Are you considering a smile makeover but aren’t sure what to expect? The best way to know what you can expect from a smile makeover is to schedule a personal consultation with one of the cosmetic dentists in Naples, FL. Our cosmetic dentists will design a custom treatment plan for you and explain exactly how your procedure will go.
However, if you’re not ready to schedule a consultation, this article will provide a good general education on the procedure so you can confidently take the next step.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a custom cosmetic dentistry procedure that helps you achieve the attractive smile you desire. The exact goals for your smile makeover are up to you. Some common goals for a smile makeover include:
- Achieving a beautiful smile
- Getting a “normal” smile
- Restoring a youthful smile
Many people want a smile makeover to get the smile of their dreams. They want a smile that will get attention and turn heads. Looking beautiful is almost a way of life in southern Florida, and your smile is an essential part of that.
Other people have more modest goals with a smile makeover. If you are self-conscious about your smile, you might be focused on eliminating unattractive features that make you reluctant to smile. After years of being afraid people would notice your teeth, you might be happy to achieve a natural-looking smile that doesn’t attract special attention.
Other people used to have smiles they loved, but time and circumstances have damaged their teeth, so they want to get back the smile of their youth.
Comparing a Smile Makeover to a Full Mouth Reconstruction
In addition to smile makeovers, we offer full mouth reconstruction at the Massa Dental Center. People can sometimes need clarification on these procedures. Both procedures are custom combinations of dental procedures. Both procedures will help you achieve an attractive, healthy smile. So what’s the difference?
A smile makeover is largely focused on cosmetic improvements of your teeth. On the other hand, a full mouth reconstruction is focused on functional improvements of your teeth. However, since the appearance and function of your teeth are closely related, the difference between the procedures is often a matter of degree rather than a well-defined line.
How Much Your Smile Can Change with a Makeover
Your smile makeover can completely change your smile. Some of the common changes that people want are:
- Brightening discolored teeth
- Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Straightening crooked or crowded teeth
- Reshaping small, worn, or poorly shaped teeth
- Replacing missing teeth
Modern cosmetic dentistry gives us multiple ways to achieve each of these goals. Here are some tools we might use to achieve your smile makeover goals.
Teeth Whitening
Used for: Discolored Teeth
Teeth whitening chemically brighten discolored teeth. It breaks down stains on the surface of your teeth, so it’s great to brighten teeth discolored by food and drinks, but it’s not effective if your teeth are discolored from within.
Dental Bonding
Used for: Repairing and Reshaping Teeth, Closing Gaps
Dental bonding is a combination of plastic and ceramic that our cosmetic dentists can use to repair and reshape your teeth. We can also use it to close gaps in your smile by enlarging the teeth on either side of the gap. This procedure is quick–we can often complete it in one visit–and inexpensive, but the results are not long-lasting.
Dental Veneers
Used for: Repairing and Reshaping Teeth, Closing Gaps, Brightening Discolored Teeth
Dental veneers are advanced ceramic restorations that give your teeth an entirely new visible surface. They can do everything that dental bonding does, as well as brighten your smile. Plus, dental veneers are durable and long-lasting: most last more than ten years.
Invisalign
Used for: Straightening Teeth, Closing Gaps in Smile
Invisalign is an orthodontic approach that uses clear plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. It helps with crooked teeth, crowded teeth, and gaps in your smile.
Dental Implants
Used for: Replacing Missing Teeth
Dental implants replace missing teeth with an artificial structure that looks and functions like a natural tooth. Implants can replace any number of teeth, from one missing tooth to a full mouth.
How Long Your Smile Makeover Will Take
How long your smile makeover takes depends on the tools we use to achieve your goals. Some procedures, like teeth whitening and dental bonding, only take one visit. Other procedures, like dental veneers, take multiple visits but can be completed in about a month. Invisalign, like other orthodontic procedures, typically takes six months to a year. If you’ve had orthodontics in the past and just want a touch-up, this might take just a few weeks.
Dental implants are the most variable procedure. If you have good oral health, it might take just a month to get your new smile. If you have oral health challenges, it might take up to a year.
Let us know if you need your smile makeover results by a specific date. We can recommend procedures that can achieve the results you want in the time you have.
How Much Does a Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
The cost of a smile makeover also depends on the procedures you choose. Teeth whitening and dental bonding are relatively inexpensive. Dental veneers and implants are relatively expensive. Invisalign is in between.
Before we start your smile makeover, you’ll get a comprehensive estimate of your costs so you can decide whether a smile makeover fits your budget. If cost is a concern, let us know. We can recommend less expensive services and/or space-out treatments so that it’s easier to fit them into your budget.
How Long Will Smile Makeover Results Last?
The longevity of your smile makeover results depends on the procedures you choose and how well you maintain them.
Dental bonding doesn’t last as long as other treatments, perhaps just a few years. Dental veneers last much longer, typically 10-15 years.
Properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime (50+ years); though the restorations atop them might last 10-15 years, some high-quality restorations last 30 years and more.
Teeth whitening results can fade in a few weeks, but they are renewable, so you can maintain them as long as your teeth don’t discolor for other reasons. Invisalign results can last a lifetime if you keep wearing your retainer as instructed.
Ready for a Smile Makeover?
Now that you have a better idea of what you can expect from a smile makeover, are you prepared to talk to one of our cosmetic dentists about what your smile makeover will be like?
Please call (239) 597-7333 or use our online form today to schedule an appointment with one of our cosmetic dentists in Naples, FL.
