The Smile Makeover Explained

Those looking to revamp their smiles have probably encountered the term smile makeover and wondered what it is. The term does not refer to just one procedure but a plan to "makeover" the smile by improving the aesthetic appearance of teeth. A smile makeover can radically differ from patient to patient because each plan is highly customized. If you are considering a smile makeover, here is a closer look at what it involves.

Overview of a smile makeover

A smile makeover can involve any plan of dental treatment where the goal is to improve the way the smile looks. Sometimes, the plan involves only one or two procedures. Other times, it may involve five or more. The procedures can be purely cosmetic, such as teeth whitening, or restorative procedures, such as dental implant teeth replacements or crowns. Changing metal fillings for tooth-colored ones or undergoing teeth straightening with clear aligners may be part of a person's smile makeover plan.

How it works

There is no set way to do a smile makeover plan. During the consultation, the dentist assesses each patient and discusses what they would like to change. The dentist will examine the patient and may take pictures, X-rays, or impressions. Then, based on the patient's dental health, budget, time frame, and other relevant factors, the dentist suggests procedures likely to produce the desired results. Smile makeovers can take a week to several months, depending on what the patient hopes to accomplish.

Common smile makeover procedures

Here is a look at some popular treatments included in a smile makeover.

Teeth whitening

This is perhaps the most popular cosmetic dental procedure. Dentists offer teeth whitening services that are safer and more effective than store-bought products. Dentists take great care to make sure the gums and enamel are protected as the teeth are whitened.

Dental bonding

For stubborn stains that seem immune to teeth whitening, dental bonding can cover them. In this procedure, a dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth and hardens it with a special light. This treatment can not only be used to cover discolorations but also to improve the shape of the teeth and fix chips and other tooth imperfections.

Dental veneers

This popular procedure is known for giving people a "movie star" smile. Attaches thin wafer-like shells of porcelain or other tooth-colored material to the fronts of teeth visible when the patient smiles. The result is a bright white smile uniform in tooth color, shape, and size.

Teeth straightening

Many patients choose to include teeth straightening in their smile makeover plans. It is possible to accomplish this with either braces or clear aligners. Though teeth straightening can add more time to the smile makeover plan, the results are well-aligned smiles patients can enjoy showing off.

A final note

Find a dentist experienced in cosmetic dentistry and smile makeovers who can suggest the right procedures for you. Teeth whitening does not lighten dental bonding or other dental restorations. Therefore, patients either need to replace those restorations after the teeth whitening or have the teeth whitening performed before the restorations. A skilled dentist will know this and help patients plan accordingly.