A smile make over involves cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve a patient’s teeth and gums. The results are incredibly gratifying and boost a patient’s confidence.
Often, patients who receive these treatments find themselves highly motivated to maintain their new appearance through healthy eating and dental hygiene habits. This ensures the longevity of their treatments.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments to help make your smile brighter and healthier. It’s a safe, effective way to remove unsightly stains from your teeth and can be done at home or at the dentist’s office using bleaching gel, strips, or trays.
It’s also a good idea to add regular dental cleanings and other at-home practices to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. This can help manage plaque and surface stains that are caused by the foods and beverages you enjoy. You can even boost your results by using a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash and eating plenty of high-fiber foods that help scrub away plaque.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to change their shape, size, color, or length. They can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials.
The cosmetic dentist will consult with you about your goals and then prepare the tooth by removing a minuscule layer of enamel, though no-prep veneers require less. Then an impression of the tooth is taken and a lab creates your customized veneers.
The veneers are bonded to the natural tooth and should last for 10-15 years with proper care. It is important to choose a reputable cosmetic dentist who has experience performing this procedure.
Dental Implants
A tooth implant can replace missing teeth with artificial ones that look, feel, and function like real ones. Unlike dentures and dental bridges, they don’t slip or shift around when you talk or chew.
The process of getting an implant involves several stages over a few months. First, the dentist inserts the implant into the tooth socket via surgery. It’s covered with gum tissue for three to six months while the implant fuses to the jawbone.
During this time, you should eat soft foods and apply an ice pack to alleviate pain and swelling. You should call the dentist if discomfort persists. He may prescribe acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help relieve the pain.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns act as a protective covering for weakened teeth. They are often recommended for damaged or broken teeth that cannot be repaired with a filling.
A crown covers the entire tooth, strengthening it, restoring its shape, and improving appearance. They are also used to replace missing teeth, which can cause malocclusion (bad bite), bone deterioration in the jaw, and temporomandibular joint problems.
Ceramic crowns, including porcelain and BruxZir crowns, are designed to mimic the size and shape of natural teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing smile. They also withstand biting and chewing forces better than other types of crowns. However, they aren’t as strong as a metal crown and may need additional reinforcement with a porcelain onlay or inlay.
Dental Bridges
Missing teeth are not only embarrassing, but they can lead to more serious problems in your mouth and facial structure. A dental bridge is one of the most effective ways to replace missing teeth, restoring both your oral function and aesthetics.
Dental bridges consist of a custom-made set of false teeth called pontics that are kept in place by abutment teeth (metal connectors) on either side. The type of bridge you need depends on your particular situation.
Unlike dental implants, bridges do not require surgery and are more affordable than implants. The procedure usually only takes two visits. During the first visit, your dentist will reshape the adjacent abutment teeth and take impressions to make the bridge.
Teeth Straightening
Teeth straightening is a procedure that corrects crooked teeth and misaligned bites by applying external force gradually. It also improves dental health and resolves issues such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, crowded teeth, or overlapping teeth.
Crooked teeth can make it difficult to chew and speak properly. In addition, they can cause problems such as lisp or whistling noises. Fortunately, there are various teeth straightening treatments that can fix these issues and boost your confidence. Metal braces are one of the most popular teeth straightening options. Composite bonding is another treatment that can be used to fix a variety of cosmetic issues. However, both treatments can have some limitations and may not be suitable for every patient.