What Is a Smile Makeover?
If you’re unsatisfied with multiple aspects of your smile that can’t be addressed with a single treatment, a smile makeover could be for you. The phrase ‘smile makeover’ has been used to describe multi-disciplinary cosmetic dental treatment, and it’s gaining popularity year on year.
What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is a combination of procedures used to improve your smile. Some popular smile makeover combinations include:
Hygienist cleaning + teeth whitening + composite bonding
Invisalign + composite bonding + whitening
Increasingly, people realise that achieving a better-looking smile isn’t simply about whitening and straightening teeth (though these treatments do indeed make a significant positive difference to your smile aesthetic.)
Procedures that adjust the shape of individual teeth and address tooth-to-tooth ratio and symmetry are equally important. Composite bonding and veneers after treatments like Invisalign can help balance your smile against other facial features and give you a broader smile.
How do I know if I need a smile makeover?
The treatments encompassed within a smile makeover are elective. With this in mind, a smile makeover isn’t something you need to have done for your physical well-being.
However, it can work wonders for your confidence and self-esteem, which are arguably just as important.
You might want a smile makeover if you:
Have misaligned teeth.
Are not happy with your tooth shade.
Think your teeth don’t sit symmetrically in your mouth.
Want to address multiple defects with your teeth.
If you’re not sure where to start, your dentist will be able to suggest ways in which they can address the cosmetic flaws with your teeth.
They will run you through each procedure and ask you some lifestyle questions to make sure you are suitable for treatment.
Certain treatments like at-home teeth whitening and Invisalign require a degree of compliance, such as remembering to administer the whitening gel and take care of the Invisalign aligners.
Can I have a smile makeover if I have unhealthy teeth?
Any professional and responsible dentist will never proceed with cosmetic treatment for a patient with fundamentally unhealthy teeth. You will be unsuitable for a smile makeover if you currently have:
Tooth decay.
Tooth loss as a result of gum disease.
A dental infection.
Gum disease.
Mouth cancer.
Once these health issues are resolved, it’s safe to go ahead with a smile makeover.
How long does a smile makeover take?
This really is a “how long is a piece of string” situation.
The timescales of a smile makeover depend on the following factors:
Your expectations of treatment.
What you’re seeking to have done.
When you can attend the appointments needed throughout.
Whether you follow treatment instructions at home.
Smile makeovers that include teeth straightening using braces or clear aligners can take months. Meanwhile, if you’re looking to have composite bonding and whitening, this can take as little as a couple of weeks.
Before going ahead with treatment, your dentist can give you a clear idea of timeframes.
Ask a dentist about smile makeovers online
Before heading to a dentist for cosmetic dental treatment, why not chat with one of our dentists online?
Receive free advice concerning smile makeovers and their advantages and limitations. Just click here – we’re happy to help!
