Smile Makeover
A smile makeover involves one or several cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve the aesthetics of your smile. Typically, it can involve treatments such as veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants, alignment corrections, and composite bonding. The benefits of undergoing a smile makeover are numerous and can significantly impact both your psychological well-being and social interactions.
Digital Smile Design (DSD) is a modern dental treatment planning tool that enhances the design and aesthetic process through precise and comprehensive digital technology. This concept has revolutionized dentistry by integrating digital imaging, photography, and videography to create a virtual simulation of the possible outcomes of various dental procedures.
Gallery
Visual insights to help you understand what to expect from your treatment. For more content, please refer to our Education Hub.
Benefits & Considerations
Everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your treatment.
Benefits
Enhanced Appearance
The most immediate benefit of a smile makeover is the enhancement of one’s appearance. Techniques such as whitening can brighten stained teeth while veneers can transform the shape, size, and alignment of teeth.
Increased self confidence
With an improved smile, many patients report feeling a significant increase in their self-esteem. This confidence can transcend into various aspects of life such as professional environments.
Healthier Teeth and Gums
Specific treatments in a smile makeover, such as replacing missing teeth can improve oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Dental implants can prevent bone deterioration and maintain facial structure.
Long-Lasting Effects
Many cosmetic dental treatments offer durability and longevity, assuming proper care and maintenance. For example, porcelain veneers can last many years, offering a long-term solution for aesthetic concerns.
Customised Treatments
Smile makeovers are highly customizable. Dentists can tailor treatments based on specific needs and preferences, ensuring that results perfectly fit the patient's facial features, personality, and desired outcomes.
Reduced Discomfort
Correcting alignment and bite issues not only enhances appearance but can also reduce physical discomfort. Misaligned teeth can lead to difficulties in chewing, jaw pain, and even headaches. Aligning the teeth appropriately can alleviate these issues.
Considerations
Tooth Sensitivity
Some procedures, such as teeth whitening and veneer placement, can lead to increased tooth sensitivity. This usually occurs when dental enamel is removed or when bleaching agents penetrate the dental tissues, exposing the nerves transiently.
Gum Damage
Procedures such as teeth whitening or gum contouring can sometimes lead to gum irritation or damage, particularly if the substances used are too harsh or the procedure is not done carefully.
Damage to Natural Teeth
For some cosmetic treatments like veneers, a layer of the natural tooth enamel must be removed to fit the veneer. This is irreversible, and it can weaken the natural teeth. In some cases, procedures that involve altering the tooth structure could lead to increased susceptibility to decay near the new dental work.
Improper Bite Alignment
Procedures that involve reshaping the teeth, like veneers or crowns, can result in an improper bite if not done correctly. This can lead to issues with chewing, jaw pain, and even temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
Infection
As with any procedure that involves intervention on natural tissues, there is always a risk of infection. This can be mitigated with proper sterilization techniques and post-operative care, but it remains a consideration.
Longevity and Maintenance Issues
Cosmetic dental treatments are not necessarily permanent. Veneers, crowns, and bonding may need replacements after several years. The longevity of these materials depends on the quality of the products used and the patient's oral hygiene and habits.
Treatment Procedure
Let's walk through your treatment procedure from start to finish.
Initial Consultation
The process begins with a thorough consultation, including discussions about the patient's desires for their smile and overall dental health.
Data Collection
Detailed photographs, videos, and digital scans of the patient’s mouth are taken.
Smile Design
Using specialised DSD software, the dentist manipulates the images to show how various treatments (like veneers, crowns, implants, orthodontics) can alter the appearance. The patient can provide feedback, ensuring the final outcome aligns with their expectations.
Mock-up and Trial
Often, a mock-up is created based on the design and may be tested on a physical model to provide a realistic preview of the result.
Treatment Plan and Execution
Once the design is finalised, a detailed treatment plan is executed, using the roadmap created by the DSD process. A stent may be manufactured to provide a temporary smile, or permanent restorations may be manufactured which can be a combination or veneers, crowns, bridges, implants etc. to provide the patient with their new and improved smile.
The restorations are designed and manufactured in-house via state-of-the-art 3D printing or milling machinery. MODJAW technology is utilised to ensure comfort and safety in performing dynamic jaw movements such as protrusion, lateral excursions, chewing, and speech. Our team will ensure that your smile makeover is both aesthetic and functional.
Final Adjustment and Completion
Any necessary adjustments are made to ensure that the final result is both functionally and aesthetically pleasing
Post-Operative Care
Simple steps to protect your smile and ensure optimal results in the days following your procedure.
General Care
Use any prescribed pain relievers according to your dentist's instructions. If antibiotics are prescribed, it’s crucial to complete the full course to prevent infection. Immediately following your procedure, eat soft foods and avoid extremely hot or cold beverages. Stay away from sticky, chewy, or hard foods that could damage the dental work.
Resume brushing and flossing gently around the new dental work. Some sensitivity can occur, so use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. An antiseptic mouthwash recommended by your dentist can be used to keep the area clean and aid in healing.
After procedures like whitening or placing veneers, avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, red wine, tea, and tobacco, especially in the first 48 hours.
Specific Care Based on Procedures
Veneers and Bonding
- Avoid biting directly on hard foods with your veneers.
- Try not to use your teeth to open packages or bite your nails.
Crowns
- Be cautious until the permanent crown is placed, particularly with temporary crowns, which are not as durable.
- Once the permanent crown is in place, continue to avoid habits that can damage the crown such as grinding teeth, chewing ice, etc.
Teeth Whitening
- You might experience tooth sensitivity following whitening treatments; this should diminish with time. Using a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help.
Gum Contouring
- Be very gentle around your gums as they heal. Avoid vigorous brushing or touching the area.
Follow-Up
Check-Ups
- Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and adjustment of the dental work
Report Any Issues
- Contact your dentist if you experience ongoing pain, swelling, or any other unusual symptoms.
Long-Term Care
Maintaining the results of your smile makeover in the long term involves regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and possibly adjustments in lifestyle habits to protect your new smile.
By adhering closely to these post-operative care steps, you can help ensure the success of your smile makeover and enjoy your new smile for years to come.
While smile makeovers can offer significant advantages, they should be approached thoughtfully, with a clear understanding of the potential risks and realistic expectations. Choosing the right dental professional and thoroughly discussing your goals can help ensure that the benefits of your smile makeover are fully realized.
The adoption of Digital Smile Design not only helps in achieving high levels of aesthetic and functional results but also enhances the overall experience by demystifying the complexities of dental transformations.