unlike more invasive dental or medical procedures, a smile makeover typically doesn’t require an extended recovery period, which is part of why so many patients combine their treatment with a trip, as we explain in our article on how long a smile makeover lasts and how to care for it.
Before any permanent work begins, you’ll work with our team to choose the shade, shape, and overall look of your new smile, and this is the moment to speak up about any changes you’d like. We adjust the design collaboratively with you until you’re genuinely happy with the plan, which means there shouldn’t be any surprises once treatment starts. The goal is for you to approve a result that excites you, not to guess and hope for the best.
What’s the difference between an in-person and a virtual consultation?
Both types of consultation are designed to give you the same clarity, just through different formats. An in-person consultation allows our team to physically examine your teeth, gums, and bite, take precise measurements, and begin the digital design process in real time, all in a single visit to our office in Punta Cana or Cali. A virtual consultation, on the other hand, is ideal for patients who are still deciding whether to travel, who live elsewhere in the country or abroad, or who simply want initial guidance before committing to a trip. During a virtual consultation, we review photos of your smile, talk about your goals, and give you a realistic picture of your options and next steps, much like the process we describe for traveling patients in our guide to travel and renew your smile. Many patients start with a virtual consultation and then move on to an in-person visit once they’ve confirmed their travel dates.
Smile makeover FAQ: What should I bring to my consultation?
To get the most out of either type of consultation, it helps to come prepared. Bring a general summary of your dental history, mention any previous cosmetic or restorative work on your front teeth, and for a virtual consultation, have a few clear photos of your smile ready to share. If you already have an idea of what you’d like to achieve, whether reference photos or specific concerns about your current smile, sharing them from the start helps our team focus the conversation on your goals from the very first minute.
Does the material I choose change the process? Smile makeover FAQ
Yes, although the overall path stays similar. Whether you and our team decide that porcelain veneers or resin veneers are the best option, both begin with the same consultation and evaluation process. The differences show up mainly in the material’s characteristics, cost, and long-term durability, which we discuss in detail once we understand your specific goals and budget. As we explain in our article on smile makeover myths and facts, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer: the right material depends on your teeth, your lifestyle, and how you want your smile to look and feel for years to come.
Still have questions?
If your specific question wasn’t covered here, that’s exactly what your consultation is for. No question is too small when it comes to such a personal decision, and we’d rather answer everything up front than have you arrive with lingering doubts. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, in person or virtual, and get the answers you need to move forward with confidence.