Do You Need a Smile Makeover or Full Mouth Reconstruction?

by | Jan 18, 2023

The look of your teeth has a big impact on the way you feel about yourself and that’s why you may be considering a smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction. We’re going to take a look at what each of these procedures includes to assist you in deciding which is the right course for you.

WHAT IS A SMILE MAKEOVER?

The specific process of a smile makeover will vary from one person to the next because your smile is different from anyone else’s. There are several different procedures that you may want to choose from (or combine) to create the smile you want.

Porcelain Veneers – These are exactly what they sound like, a layer of porcelain that is adhered to the front of individual teeth to give a more uniform and beautiful look. These veneers can last up to 15 years, are thin and comfortable, require the same care as your regular teeth, and don’t require an extreme process to complete. They’re great for those who have great structure to their teeth but have misalignment problems, staining, or crowding.

Teeth Whitening – If you have good, strong teeth but they’re starting to show some staining then teeth whitening might be the best option. It will give you quick results in a short amount of time (often as little as an hour). From there, your results could last several weeks and touch ups can even be done directly at home. This is great for those who have good quality teeth and want to improve the way that they look to match their overall health and structure.

Cosmetic Bonding – This method is a slightly less ‘pretty’ option than porcelain veneers. While it does create a better look than what you may have, it’s not quite as high end as porcelain. With this method you’ll still get a coating over the top of the teeth that gives you the white surface you’re looking for. But this method only lasts up to 10 years. This is great for those who have great structure but still suffer from misalignment, staining, or crowding of the teeth.

Invisalign – Straightening your teeth as a child often means braces, with regular appointments to an orthodontist, and of course the uncomfortableness of them. But Invisalign is slightly different. It’s a clear device that gradually moves your teeth exactly where they need to be to give you the best smile possible. No one really notices you’re wearing them and you get all the freedom of someone without braces. This is great for those who want to straighten their teeth but don’t want conventional braces and everything that goes along with them.

Dental Implants – If your teeth need a lot of help implants may be the way to go. In this process the teeth will be pulled first and then fake teeth are inserted instead. This process reduces the risk that you’ll have even more problems with your teeth but might also improve stability. This is great for those who have poor quality teeth but want to have a beautiful smile.

Gum Contouring – The final part of this process is gum contouring, which can reduce the look of too much ‘gum’ alongside your teeth. The gums might appear significantly larger than the teeth in this kind of scenario. With gum contouring you can remove part of the gum (cutting down on its appearance). This will help make the teeth look more proportional and is great for those who have gums that are pulling back from the tooth and therefore allowing more food particles.

WHAT IS FULL MOUTH RECONSTRUCTION?

Full mouth reconstruction is exactly what you would think of when you hear the phrase. You will ultimately have an entirely different looking mouth and smile when you are finished. But there can be several stages to this process and it’s important to follow through with each of them.

Fillings and Crowns – When it comes to changing the look of your mouth and your smile, fillings and crowns are an excellent place to start because they help improve the health of your teeth. These processes will help you to stop the damage that is happening to your teeth so you can move forward with the look you want.

Inlays and Onlays – These are used in a similar way to fillings and crowns but in very specific situations. They are generally used if you have a large filling but don’t want or can’t get a full crown. They work very well for chewing surfaces and are a good alternative option.

Full or Partial Dentures – Dentures are a great option if you are missing teeth in any area of your mouth. If you have smaller sections of teeth missing partial dentures are a good option. Otherwise you can get full dentures. With either of these you’ll need to be careful about eating and engaging in normal activities as they can move around. But they will give you a great look and a big improvement over missing teeth.

Dental Implants – If you want a permanent solution that gives you brand new teeth that can do everything your old teeth could do then dental implants are the way to go. These implants will be fused directly into the jaw so they are permanent and durable. These can be used for smaller numbers of teeth or your whole mouth.

Orthodontics – If your current teeth are in good shape but need a little assistance then you could use orthodontics to do exactly that. This can help move teeth into the right positions to get a great smile.

WHAT TO DO

If you’re looking for a way to improve your smile or if you need reconstructive work make sure you contact Dr. Reshma J. Patel and the Dynamic Smile Design Team. Our team can help you get the smile you want in as short a time as possible, so you can get back to enjoying your life. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!