Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can help people with various dental problems and conditions. There are several procedures that can help patients achieve their desired results. There are also benefits from getting a smile makeover aside from the aesthetics.

In the true sense of the procedure, a smile makeover is a complete makeover package that may include several dental procedures. This process involves planning and several steps to achieve the desired goal of the patient.

Before the actual treatment, your dentist will evaluate and assess your current dental status to determine which treatment/s you should undergo. Underlying teeth and gum diseases will also be checked and treated first if confirmed to be present. All other aesthetic procedures follow.

Full teeth and gum reconstruction takes time and several steps to complete the smile makeover. Dramatic changes take place and most of these procedures result with better and brighter smiles, and a boost of confidence.

Factors that dentists consider when patients request for a smile makeover

There are several factors that dentists will take a look at and consider when patients seek for a smile makeover.

• Physical Appearance - Factors such as skin tone, hair color, shape and size of the lips and the shape of the face are considered to achieve a more personalized and natural smile.
• Teeth Alignment - Misalignment, dents and gaps are looked and assessed. Appropriate corrective dental procedures are applied to specific conditions.
• Teeth Whitening - Due to eating habits, teeth amalgams and lifestyle, a patient's teeth can lose its natural color and luster. Application of teeth filling, veneers and/or bleaching treatment can help achieve the desired look.

Problems that a Smile Makeover can help correct

Smile makeovers can correct the following dental conditions:

• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between the teeth
• Discolored, stained teeth
• Missing tooth/teeth
• Broken, chipped teeth
• Gummy smiles
• Misaligned, protruding teeth

Teeth and Gum Procedures to achieve a confident smile

• Application of porcelain veneers, crowns and onlays/inlays
• Bulk dental implants
• Partial dentures
• Gum alignment
• Braces/retainers
• Laser teeth whitening

A smile makeover may cost from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. But usually, the results are well worth the price of the procedures.

While some of the dental procedures only take a few hours or days to achieve and recover from, the others may take time to heal, recover and see the final result.

Teeth alignment with the use of braces may take months and even years to see the overall effect of the procedure. Application of veneers, crowns and inlays/onlays may only take days to weeks.

The different stages and steps, risks and recovery period of a full smile makeover will be discussed with you by the dentist.

Expect some aches and pains here and there during the recovery process. Prescription pain relievers can take away the pain and common home remedies such as warm water gargles and use of soft toothbrush can help during this stage.

A few visits to the dentist during and after your smile makeover process is essential to achieve the final goal. The last step will be the final assessment and you are ready to smile your way back home.

Smile Makeover Recommended Resources:

Idaho State University Family Dentistry

Tufts University