Because much of the cerebral cortex is involved in vision, it makes sense to use the dominant human sense — seeing — to sell potential clients on cosmetic smile enhancement — and to do so before customary resistance can take hold.

Computer imaging will do it, but not quickly. The taking and uploading, then enhancement and downloading of pictures is time-consuming. We can end up presenting gorgeous photos to a patient who has already decided that the money needs to go elsewhere. It’s a hard slog back to acceptance.

And in my experience, words are almost useless; there is little that can be said in the dental office to cinch the sale.

“I love Smile Now^® Instant dental templates because they speak louder than words and are an instant visual of what a patient can expect.” – Dr. Paul Homoly

But shown? That’s a different story. And how fortunate we are that Materials Technology has given us a tool called Smile Now^®. This product allows us to show the patient almost exactly what he or she will look like after completion of the enhancement procedure, and in less than a minute! Smile Now is a flexible polystyrene dental template that can be applied quickly and easily to the upper dental arch for immediate visual apprehension of projected results. The only other “tool” required is a mirror for the patient.

“Smile Now templates are a must for any practice offering cosmetic dentistry.” – Dr. Larry Rosenthal

In our office, we no longer proceed with models, photos, jaw measurements and diagnostic wax-ups before the patient has made a decision. With Smile Now, we are able to increase productivity by allowing the patient’s decision, whether positive or otherwise, to dictate our course of action. When we proceed with models and measurements it is now for the committed patient, and thus worth the time and effort involved for both the patient and staff.

Does it work? Emphatically yes, even in cases where the patient does not have cosmetic enhancement in mind, as in the case study presented below.

No longer will this author proceed with models, photos, jaw measurement and diagnostic wax-ups prior to having a patient onboard and enrolled in treatment. The first step in planting seeds for cosmetic dentistry begins with the try-in of an instant dental template called Smile Now (Figure 1 – “Before” retraction, Figure 2 – “Before” smile, Figure 3 – Smile Now try-in). For our patient, this process was applied and the patient was immediately able to see, feel and understand the benefits of smile enhancement. The only conversation required of this dentist was to ask if one minute of her time could be taken. In that minute, the Smile Now Instant Dental Template was inserted for the patient to instantly visualize the potential in enhanced esthetics: longer, whiter and prettier teeth. And in 60 seconds, she could see the smile possibilities and the dramatic effects of a smile lift.