A smile makeover is a combination of cosmetic dental treatments that are performed to transform the way that your smile looks. While the procedure's primary purpose is to improve the aesthetics of a patient’s smile, a few of the treatments used, like the placement of crowns, also provide restorative benefits.
Many patients are thinking about getting a smile makeover. Here are a few of the treatments that a dentist might recommend.
This is one of the least invasive treatments performed during smile makeovers, and it is also one of the most affordable. It involves using composite resin to rebuild and restore the appearance of teeth. Issues that composite bonding can be used to fix include chipped or discolored teeth.
The resins used during composite bonding are made from mixtures of plastics and glass. These resins can be matched with the color of the patient’s teeth, so any repairs made look natural. Placing composite resin on a patient’s teeth does not require making any permanent alterations to them. The patient’s teeth are roughened with an etching solution, the composite is applied in layers, and a curing light is used to harden it.
Veneers are cemented to the front part of the patient’s tooth, and they serve as masks that hide any flaws. These tooth-shaped shells can be used to fix various issues:
Placing conventional veneers on a patient’s teeth involves removing enamel to make room for the restorations. The procedure cannot be reversed in the future, and the person will always need some form of restoration to serve as artificial enamel.
There is a special type of veneer that does not require any alterations to the patient’s teeth. However, these veneers are more translucent than conventional ones, so they do not cover up stains and discoloration as well.
Teeth whitening treatments are used to improve the color of a person’s teeth quickly. A single whitening session performed by a dentist can improve the color of teeth by eight shades. This is due to the highly potent bleaching products that dentists have exclusive access to.
In-office whitening treatments are typically performed using a customized mouth tray made from an impression of the patient’s teeth. The mouth tray enables the dentist to coat the patient’s teeth with the whitening product evenly and prevent it from seeping into the patient’s gum tissues.
The patient keeps the mouth tray in their mouth for about an hour, and their teeth should be noticeably whiter afterward. A single whitening treatment is enough for many patients to reach their desired shade of white, but some patients need multiple treatments to get to that point.
Crowns can be used to fix a wide range of cosmetic issues. Some of the issues these versatile restorations can be used to fix include:
Dental crowns serve as caps that cover the visible part of teeth. The crown forms a secure seal that prevents saliva, bacteria, and other irritants in the mouth from getting to the tooth. Crowns provide a long-lasting solution to a wide range of problems for up to 25 years.
Placing a crown normally involves two trips to the dentist. The tooth is prepped for the crown during the initial visit by removing enamel from its sides. The patient is then asked to clamp down on a mold that leaves an impression of the tooth. In some cases, digital images might be used to create a 3D model. The impression goes to a lab where cosmetics like crowns are made. It takes about two weeks for the finished restoration to get back to the dentist.
A temporary restoration is put on the tooth to protect it for the time being. It comes off during a second visit, and the custom crown is cemented in place.
Implants are used to restore lost teeth and their roots. The implant goes into the patient’s jawbone, where it fuses with bone tissues. The process – called osseointegration – can take up to six months. It turns the implant into a part of the jawbone, so it serves as an excellent base for restorations like crowns, dentures, and bridges. Implants provide a lifelong solution for lost teeth.
Do you want our dentist to transform your smile? Give us a call or stop by our Columbia clinic for a smile makeover consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://davisanddingle.com or call Davis & Dingle Family Dentistry at (803) 567-1804 for an appointment in our Columbia office.
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