International Patients: How to Start Your Smile Journey Virtually

International Patients: How to Start Your Smile Journey Virtually

Living in Beverly Hills, I have the distinct privilege of treating some of the most beautiful smiles in the world. From Hollywood celebrities to international business leaders, my patients come to me because they are looking for a specific level of artistry and precision that is hard to find elsewhere. However, I know that for many of you reading this from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, or South America, the idea of flying to California for dental work can seem overwhelming. You might be wondering about the timeline, the costs, and whether the results will truly be worth the trip.

I am here to tell you that distance should never be a barrier to achieving the smile you have always dreamed of. Technology has completely changed the way we approach cosmetic dentistry. Today, we can bridge the gap between your home country and my chair in Beverly Hills seamlessly. It all starts with a simple, stress-free step: a Virtual Dental Consultation.

In this guide, I want to walk you through exactly how I handle our international cases. I will explain how we use digital tools to plan your smile before you even book a flight, and how my team and I ensure your journey is smooth, comfortable, and exciting from the very first video call.

Why Choose a Virtual Route First?

In the past, patients had to fly in for an initial exam, fly back home to think about it, and then return for the actual procedure. That is a lot of travel time and expense. I value your time, and I believe that modern dentistry should be efficient.

By starting with a virtual assessment, we accomplish several things:

  • Feasibility: I can tell you immediately if you are a good candidate for veneers, implants, or a full mouth reconstruction.
  • Connection: You get to meet me. Trust is the most important part of this relationship. You need to feel comfortable with the person designing your smile.
  • Planning: We can discuss your goals, your budget, and your timeline so there are no surprises when you arrive.

According to recent market analysis by Grand View Research, the global teledentistry market is expanding rapidly, with a projected growth rate of over 16% annually. This data proves that patients worldwide are realizing that high-quality care can—and should—begin comfortably from their own homes.

Step 1: Reaching Out and Sending Photos

The process begins when you visit my website and request a consultation. My team is trained to handle international inquiries with priority because we know you are dealing with different time zones. Once you reach out, we will ask for a specific set of photographs.

This is the most critical part of the Virtual Dental Consultation. Since I cannot see you in person yet, your photos become my eyes. I don’t just need a picture of your teeth; I need to see your face.

How to Take Perfect Dental Photos at Home

You do not need a professional camera. A modern smartphone works perfectly. Here is what I usually need you to provide:

  • The Full Face Smile: Stand in front of a window with natural light facing you. Smile naturally. I look at how your teeth align with your eyes, your nose, and the centerline of your face.
  • The Profile View: Turn to the side and smile. This helps me assess the projection of your teeth and your bite.
  • The Close-Up: Use the zoom feature to get a clear shot of your teeth while biting down, and another with your mouth slightly open.
  • The “Emotional” Smile: I want to see you laugh. When you laugh, you show more gum and teeth than a posed smile. This helps me design veneers that look natural in motion, not just in still photos.

Please avoid using filters or editing apps. I need to see the real texture, color, and condition of your teeth and gums to give you an honest assessment.

Step 2: The Face-to-Face Video Call

Once I have reviewed your case and photographs, we will schedule a video call. This is my favorite part of the process. Even though we might be thousands of miles apart, this meeting allows us to connect on a personal level.

During this Virtual Dental Consultation, I will listen to your story. I want to know what you dislike about your current smile. Is it the color? The shape? Do you feel they are too short or worn down?

I will also share my screen with you. Using digital imaging software, I can often show you similar cases I have treated. While I cannot do a full 3D mock-up without a scan, I can explain the architectural changes I would make to your smile to harmonize it with your facial features.

We will also discuss the health of your teeth. If you have local x-rays from a dentist in your home country, please email them to us beforehand. This allows me to see below the surface and ensure there are no underlying issues like cavities or bone loss that we need to address.

Step 3: Creating Your Custom Treatment Plan

After our call, I will draft a preliminary treatment plan. This document outlines the clinical steps, the estimated costs, and the time required for the work.

For most international patients seeking porcelain veneers or a smile makeover, the physical treatment usually requires two visits to Beverly Hills, spaced about one to two weeks apart. However, because we have done so much work upfront virtually, we can sometimes condense this timeframe or maximize your time here so you can enjoy a vacation while you wait for your final ceramics.

This phase is where we talk about the logistics. My practice is not just about dentistry; it is about the experience. We have a concierge service dedicated to our VIP and international guests. We can assist with:

  • Recommending luxury hotels nearby (like the Peninsula or the Beverly Wilshire).
  • Arranging private transportation to and from the airport.
  • Coordinating with your schedule to ensure your dental visits do not interfere with your leisure time.

The Science of Your Smile: Why Travel?

You might be asking, “Why shouldn’t I just go to a dentist in my city?” It is a valid question. The answer lies in the materials and the technique.

I utilize a unique, minimally invasive approach. Whenever possible, I preserve your natural tooth structure. Many dentists aggressively grind down teeth to fit veneers. I believe in saving the enamel. This requires a level of precision and magnification that is rare. Furthermore, I work with master ceramists who are essentially artists. We layer porcelain to mimic the translucency and light reflection of natural teeth.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 99.7% of adults believe a smile is an important social asset. This data point highlights that your smile is an investment in your personal and professional future. If you are going to invest in this asset, it makes sense to seek out the highest tier of expertise available, regardless of geography.

For more information on the importance of choosing the right provider for cosmetic procedures, you can read this article from Healthline on Dental Veneers and what to expect.

Step 4: Arrival in Beverly Hills

When you finally arrive in Los Angeles, you will feel like you are already part of the family. Because of our Virtual Dental Consultation, we are not strangers. We are a team executing a plan we built together.

The First Visit: Preparation and Design

Your first appointment is the “preparation” appointment. We will verify everything we saw in the photos and x-rays. We take 3D digital scans of your mouth—no messy impression goo.

I will lightly prepare the teeth if necessary and place temporary veneers. These temporaries are crucial. They are a prototype of your final smile. You will wear them for a few days or a week. This is your “test drive.” You can go out to dinner in West Hollywood, take photos, and see how they feel.

If you want them longer, shorter, or whiter, we make those changes in the temporaries. This ensures that when we make the permanent porcelain teeth, they are exactly what you want.

The Second Visit: The Reveal

This is the day we live for. You return to the office, we remove the temporaries, and we bond the permanent, hand-crafted porcelain veneers to your teeth.

The bond we use creates a fusion between the porcelain and your enamel, making the tooth incredibly strong. Once they are placed, I will hand you a mirror. Seeing that reaction—the tears of joy, the immediate confidence boost—is why I do what I do.

Managing Aftercare from Abroad

One of the biggest concerns international patients have is, “What happens if something goes wrong when I get home?”

First, the quality of work we do is built to last for decades. Porcelain veneers are incredibly durable and resistant to staining. However, our relationship does not end when you board your flight home.

We continue to utilize virtual check-ins. A few weeks after you return home, we will schedule another video call to see how your bite is settling and how you are enjoying your new smile. If you ever have a concern, I am just a video call away. We also coordinate with your local dentist for routine cleanings and maintenance, ensuring they understand the specifics of the work we have done.

Overcoming the Fear of the Unknown

It takes courage to trust a doctor in a different country with your face. I understand that anxiety. That is why transparency is the cornerstone of my practice. The virtual model allows us to strip away the mystery. By the time you book your flight, you will know the cost, the timeline, the procedure details, and most importantly, you will know me.

I treat every patient as if they were a member of my own family. I want you to feel safe, heard, and pampered. The “Beverly Hills Smile” is not just about perfect white teeth; it is about a smile that fits your personality and enhances your natural beauty without looking fake.

Ready to Start?

The world is smaller than it has ever been. You no longer have to settle for local dentistry if it does not meet your standards. Your dream smile is waiting here in California, and the path to get here is easier than you think.

If you are ready to see what is possible for you, I invite you to request a Virtual Dental Consultation today. Take those photos, write down your questions, and let’s hop on a call. Let’s turn your dream smile into a reality, no matter where in the world you call home.

414 N Camden Dr. Suite 1280
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

(310) 853-6825

Monday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Friday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed