The way your teeth look can have a direct effect on your self-esteem. You may hesitate to smile in photos, or you might be shy when you meet new people. Plus, some dental problems that impact the way your teeth look can also have a bearing on your oral and overall health. What can you do to correct the issues that are stopping your smile from reaching its true potential? Talk to your dentist about getting a smile makeover.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is not a specific dental treatment. Rather, it is a treatment plan that your dentist designs with your aesthetic goals in mind. The plan may include a variety of treatments, all of which will work together to help you achieve your ideal look.
You may be a candidate for a smile makeover if you:
- Have multiple aesthetic issues plaguing your smile
- Are in fair oral and overall health
- Are willing to comply 100 percent with your dentist’s post-treatment instructions
What Treatments Are Involved in a Smile Makeover?
The treatments you will undergo as part of your smile makeover will depend largely on what problems you are aiming to correct.
Chips and Cracks
Chips, cracks, and other problems that affect the shape of teeth are often fixable via dental bonding. During the dental bonding procedure, your dentist molds a special resin over the teeth to disguise their flaws. As effective as bonding can be, however, many patients opt for porcelain veneers instead. Veneers achieve similar initial results, but they are more durable than bonding and tend to maintain their original brilliance for many years.
Discoloration
Professional teeth whitening can break up even deep-set stains and brighten teeth by several shades. Both in-office and at-home whitening are options for smile makeover patients. If your tooth discoloration is particularly severe, your dentist might recommend porcelain veneers as the best way to achieve a brighter smile.
Unattractive Gums
If your gums are uneven, or they are so large that they make your smile appear disproportionate, gum contouring may be right for you. During the procedure, your dentist will gently trim the gum tissue in a way that makes your gums a subtle framework for your teeth — and not the center of attention.
Missing Teeth
Dental implants are the strongest, longest-lasting solution for missing teeth. They provide extremely natural aesthetics and function just like real teeth. If you are not a candidate for dental implants, your dentist might recommend a fixed bridge or another type of prosthetic instead.
Misaligned Teeth
If you have an overbite, underbite, gapped teeth, crowded teeth, or other orthodontic issues, ClearCorrect may be the best way to transform your smile. ClearCorrect uses discreet aligners to move teeth into their proper positions.
Are you ready to love what you see in the mirror? Your cosmetic dentist has all the skills necessary to transform your teeth!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Bryce is a general and cosmetic dentist in Potomac Falls. He is a Master of the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental studies, which is a rare and prestigious status that shines a spotlight on his restorative and aesthetic skills. If you would like to talk to Dr. Bryce about transforming your teeth via a smile makeover, contact our office at 571-223-6221.