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SMILE MAKEOVER BASICS
What is a Smile Makeover
A beautiful smile brings instant confidence. It is also gives the appearance of good health, however not everyone is born with a perfect smile. For those who need a smile makeover, there is good news. The field of cosmetic dentistry has made significant advances and there are new technologies able to transform any smile from drab to fabulous. Knowing a bit about the procedures that are offered by cosmetic dentists will help ensure that you are prepared to make the best decisions regarding your smile’s transformation process.
Just as every person is different, everyone has different dental needs. Your transformation process will vary from the person sitting next to you in the dental office. Your first step in your smile makeover will be to schedule a consultation with a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dental procedures. Many people might feel that they know what procedures they’d like to have performed during their smile makeover, but the decisions come down to the cosmetic dentist’s experience and recommendations. The dentist will give you a complete exam that includes x-rays, if needed. The dentist will examine the condition of your teeth, your gums, your jaw line and facial structure as well as the positioning of your teeth when you bite. Through these observations, the dentist will recommend the best procedures for your smile makeover. It is important to discuss any questions that you have with the dentist during this time.
The dentist will discuss a number of different areas pertaining to your smile makeover with you. The first area will focus on the health of your teeth and gums. Issues such as cavities, root canals, extractions, or periodontal disease will need to be addressed first. These issues are not cosmetic in nature, but must be taken care of before cosmetic procedures begin. Your dentist will also discuss with you the option of having your fillings restored or replaced with substitutes that resemble the natural coloring of your tooth’s enamel. This is an important factor to take into consideration when thinking about tooth coloring procedures.
A healthy, bright smile gives the appearance of youthfulness. Brightening and whitening teeth is an important aspect of cosmetic dentistry and will play an important role in your smile makeover. Cosmetic dentists look at a number of different factors when it comes to tooth whitening. Natural hair and skin tones are often considered, as the color of the tooth enamel must complement these natural tones without appearing fake or harsh. The finished tooth color must not only be white but also appear natural. In addition to natural colored filings, tooth whitening procedures consist of veneers as well as bleaching procedures.
The next area that must be looked at is the spacing of your teeth. Fixing the spacing or alignment of teeth is a very important feature of smile makeovers. If any teeth are chipped or cracked they will need treatment. This could include veneers, crowns, or bridges. Missing teeth will be replaced with either partials or dentures. If the teeth are misaligned, your dentist might recommend treatment with Invisalign. Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that is often preferred by adults. It consists of a clear straightening piece that fits in your mouth and helps move the teeth into alignment. Invisalign is often referred to as invisible braces.
With all of the components that compose a smile makeover, it is important to thoroughly discuss your course of action with your dentist. You might require multiple procedures to achieve the look that you want and this should be discussed. Additionally, an area where consideration must be given is in regards to maintenance. Every smile makeover will require a certain amount of maintenance to keep the results. Ask your dentist how often the procedures will need to be repeated in order to keep the results of your smile makeover looking new.
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