What to Expect at Your First Smile Design Consultation

• Your consultation covers your goals, a health check of your teeth and gums, and a computerized preview of your new smile.
• You leave with clear options, a quote and a timeline, and there is no obligation to commit on the spot.
• Out-of-town patients can start with a remote case review using photos.
• Bring your dental history, your questions and a budget range to get the most accurate plan.

Step 1: Talking About Your Goals

Your consultation starts with a conversation about what you would like to change. There are no wrong answers. Some patients have a clear picture in mind, while others simply know they feel self-conscious when they smile.

Helpful things to share include:

• What you like and dislike about your smile today.
• Whether your main concern is color, shape, gaps, chips or length.
• How bright or natural you want your result to look.
• Photos of smiles you like, if you have them.
• Any important dates, events or travel plans.

Your goals guide every part of the plan, so the more you share, the better your design can reflect you.

Step 2: Checking the Health of Your Teeth and Gums

Before any cosmetic plan is final, your dentist checks that your foundation is healthy. Veneers and other cosmetic work last longest on healthy teeth and gums.

Your dentist will look for:

• Cavities, cracks or worn teeth.
• Signs of gum disease or inflammation.
• Existing fillings, crowns or other dental work.
• Signs of grinding or clenching.
• How your teeth fit together when you bite.

If something needs attention first, such as gum care, an extraction or a crown, your dentist will explain why. Any required clinical work is quoted separately so you can see the full picture.

Step 3: Previewing Your New Smile Digitally

Hollywood Perfect Smile uses computerized smile design so you can preview your smile before work begins. This is often the most exciting part of the consultation.

Your proposed smile takes into account your face, lips and the proportions of your teeth. You can see the planned shape and shade and share feedback. If you want teeth a little shorter, softer or brighter, this is the time to say so.

Learn more about the process on our smile design page.

Step 4: Reviewing Your Options

Next, your dentist explains which treatments can reach your goals. Depending on your case, options may include:

• Porcelain veneers, which can last up to 30 years with good care.
• Composite resin veneers, which are more affordable and can last up to 10 years.
• Teeth whitening, in-office in about one hour or take-home.
• Tooth bonding for small chips and gaps.
• Crowns or implants for damaged or missing teeth.

A good consultation includes honest guidance. If a simpler option like whitening or bonding would meet your goals, your dentist should tell you.

Step 5: Getting Your Quote and Timeline

Before you commit, you receive a clear quote and timeline. Porcelain veneer smile designs at Hollywood Perfect Smile cost $6,500 for a full set of 20 veneers, depending on your case. Composite veneers are more affordable ($2,800 for a full set of 20).

Most smile designs are completed in two visits. Many patients who fly in finish across a single weekend, as long as no preparatory work such as extractions or gum treatment is needed.

A $500 non-refundable deposit secures your smile design appointment, and it is applied toward your total.

Can You Start Your Consultation Remotely?

Yes. If you live outside South Florida, you can start with a remote case review. You send photos of your smile and receive options, a clear quote and a timeline before you book a flight.

Patients travel to Hollywood, FL from across the United States, including many from Texas. See our Texas smile design page for how out-of-state visits typically work.

How to Prepare for Your Consultation

A little preparation helps you get clear answers and a more accurate plan.

Bring your dental history

Note any recent dental work, X-rays you have access to, sensitivity, jaw discomfort or grinding.

Write down your questions

It is easy to forget questions in the moment. Writing them down helps you leave with the information you need.

Think about your budget

Knowing your comfortable range helps your dentist suggest realistic options. If you want to spread the cost, review our financing options. Affirm and CareCredit are available for patients who qualify, and pre-qualification takes about 60 seconds without affecting your credit score.

Look at real results

Browsing our smile results can help you put into words what you like.

Questions Worth Asking

• Am I a good candidate for veneers, or would something simpler work?
• Do I need any treatment before cosmetic work?
• How much tooth preparation will my plan require?
• What shade do you recommend for my face and skin tone?
• How many visits will I need, and how long between them?
• How should I care for my new smile afterward?

Feeling Nervous? That Is Normal

It is completely normal to feel a little nervous before a cosmetic consultation, especially if you have avoided smiling in photos for years. The consultation is designed to be relaxed and informative, not a sales pitch.

Hollywood Perfect Smile is a comfortable, spa-like clinic, and the team has over 20 years of experience helping patients plan their smiles. You can ask as many questions as you need, take notes and bring someone with you if that helps you feel at ease.

If anxiety about dental visits is a concern for you, mention it when you book so the team can talk through what to expect ahead of time.

What Happens After the Consultation?

After your consultation, you can take time to think it over. There is no pressure to decide on the spot. When you are ready, you secure your appointment and your treatment is scheduled. If you are traveling, this is when you book flights and a hotel to match your appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

• American Dental Association (ADA), MouthHealthy: veneers overview: mouthhealthy.org
• American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD): patient education: aacd.com
• Hollywood Perfect Smile: practice-confirmed services, timelines and financing (Affirm and CareCredit), Hollywood, FL.