by Dr. Thomas Nabors
Everyone knows how important a smile can be. Whether that is a casual grin from the barista at the coffee shop or the reaction from long distance family that hasn’t been home in a while. There is no other form of expression that is more powerful. Smiling is instinctive, it’s in our DNA.
While we may not admit it, humans take pride in how we feel about ourselves and how we think others perceive us. A person’s smile has been proven to be the first thing others notice. It’s often referred to as the most attractive physical feature one can have, heavily influencing self-confidence. Smiles are associated with first impressions, quickly affecting the mood of others.
But what happens when you are not proud of your smile? Imagine having to make a physical effort to try and not smile when receiving a compliment or hearing a joke. Covering your mouth when you laugh, positioning your head just right in pictures. Or, making a habit of smiling with your mouth closed. It’s almost like you are fighting nature. Hiding the most basic sign of joy.
I see this all the time in our practice. Being able to have a conversation about the different ways to change your smile will release that burden and is far more impactful than people realize. Sure, solving this problem involves a cost, just as there is with anything we value. Training, memberships, products, all self-benefitting things we do have a cost. The investment in a beautiful smile creates lasting value. Having a smile that you love can be one of the most confidence inspiring actions you can take. But, just as with any investment, who do you turn to for answers?
Finding out information second hand from friends, Google, or any other advertisement can be hard. What are your options? How much does it cost? Do you like the recommendations? What are the long-term expectations, what are the actual credentials a dentist needs to be qualified? Do you actually like the dentist? The list of questions goes on and on.
Tele-Medicine is becoming extremely popular. Virtual consults with your MD and text conversations online late at night with your health insurance company. Technology is creating pathways to get information, and even services, at home.
More importantly, how do you feel about your provider? What if you could meet them, hear their recommendations about your specific issue, and get a summary and a cost before ever making an appointment. And, it was free!
I have been in cosmetic dentistry for over 20 years and as good as I think I am at cosmetic dentistry; the only way people know what I do is how I present online or a word of mouth referral. I have often heard, people know you are a dentist, but they really don’t know what you can do.
When I do a cosmetic smile consult, I get the same three questions:
1. What are my options?
2. How long will it take?
3. How much does it cost?
So, why can’t we do that virtually, without an appointment. Let’s make this easy.
Smile Virtual Consult was developed by my good friend, Dr. Brian Harris. His platform provides the ability for the dentist and the patient to discuss their goals and ideas virtually, eliminating the need for a first appointment.
Smile virtual allows the patient to discuss very personal areas of concern about their smile from the privacy of their own home.
There are three easy steps:
1. Upload images of your smile
2. Tell me your goals and what you want to change/improve
3. I will send you a video from me outlining a game plan as well as a cost estimate.
Virtual Smile will give you the tools you need up front, to make one of the best decisions you can make. Investing in your smile! If you have questions about your smile and you would like to hear your options and get a feel for the process, before committing to an in-person appointment, check out Smile Virtual Consult. Their website is https://www.smilevirtual.com, or we would love to hear from you at our link, https://app.smilevirtual.com/Dr-Thomas-Nabors/sign-up
