What is a smile makeover and is it right for me?
A smile makeover can transform your smile from dull to dazzling and gap-filled or gummy to gorgeous. Using an array of advanced procedures, a cosmetic dentist can fix misaligned, stained or chipped teeth, re-contour gums and give your smile a balanced look that will give you plenty of reasons to flash your pearly whites.
Chipped, cracked, crooked or stained teeth can be repaired using dental veneers. The thin shells of ceramic, porcelain or composite bonding material are applied to the front surface of the teeth and can dramatically alter their appearance. Veneers are a natural-looking, comfortable and secure, resist abrasion and can even improve periodontal health by protecting your teeth from plaque accumulation.
Missing teeth can be replaced by dental implants and crowns that feel, function and look just like natural teeth. During this phase of a smile makeover, the cosmetic dentist inserts a small titanium post into the missing tooth’s bone socket. Once the implant has healed, a connector post is placed into the original post. A new tooth is made using impressions of the patient’s teeth, which is then attached to the connector post. The result is a permanent new tooth that can make your smile complete.
Professional teeth whitening can lead to a substantial improvement in your smile’s whiteness and brightness. The whitening process restores the teeth’s surface color by removing the debris and dirt that becomes trapped in cracks in the teeth’s enamel. A cosmetic dentist can restore lackluster teeth to their original shade using peroxide gel, and the difference can be seen immediately.
A smile makeover may be the solution for you if you are reluctant to smile due to crooked, stained, chipped or misaligned teeth. Improving your teeth can not only enhance your appearance, it can also boost your self esteem and help you start smiling with confidence.
By Dr. Dan Kelliher