Most people have something about the appearance of their teeth that they would like to change. If you have several concerns about the way that your teeth look, you may be a good candidate for a procedure known as a smile makeover. This is where several cosmetic dentistry procedures are combined into a bespoke treatment plan that targets your specific concerns about the appearance of your smile.
There is a wide range of different cosmetic dentistry treatments available, but the following are particularly common in a smile makeover.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is the most common elective dental procedure in the world and one of the easiest ways to transform the way that your teeth look. Although no teeth are naturally perfectly white, they do darken with age. Exposure to colored foods and drinks and habits such as smoking can also discolor and stain the teeth. Since bright, white teeth are considered to look healthier, younger, and more attractive, an increasing number of people are turning to whitening procedures to improve the color of their smile.
Although there are lots of over the counter whitening treatments available, professional whitening that is carried out in your dentist’s office is by far the fastest and most effective way to lighten your teeth. This is because your professional can use the strongest bleaching agent and can carry out a more controlled application, ensuring more consistent results. The number of sessions you’ll need will depend on the starting color of your teeth, the shade you hope to achieve, and how your teeth respond to treatment.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a great alternative to teeth whitening and often recommended for patients who either can’t have a conventional whitening treatment or who have been unable to achieve the result that they were hoping for. Porcelain veneers are thin, shell-like covers that are attached to the outside face of each tooth. They are custom-designed for the specific tooth that they are to cover, ensuring the most accurate fit, and once in place, they can cover chips, cracks, and other superficial damage, as well as discoloration. They can also be used to add thickness or height to teeth to improve the overall appearance of your teeth.
The process to obtain porcelain veneers is minimally-invasive too. A little of the natural tooth enamel of the affected tooth is removed so that the veneer fits flush to it. Once the veneer has been made and the fit checked, it is secured in place using permanent adhesive. With the right care, veneers can last upwards of a decade.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is another viable alternative to both whitening and porcelain veneers. Unlike veneers, however, bonding is a treatment in which composite is molded directly onto the teeth. As a result, the procedure relies on the skill and experience of your cosmetic dentist to apply the composite in such a way that if covers minor imperfections in the teeth and looks completely natural. Once your dentist is happy with the application, the composite is hardened using a special light. It can then be polished to a high shine, enabling it to blend in seamlessly with your other teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants offer patients an entirely new way to replace teeth that may have fallen out or been extracted. Unlike dental bridges, which were the conventional tooth replacement solution, dental implants don’t rely on healthy teeth for support. Instead, a bespoke artificial tooth, which is a porcelain crown, is attached to a titanium post that is surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone. This gives dental implants the stability and security for which they are renowned. The titanium post also stimulates healthy bone growth in the jaw, which helps patients to maintain their facial structure. Dental implants are highly successful and with proper care, could last more than 20 years.
Orthodontics/Invisalign
Do you have crooked, twisted, overlapping, or gapped teeth that are getting you down? Misalignment issues are extremely common, largely owning to the individual eruption of each tooth or a jaw that is too small to accommodate all of the teeth as they arrive. Not only do misaligned teeth look less attractive, but they are also more likely to be affected by decay and gum disease. Fortunately, there’s no need to feel self-conscious about such issues. There is a range of orthodontic solutions that can help, from traditional braces to a contemporary option known as Invisalign. Both work by applying gentle and consistent force to the teeth to shift them into a new and improved position.
Traditional braces do this using brackets and wires, but these will require you to make compromises on what you eat and make it difficult to brush and floss your teeth. They are also very obvious when worn. Many patients are now choosing Invisalign for their orthodontic treatment. These clear aligners are worn over the teeth and can be removed for mealtimes and brushing, eliminating many of the concerns that patients have about traditional braces. They are also nearly invisible once in place, making them a great option for patients who want an orthodontic treatment that is as discreet as it is convenient.
If you are considering a smile makeover and would like more information about the treatments that could be involved, or to schedule a consultation to discuss your smile transformation, please don’t hesitate to speak to our expert dental team.
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