A smile characterizes the face presenting a beautiful and healthy-looking exterior. The importance of a good smile is something that should be treasured and enhanced through any means possible.
A smile makeover consists of a series of dental procedures that seek to restore, enhance and address imperfections and structural dental imperfections resulting in a great cosmetic appearance. This makeover seeks to reaffirm individual aesthetic appearance by providing a chance for restructuring.
Who is a good candidate for a smile makeover?
Several people might not like the appearance of the teeth due to certain reasons. The premature destruction of the teeth due to diet and corrosion may leave the teeth looking dull. With over 70% of individuals seeking cosmetic dentistry, smile makeover seeks to restore the teeth to a perfect presentation if the teeth have the following imperfections:
- Alignment and spacing
Teeth that are not properly aligned and have spacing in between can hugely benefit from a smile makeover. Overlapping teeth can also be treated through an Invisalign treatment or veneer placement.
- Imbalanced teeth
Teeth that are crooked chipped, or cracked can be restored in a smile makeover, completely changing the overall outlook. This restoration will significantly change the smile and add confidence to the individual.
- Missing teeth
A tooth or two will likely fall out of place throughout life’s trajectory. This shouldn’t be a concern with a smile makeover, as missing teeth can be replaced by installing veneers, implants, or partial dentures. Replacing missing teeth helps prevents tooth and gum decay.
What to expect
Before a smile makeover procedure, the cosmetic dentist will assess your teeth structure to identify areas that need restructuring. This treatment plan will take into consideration individual wants and needs, and the dentist will advise on the likely ways to proceed.
For complex procedures, a medical or dental history will be required to make sure that all due processes are followed. This helps in identifying underlying dental conditions that may need to be addressed before the smile makeover.
The dentist will afterward come up with a customized treatment plan which will consist of structural and functional procedures that seek to improve the overall teeth and smile appearance.
During the smile makeover, the cosmetic dentist will take into account your face structure and the shape of your teeth to structure the dental procedure well to suit your aesthetic.
Treatment options
Various treatment processes constitute a smile makeover:
- Invisalign
These are clear invisible plastic braces that seek to correct misaligned teeth. These trays are discrete and not outwardly visible, getting the job done without the discomfort and visibility of traditional metallic braces. Invisalign treatments gradually straighten the teeth providing a uniform and healthy appearance.
- Porcelain veneers
These are translucent porcelain shells that are placed on the teeth to transform their appearance. Porcelain veneers take on the natural shape of the teeth and conceal stains and imperfections on the tooth’s surface.
- Teeth whitening
Discolored and stained teeth from diet and aging hugely benefit from teeth whitening procedures. The procedure is painless and effective in making the teeth up to eight times whiter. This significantly improves the face resulting in a brighter healthy-looking and polished aesthetic.
Benefits of a smile makeover
Numerous benefits come with a smile makeover:
- Confidence
It is no secret that the smile is one of the precursors for a confident stance. Being comfortable and happy with your smile and teeth features goes a long way in boosting your confidence and assurity. A good smile will break social tension and encourage a seamless social interaction with others.
- Create a memorable first impression
Be it during a business meeting or a personal date, a good smile will create a memorable first impression. Human beings are very visual and therefore a smile makeover will make you get noticed with the right crowds.
- Fix dental issues
The various implications of dental issues such as overlapping of teeth, misaligned teeth, or crowding can cause detrimental effects on dental health. For instance, overlapping or crowded teeth make it difficult to clean the teeth leading to the formation of plaque to build up which consequently leads to tooth decay. Misaligned teeth may create tension on the teeth and gums when biting, eventually haring the tissues and gums. These dental issues if left for long periods can lead to chronic health conditions that cause adverse effects on individual health.
- Overall face improvement
The power of a smile should never be underestimated. A fuller smile instantly changes the overall shape and outlook of the face, transforming the individual into a healthier and younger-looking person. A smile mirrors the interior, and having one radiating and beaming will change the individual’s attitude and add zeal to live.
- Health benefits of smiling
Believe it or not, there are health benefits of smiling. Smiling is good for your mental and emotional health as it releases happy hormones through the release of neuropeptides which release positive vibrations through the body.
Maintaining healthy teeth
After a smile makeover, it is vital to maintain healthy teeth to avoid further damage. Cosmetic dentistry requires maintenance to ensure that the teeth do not go back to the previous state. Proper oral hygiene and care will be required to ensure the teeth treatment processes are kept in place. For instance, porcelain veneers require replacement after a few years while teeth whitening requires touch-ups after a while to maintain the brightness levels.
It is also advisable to seek a professional and certified cosmetic dentist to ensure quality services and aftercare treatments. A credible cosmetic dentist will use the best products on the teeth which offer longevity and service by the time they need replacement.
Maintaining healthy practices such as regular flossing helps in removing plaque and debris from the teeth. Flossing also increases the lifespan of tooth restorations. Using non-abrasive kinds of toothpaste that do not corrode the teeth restorations is also advised. It is best to get a prescription for the products that will not affect your smile makeover restorations.
A healthy diet that contains foods that do not stain or cause cavities is also recommended.
