What Is a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is a process that involves one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to make a person's smile look better. Some of the treatments include bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and tooth-colored fillings. In many cases, the procedure can serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The treatment options also depend on the patient’s individual condition.

An overview of smile makeovers

A smile makeover alters the look of a smile by incorporating elements like facial skin, hair color, skin tone, teeth, gums, and lips. The dentist will develop a treatment plan based on the patient's desires and current oral health. During the appointment, the patient talks about their expectations for the procedure and concerns about their teeth. The dentist will schedule visits to correct dental issues like cavities, tooth discoloration, and misalignment.

What a smile makeover fixes

Here are some dental problems that might be remedied by a smile makeover:

• Tooth color: A smile makeover can make a discolored or yellowed smile look better. Teeth stains are often the result of factors like aging and diet choices like coffee and red wine. Usually, an in-office teeth whitening treatment will work to eliminate most stain types. However, when this is not an option, porcelain veneers may be necessary to change the color of the teeth.
• Misalignment: Treatments such as clear aligners or braces can straighten or realign crooked or misaligned teeth. Treatment might take a few months or years, depending on the severity of the bite misalignment.
• Irregular spacing: The dentist may recommend dental bonding or veneers to correct uneven gaps between teeth.
• Missing teeth: Missing teeth can affect the appearance of the smile and cause problems with oral health. Dental bridges, implants, and dentures are all options for replacing missing teeth.
• Damaged or broken teeth: A dentist can use veneers to cover chips or cracks on teeth.
• Tooth length: A short tooth may be reshaped and lengthened with composite bonding or veneers for aesthetic purposes. Gum reshaping can also serve this purpose.

What to expect with a smile makeover

Dentists will develop a treatment plan for their patients that will achieve a successful outcome and a beautiful smile. Initially, patients will need to visit the dental office for a consultation with the dentist. Smile makeovers are not generalized. The process requires attention to detail and an aesthetic sense.

A good dentist will examine a patient's teeth, supporting structures, and gums to determine whether they are suitable for a smile makeover. They will need to be sure the patient is in good oral health condition. If oral issues exist, such as gum disease or cavities, they will first offer treatment before proceeding with the smile transformation.

The bottom line

You can change the look of your smile with a smile makeover. If you do not like certain aspects of your smile, consider booking an appointment with our dental office today for a consultation.

Request an appointment here: http://lbfamilydental.com or call Leila Zamiri DDS at (562) 453-1214 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Smile Makeover in Long Beach, CA.