Smile Makeover - Learn How it Enhances the Smile

The process of having a smile makeover can involve multiple procedures but there is one common aspect of a smile makeover and that is the fact that the treatment is performed to enhance and improve the smile of the patient. It can be one procedure or require multiple treatment options to achieve the desired look to the mouth. Some of the most common cosmetic dentistry treatments that are performed as part of a smile makeover include, but are not limited to, Invisalign, teeth whitening, and dental veneers. No matter the choice of treatments, the actual procedure will be personalized to the individual needs and goals of the patient.

Our smile makeover synopsis begins with an examination of the procedure from Cosmetic Town TV:

Smile Makeover – What Does it Mean?

A smile makeover can be defined as a dental process that is performed to improve both the function and the appearance of the teeth. The process begins with an examination of the mouth and a consultation with a board-certified dentist to determine the current condition of the mouth and discuss the goals of the patient.

In addition to improving the look of the mouth, a smile makeover can address oral health issues of the mouth such as tooth decay, gum disease, or missing teeth. Once the patient knows the extent of the dental issues in the mouth, they can work with the dentist to decide on the best dental procedure, or multiple procedures, to give the mouth an improved appearance and functionality. Many dentists allow patients to preview their results by doing a mockup of the smile design thanks to digital imaging so the person will have a better idea of the changes that can be made to the smile.

Smile Makeover – Popular Treatment Options

As mentioned earlier, there are multiple options when it comes to a smile makeover and one of the most popular options is dental veneers. They are often made of porcelain, and veneers are able to make a dramatic change in the color, size, and shape of the teeth. Veneers are thin shells that are placed over the teeth, so they gain a look that is more aesthetically pleasing. They are often placed on teeth that are damaged due to discoloring (since veneers are resistant to stains) or chipping. In addition, veneers are able to alter the look of the teeth and conceal the appearance of crooked teeth. A mouth where the damaged teeth are altered and enhanced with veneers can give a patient an improved amount of confidence in their smile. Overall, dental veneers can last anywhere from ten to twenty years as long as they are properly cared for by the patient.

Teeth whitening is also a popular choice as the dentist uses beaching gel to whiten the teeth of the patient. A light or laser is used to activate the bleaching process, and then oxygen emerges into the enamel, so the color of the teeth is able to be lightened. The results are not permanent, and they can last anywhere from four to six months depending on how well the patient takes care of the teeth (such as avoiding food and beverages that can stain the teeth).

One other popular choice is performed to straighten the teeth of the patient. Invisalign is also referred to as “invisible braces” and it is a common alternative to the wearing of traditional metal braces. Invisalign is able to straighten the teeth of a patient and also correct any issues with their bite. One of the main reasons Invisalign remains so popular is that the Invisalign trays that are placed in the mouth are able to be removed by the patient when they are eating or brushing their teeth. Otherwise, they need to remain in the mouth at all times. The treatment is a series of plastic trays designed to straighten the teeth and improve the appearance of the mouth and smile. The trays are switched out at regular intervals by the patient, and they are often not visible to the average eye. The final results should provide permanent teeth alignment as long as the patient follows proper oral hygiene and any post-treatment instructions from their doctor. The patient should also be prepared to wear a retainer at night to keep the teeth from shifting once again.

Smile Makeover – Cost and Length of Procedure

It is not easy to give a specific cost for a smile makeover treatment as the final price depends on the number of procedures performed by the dentist. The cost is also determined by the location and experience of the dentist, the price of the materials, and any additional fees charged by the doctor or the facility.

The length of the treatment also depends on the number of procedures performed and the actual procedures:

• Teeth whitening can be done in one appointment.
• Veneers can take one or two appointments. If the veneers are composite veneers, they are placed on the teeth the same day as the appointment. The process can take two appointments if the veneers need to be sent off to a laboratory to be manufactured.
• The length of an Invisalign treatment is determined by the number of plastic trays needed to gain the final results. In general, the treatment can take anywhere from six to eighteen months.