The Smile Makeover Explained

A smile makeover aims to improve the overall look of your smile. Therefore, it may involve one or a series of treatments to address multiple aspects of your smile's appearance. If there are a number of things you would like to change about how your smile looks, consider a smile makeover. Here is a closer look at what is involved.

What is a smile makeover?

Usually, a smile makeover includes two or more procedures performed to improve the cosmetic aspects of a smile. In addition to purely cosmetic procedures, a smile makeover plan may include restorative procedures such as dental crowns or implants. However, the intended focus of a smile makeover is not necessarily restoration but improving how the smile looks.

How a smile makeover improves the smile

A person considering a smile makeover usually has two or more aspects of their smile they would like to improve. Here are some common goals of a smile makeover:

• Improving tooth color
• Covering stains and discolorations
• Fixing cracks and chips
• Evening tooth size and shape
• Replacing missing teeth
• Fixing crooked teeth or alignment issues

Teeth straightening can also be part of a smile makeover plan, as there are a few different options for straightening teeth or making them appear straighter.

How treatment works

Though smile makeover plans vary from patient to patient, they all start with a consultation. During this visit, the dentist evaluates the patient and discusses the changes they would like to see in their smile. The dentist will also perform a physical exam and may take impressions and scans.

A patient usually has multiple options. Therefore, when considering procedures, the patient and the dentist will consider the patient's preferences, oral health, expectations, and budget. Smile makeovers can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year or more, depending on the treatments involved.

Procedures of a smile makeover

Smile makeover plans vary widely in length, number, and type of procedures involved. In addition to dental restorations, a smile makeover can include orthodontic treatments such as clear aligners. The following are some of the most popular smile makeover procedures and what they address.

Teeth whitening

These are in-office or take-home treatments that use chemicals to lighten teeth color. They are best suited to removing or lightening external stains on teeth.

Dental bonding

This versatile smile makeover treatment uses tooth-colored composite resin to fix cracks and chips and improve tooth shape. Dental bonding can also cover intrinsic stains that teeth whitening cannot improve.

Dental veneers

Veneers are usually thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the fronts of teeth, which is visible when one smiles. These shells conceal tooth imperfections and can make the smile appear uniform in color, texture, and shape.

Gum contouring

Excessive gum tissue or a "gummy smile" can make teeth appear small and the smile out of balance. This is a surprisingly common complaint. However, a gum contouring procedure can reshape the gum line and restore the smile's balance.