Are you intrigued by the idea of smile makeover? You may have heard of the concept or know someone who has had one, but what exactly does it entail?
If you are dissatisfied with your smile when you see yourself in pictures or in the mirror, a smile makeover is one way to improve it so that you can smile with confidence.
What does a smile makeover involve?
To completely makeover your smile, a few different dental procedures may need to be done. Some procedures may be cosmetic; others may be restorative. Some parts of the process may be quick; others can take some time. A complete smile makeover can encompass any combination of the following procedures:
- Teeth whitening.If teeth discoloration is a concern for you, professional grade teeth whitening treatments are more effective and offer more dramatic results than over the counter products. Teeth whitening is often part of a complete smile makeover.
- Cosmetic bonding.Teeth can be reshaped and whitened using cosmetic bonding, which is a tooth colored resin that is applied to teeth. Cosmetic bonding can correct teeth that are different lengths, colors, or shapes.
- Teeth can be resurfaced with porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin layers of tooth-like material that adhere to the front of your existing teeth to make them look more uniform.
- If a tooth is cracked or broken it can be covered with a crown. The existing tooth root is kept in place and what’s left of the tooth is grinded down so the crown can fit over the top.
- Dental implants.Lost or damaged teeth can be replaced with dental implants. A dental implant is an artificial tooth and root system that replaces an entire tooth within the jaw bone.
- Misaligned teeth can be corrected with braces or clear options like Invisalign.
- Maxillofacial surgery.Sometimes a smile makeover may require surgery to reposition the jaw in a more aesthetically pleasing way. Jaw surgery often benefits the patient’s dental health as much as it improves their smile.
- Facial fillers.Cosmetic injections such as Botox and Juvederm can improve the appearance of the lips and facial tissue surrounding the mouth, reducing lines and plumping the skin.
There may be other procedures your dentist could recommend to help improve your smile, but these are the most commonly applied methods. You may need one or more of these procedures to achieve your desired results.
What preparatory procedures may be needed?
A smile makeover may consist primarily of cosmetic procedures, but any dental health issues must be addressed first. Cavities will need to be filled and root canal procedures done if they are needed to restore tooth health. Gum disease will need to be treated if present, possibly requiring scaling or root planing to prevent it from recurring. If dental implants are part of your smile makeover and you don’t have sufficient bone structure in your jaw, a bone graft procedure may be required first.
It is important to take care of your dental health before applying cosmetic procedures, otherwise the new improved smile won’t last. It would be like putting a new coat of paint on a house that’s falling down.
How do I get started?
The first step in a smile makeover is always a consultation. The dentist needs to evaluate your current dental health and discuss your cosmetic concerns in order to form a plan of treatment. If you are an ideal candidate for a smile makeover, the next step in the process is to get digital images of the teeth. Your dentist can then show you before and after pictures to demonstrate how your teeth will change from beginning to end of the process.
Get Your Complete Smile Makeover at Integrated Aesthetic Dentistry
When you want your smile completely transformed, you need a dentist who can do it all. Integrated Aesthetic Dentistry takes care of your dental health, applies cosmetic dentistry procedures, and even offers facial aesthetics to give you a brand new smile that goes beyond your teeth.
Call us to schedule a consultation or request an appointment at any of our convenient locations:
- Greenwich Village:212-533-6782
- Gramercy Park:212-254-5454
- Upper East Side:212-427-4277
- Park Avenue:212-213-1897