Common Procedures Used for a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover can transform your looks and dental function. This is a collection of treatments that you can get for one or more appointments. Understanding how each one works can help you make informed decisions on treatment day. Here are the common smile makeover procedures that you should consider.

Dental veneers

These are custom-fit shells that cover the front side of the target teeth. These smile makeover restorations have a strong following because of the imperfections they cover. The dentist will shave off a thin layer of the enamel before taking impressions of the treated teeth. Cementing the veneers to the teeth will follow. The patient can then enjoy a more even, younger-looking smile that is stain-resistant.

In-office teeth whitening

A dentist can offer to enhance a person’s smile by whitening the natural teeth. Teeth whitening can resolve surface staining and discoloration. Cleaning the teeth will come first. Then, protecting the soft tissues of the mouth will follow. The dentist will apply the whitening solution and expose the teeth to a UV light. This light will activate the whitening components of the solution.

The dentist will repeat the treatment during the visit until the teeth are white enough. Adjusting the strength of the whitening solution is possible without harming the patient’s soft oral tissues. Patients who cannot go to the clinic can get take-home whitening kits. This is a more convenient way to get whiter teeth. Even so, the treatment will have slower results than those that an in-office teeth whitening treatment can provide.

Dental implants

Patients who have been dealing with tooth loss using removable dentures can get dental implants. This smile makeover treatment is the gold standard of restorations. Dental implants are stable and aesthetically pleasing. They are also capable of enhancing one’s dental functions because of their stability.

The dentist will cut into the gum tissue to access the jawbone. Drilling implant holes into the bone will follow. The dentist will place the titanium rods into the holes and stitch the gum tissue over the rods. This will encourage healing and osseointegration. It will take about three to four months for the rods to fuse with the jawbone and gum tissue.

After complete healing, the patient will go back to the clinic so that the dentist can attach the abutments. Cutting into the gum tissue above the rods will come first. Attaching the abutments will follow. The dentist will stitch the gums around them. This will heal for about two weeks. Attaching the artificial crowns will finish the treatment.

The titanium rods act as dental roots that stimulate the jawbone. This will signal the body to send nutrients to the jawbone for cell regeneration and tissue repair. That is why this treatment will prevent bone loss. This smile makeover procedure will give an individual lasting results.

Dental crowns

These smile makeover restorations are also known as caps. Crowns can rebuild weakened or damaged teeth. The dentist will shave off a significant amount of the dental structure. Doing so will allow the dental crowns to fit over the teeth.

Dental impressions will help the lab create these custom-fit caps. Cementing the crowns will follow. This type of smile makeover procedure can shield the teeth from further damage or decay. It can also rejuvenate the appearance of the affected teeth.