A smile makeover can be a good solution for patients whose teeth or gums are affected by cosmetic or functional issues. If you wish to enhance the appearance of your smile with beautiful results, this procedure may be the ideal option for your needs. This treatment is completely customized and tailored to suit your individual goals using a combination of cosmetic and restorative procedures. See how a Smile Makeover can help your smile light up a room!
- What Is A Smile Makeover?
- Smile Makeover Benefits
- Smile Makeover Candidates
- Smile Makeover Treatment Options
- Smile Makeover Procedure
- Smile Makeover Treatment Length
- Longevity of Smile Makeover Results
- Smile Makeover Results
- Smile Makeover Cost
- Choosing A Smile Makeover Dentist
- Additional Smile Makeover FAQs
What Is A Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is designed to comprehensively enhance the form and function of your smile. By combining a number of cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures, you can repair and improve many common smile imperfections simultaneously. Each smile makeover is personalized to meet the unique needs of the patient in order to provide results that look healthy and beautiful.
What Can A Smile Makeover Do?
Smile makeovers can provide a wide number of benefits, depending upon the customized treatment plan chosen by you and our dentist. Common dental issues addressed with a smile makeover include:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Stains or discoloration
- Worn or “short” teeth
- Gaps and spaces
- Excess gum tissue or “gummy smile”
- Missing teeth
A smile makeover can even be used to correct mild tooth misalignment in some cases. During the consultation process our experienced cosmetic dentist, Dr. Robin Rutherford, will perform an oral examination, listen to your individual goals and expectations, and recommend a treatment plan that can help meet your needs.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Smile Makeover?
Individuals who are unhappy with the appearance of their smile can be ideal candidates for a smile makeover; however, patients should have good dental health before they can proceed with treatment. Those with severe decay, advanced gum disease, or other functional concerns may be advised to address these issues before a smile makeover. In addition, ideal candidates should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure. Dr. Rutherford would be glad to discuss your priorities during your initial examination to determine if a smile makeover can be an optimal solution for your dental goals.
What Are My Smile Makeover Options?
Once your teeth and gums have been evaluated by Dr. Rutherford, he can explain the dental procedures that can be part of your Smile Makeover. This treatment is customized to suit your specific needs; therefore, any of the options below may be included in your treatment plan:
- Teeth whitening is used to reduce or eliminate stains and discoloration. This can be done with professional products provided by our office for your use at home, or you can schedule an appointment to be seen for an in-office whitening treatment for more immediate results.
- Porcelain veneers are thin, yet durable shells that are affixed to the front of teeth that have been affected by chips, cracks, spaces, or gaps. They are custom-designed for the most natural fit and appearance possible.
- All-porcelain crowns are used to repair a tooth severely marred by decay or damage. Their color allows them to blend amongst surrounding teeth.
- Gum reshaping can be selected to eliminate excess gum tissue that is hiding your teeth, helping to improve the proportions of your smile.
- Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth while restoring your ability to chew and speak with ease.
Each of these options offers unique benefits to improve the health of your teeth and gums and enhance the overall appearance of your smile.
What Can I Expect During The Smile Makeover Procedure?
Just as each smile is unique, so is each smile makeover. The combination of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatments used to transform the appearance and function of your smile will be decided upon during your one-on-one consultation.
At The Art of Dentistry, we also offer sedation techniques to maximize the comfort of patients who may feel anxious about dental work. A smile makeover has the ability to completely transform the appearance of your smile, and oftentimes our patients experience a boost of confidence after the procedure.
How Long Will My Smile Makeover Take?
Depending upon the number of treatments chosen and the extent of each procedure, the number of office visits required to complete your smile makeover will vary. In any case, our patients often express that their beautiful smile makeover results are well worth the wait!
Certain treatments that are typically included in a smile makeover, such as dental implants and porcelain veneers, generally take two visits to complete. Keep in mind that dental implants do require an osseointegration period, a time when the implants must properly fuse to the jawbone, that may take a few months. Other treatments, such as gum recontouring and teeth whitening, can typically be performed in one relatively short visit. Dr. Rutherford will go over your specific treatment plan and expected timeline during the initial consultation.
Are Smile Makeover Results Permanent?
The longevity of your results will depend on the procedures included in your smile makeover. For example, dental implants, which are made of highly durable titanium, are created to be long-lasting, and porcelain veneers and crowns can last for decades with the proper maintenance. On the other hand, teeth whitening may require touch-up treatments to preserve the desired shade.
Overall, Dr. Rutherford encourages every smile makeover patient to have a thorough dental hygiene routine after treatment in order to prolong the results and maintain good oral health. This includes brushing and flossing at least twice a day and having professional dental cleanings at least twice a year.
Will My Smile Makeover Results Look Natural?
Just like a traditional makeover, the ultimate purpose of a smile makeover is to enhance – that is to say, bring out the best in – your smile. As such, Dr. Rutherford always aims to produce natural-looking effects which flatter the shades and shapes of your teeth, as well as the general aesthetic quality of your face. His initial examination will not only help him determine the treatment you need but familiarize himself with the unique appearance of your teeth and gums.
For a better sense of Dr. Rutherford’s smile makeover results, take a look at these cosmetic dentistry before-and-after photos.
How Much Does A Smile Makeover Cost?
After meeting with Dr. Rutherford for a Smile Makeover consultation, he will create a treatment plan to meet your dental needs. The total cost of a Smile Makeover will range based on the procedures you select. Other variables that will be factored into the total cost include:
- The specific teeth (molars, front teeth, etc.) that are affected by imperfections
- The number of teeth being treated
- How much tooth preparation will be needed for treatment
- Any laboratory costs for customized restorations
Once the treatment plan has been developed, a member of our team will generate a total cost estimate of your treatment plan and review your payment options. If you would like help navigating your insurance benefits, or if you are interested in the dental financing options we offer at our practice, we will be happy to assist you.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions About Smile Makeovers
Am I too old for a smile makeover?
There is no age limit for a smile makeover. This transformative process is designed for adults of all ages who wish to improve their smile. Whether it is correcting misalignments, whitening teeth, or replacing missing teeth, a smile makeover can significantly enhance your dental health and appearance.
Can I get a smile makeover if I have pre-existing dental concerns?
You can get a smile makeover even with pre-existing dental concerns. In fact, addressing these issues, such as gum disease or tooth decay, is often the first step in the makeover process. Dr. Rutherford will assess your oral health, treat any immediate needs, and then develop a customized plan to enhance your smile. This can ensure that your makeover not only improves aesthetics but also promotes overall dental health.
Is a smile makeover safe?
A smile makeover is often considered a safe procedure when it is performed by a qualified and experienced dentist. Prior to any treatment, Dr. Rutherford will conduct a thorough examination to ensure suitability and address any pre-existing conditions, helping to minimize risks. Always discuss your health history and expectations with your dentist to ensure the best and safest outcome for your smile makeover.
Does insurance cover a smile makeover?
Insurance coverage for a smile makeover can vary. Dental insurance may cover components of the makeover deemed medically necessary for oral health; however, cosmetic procedures will likely not be covered. It is important to review your specific insurance plan and available financing options to understand what aspects of your smile makeover might be financially supported.
To learn more about smile makeovers, please contact The Art of Dentistry to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rutherford.