What is a ‘smile makeover’ process?
It is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that aims to improve the qualitative appearance of your teeth. Dental veneers, dental bonding, tooth implants, teeth whitening, gum contouring, etc. are some common examples.
A smile makeover works by uplifting overall facial attributes. This includes tooth colour, shape, contour, length, etc. It also takes care of your gums and lips so you can obtain a customised smile that best suits you. Let’s have a quick explanation of each of these factors.
- Tooth Colour: Of course, you will not opt for an artificial dental restoration that does not match your natural tooth colour, will you? To ensure the best outcome, the dentist first assesses your teeth and accordingly suggests a procedure, such as teeth whitening, amalgam fillings, veneers, etc. Crowns and bridges are also popular options.
- Symmetry and Spacing: Crooked and misaligned teeth are obviously a big no. Some common procedures to alleviate these issues are deep cleansing, dental crown installation, and tooth decay treatments. However, the best way to do this is to opt for Invisalign.
- Missing and Cracked Tooth: One or more missing teeth can completely mar the beauty of your smile. They also hamper your chewing and initiate gradual tooth decay. Dentists generally resolve such issues using dental implants, bridges, and root canal treatment.
- Tooth texture: Dental crowns, veneers, and similar restorative treatments can help improve your tooth texture. This aids in proper colour blending and size synchronisation.
- Proportional balance: A perfect smile has to be precisely proportioned. The first two front teeth typically have a four to five width and length ratio. Your cosmetic dentist will examine your teeth and suggest a suitable procedure.
- Tooth Length: As we age, decay increases, reducing tooth length. Standard restoration procedures involve composite dental bonding or veneers to maintain optimum tooth length for a healthier and youthful look.
- Gum line: Excessively wide gums can make teeth appear shorter, negatively affecting your smile. Cosmetic dentists can efficiently resolve this problem with a gum line treatment.
- Fuller Lips and Cheeks: We cannot stop ageing. However, it is possible to prevent early signs of ageing and correct its effects. If you have a sunken face or fallen-out teeth, oral maxillofacial surgery and dental crown treatment can help.
These are some standard procedures that a cosmetic dentist incorporates. Often, they are painless and do not cause side effects. However, sometimes, surgical procedures may also be involved.
Treatment procedures involved
Here’s a list of procedures that a smile makeover treatment involves.
- Ceramic Veneers or Dental Laminates
These are thin porcelain layers applied on top of the tooth enamel. Some prior preparations are needed, such as trimming the existing enamel, before the shells are put on. This helps you obtain that desired smile without hampering functional efficiency.
- Composite Veneers
These are similar to porcelain veneers, with the only difference being that these are made of resin.
- Dental Crowns
A dental crown is an artificial cap-like structure that fits over a natural tooth. It is beneficial for individuals with chipped teeth or minor fractures. Primarily composed of metal, crowns can also be made of ceramic that mimics natural tooth colour.
- Teeth Whitening
It involves using bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide to remove obstinate teeth stains. Sometimes, a laser can also be used. This is generally an in-office procedure but can also be performed in the comfort of the home.
- Dental Bridges
It is beneficial for treating patients who have one or more missing teeth. As the name suggests, these bridge the gap caused by missing teeth, helping in proper alignment and spacing.
- Dental Implants
These are used to restore lost tooth roots without incorporating surrounding healthy teeth. A titanium screw is surgically implanted in the site of the lost tooth, helping in firm integration of the internal dental structures.
- Gingival Contouring or Crown Lengthening
This involves restoring the gum line and structure to obtain the desired tooth proportion. It also helps improve the aesthetic beauty of your smile.
- Gingival Depigmentation
This procedure removes dark pigmentation accumulated on the gum tissue. Thus, you can quickly obtain healthy, pink gums.
- Dental Bonding
In this method, a ceramic-coloured resin is put over the affected tooth and hardened with a special light. Thus, the material ‘bonds’ with the tooth surface, providing a natural look to your smile.
What to expect in a smile makeover treatment? Preview methods
Dental Pictures and Models
This is the first step, which involves clicking pictures of the patient’s teeth with a high-resolution camera. The pictures help the cosmetic dentist and the laboratory technician prepare a desired tooth model. Maxillary and mandibular bite impressions are also taken.
Computerised Imaging Software and Wax Designing
It helps to preview virtual 3-D dental structures and then design a suitable wax model for the patient. This ensures complete customisation and fitness of the artificial structure that will be put on.
Smile Trials
A dental mock-up or trial smile evaluates the smile design and makes final changes if needed before installation. This is crucial to achieving function effectiveness besides aesthetic value.
How much does a smile treatment cost?
This mainly depends on your dental issue and the clinic you opted for. If you want a full smile makeover, the cost will be high (in case you do not have sufficient medical insurance). Moreover, it can increase if you do not care for your teeth and gums. Generally, with regular care and visits, your restorations will last longer, even up to a lifetime. Otherwise, they will last till ten years at the maximum.
Conclusion
Several dental clinics in London offer cost-effective smile makeover treatments. If you require one, compare the locally available clinics and book one as soon as possible.
