Smile Makeover -
Cosmetic Dentistry
 A
smile makeover is the process of improving the appearance
of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures,
such as dental veneers, composite bonding, dental implants
and teeth whitening.
Essentially, a smile makeover is something that you choose
to have performed, while a full mouth reconstruction is something
that you need to have performed.
Smile Makeover Considerations
A smile makeover takes into consideration your facial appearance,
skin tone, hair color, teeth (color, width, length, shape
and tooth display), gum tissue and lips to develop your ideal
smile. Smile makeovers are performed for many reasons and
customized according to your unique considerations.
What is it that you like or dislike about your smile or your
teeth? Some aspects of your smile that your cosmetic dentist
will review with you and that could be improved with a smile
makeover include the following:
Tooth Color: Silver or amalgam dental fillings
can be replaced with natural, tooth-colored composite restorations,
while teeth whitening can improve the color of stained or
dulled teeth. Tooth color and shading are important considerations
during the evaluation of and preparation for various procedures,
including porcelain veneers, crowns, bridges, composite bonding
and dental implants.
When considering the color of your teeth, keep in mind that
dark or discolored teeth may suggest an aged mouth. A well-shaped
smile comprised of bright, white teeth lends to a youthful
appearance. The shade your dentist selects for teeth whitening
and veneers is carefully evaluated with special consideration
given to the tone and color of your face and hair. Cosmetic
dentists are skilled at finding the right balance between
providing you with a brighter, whiter smile and maintaining
a natural tooth color.
Alignment and Spacing: Teeth that are crooked,
overlapping or have gaps between them can be straightened
and aligned when necessary through orthodontics or Invisalign
and improved with veneers.
Missing Teeth: One or more missing teeth
can negatively affect the appearance of your smile — as well
as affect your bite and increase your risk for tooth decay
— making replacement an integral part of oral health and facial
esthetics. Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants,
bridges or partial dentures.
Harmony and Balance: Uneven, chipped and
cracked teeth can be cosmetically bonded for an improved appearance,
and a gummy smile can be re-contoured to help improve the
overall look of the smile.
Fuller Lips, Smile and Cheeks: An unshapely
or aging face can be improved or rejuvenated with certain
procedures in the smile makeover category, including orthodontics
and/or oral maxillofacial surgery.
Our cosmetic dentist will work closely with you to develop
a treatment plan designed to achieve exactly what you want
from your makeover. This treatment plan may consist of many
cosmetic and functionally restorative procedures, potentially
including teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers, dental
crowns, orthodontics (braces), oral maxillofacial surgery
and gummy smile reduction.
Esthetic Components of a Smile Makeover
In addition to the color, alignment and balance of your teeth
in the esthetic zone of your smile (the section of upper and
lower teeth that show when you smile), there are several attributes
of your teeth and smile that your cosmetic dentist will evaluate
with you when planning your smile makeover. These include:
Tooth Length: Long teeth lend a youthful
appearance. Aging produces wear and tear that often results
in shorter teeth, and a gummy smile also can make teeth appear
shorter. A smile makeover treatment for shorter teeth may
include reshaping and lengthening the two front central teeth
with composite bonding or porcelain veneers. If you have a
gummy smile, your cosmetic dentist may provide treatment to
modify the gum line and lengthen the appearance of the teeth
using laser dentistry procedures. You may also be referred
to a periodontist for crown lengthening if necessary.
Teeth lengthening may also impact your overall facial appearance.
For example, shapely, long, square teeth on a round-faced
individual can provide a slimming effect.
Smile Line: The smile line is an imaginary
line that follows the edges of your upper teeth from side
to side, which ideally should be the same as the curve of
your lower lip when you smile. This standard point of reference
for smile makeovers may be used to help determine how long
your new teeth should be.
Tooth Proportions: Your cosmetic dentist
will examine your teeth to determine if they are in correct
proportion with each other. Most 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 esthetic
zone so that the smile line appears balanced.
Tooth Texture and Characterization: Cosmetic
dentists performing smile makeovers are adept at blending
functionality and esthetics. An artistic dentist can characterize
your crowns or veneers to create a more feminine or a more
masculine appearance, in addition to matching the look and
feel of natural teeth or those you’ve seen in photographs.
The Life of Your Smile Makeover
Cosmetic dentistry procedures require regular oral hygiene
care and may require maintenance over time. For example, teeth
whitening must be repeated on occasion in order to maintain
brightness. Porcelain veneers may chip or break off and need
replacement. Permanent composite bonding may stain and require
enhancement or replacement. Dental crowns typically require
replacement after 10 to 15 years. Gummy smile improvements
may also require enhancement over time.
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