What to expect from a Smile Makeover?

Prior to undergoing any procedure involved in a smile makeover, the dentist examines the patient comprehensively, looking at teeth, gums, underlying support structure and bite (occlusion) to determine candidacy for a smile makeover. Structural problems and oral health issues must be addressed prior to engaging in any makeover procedures.

Among the many aspects of a patient's smile that makeover procedures might address, the following are most prominent:

Tooth Color: Old metal dental fillings can be replaced today with natural, tooth-colored composites, Teeth whitening can also improve the color of stained teeth. Tooth color and shading are important aspects in the ultimate success of many cosmetic dental procedures, including porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, composite bonding and dental implants.

Alignment and Spacing: Crooked teeth, overlapping teeth or those with gaps between them can be addressed with orthodontics if necessary, or improved with veneers.

Missing Teeth: Missing teeth affect a person's smile and bite and increase the risk of tooth decay. Replacement of missing teeth can therefore be an integral part of a smile makeover. Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants, or addressed with bridges or partial dentures.

Uneven, chipped and cracked teeth: Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are out of balance.

Lips, Smile and Cheeks: Orthodontics and/or oral maxillofacial surgery can rehabilitate an unshapely or aging face.

Tooth Length: A smile makeover treatment for short teeth may include reshaping and lengthening the two front central teeth with composite bonding or porcelain veneers. Patients with a gummy smile may receive treatment to modify the gum line and lengthen the appearance of the teeth using laser dentistry procedures.

Smile Line: The smile line is an imaginary line that follows the edges of the upper teeth from side to side. Ideally, this line should follow the curve of the lower lip when a person smiles. This standard point of reference for smile makeovers is used to help determine the optimal length of a patient's teeth

Tooth Proportions: Many people recognize a pleasing smile as one in which the two central front teeth are dominant and have a width-to-length ratio of 4-to-5. This proportion guides the length and width of other teeth in the aesthetic zone so that the smile line appears balanced.

Tooth Texture and Characterization: Cosmetic dentists performing smile makeovers blend functionality and aesthetics to create a more feminine or a more masculine appearance, matching crowns and veneers to the characteristics of natural teeth.

Once a plan is decided upon, the patient will have an opportunity to see previews of potential results that they can evaluate before treatment begins. Cosmetic dentists use a number of different technologies to preview results, including wax model mockups of temporary teeth, previews generated with dental imaging software and before and after photos of other patients undergoing similar treatment. The previews are designed to both communicate with the dental lab that will produce final implants, crowns and veneers, and also to offer patients a preview of the expected outcome to ensure they are comfortable with the proposed treatment plan.