Do you often feel as if your smile could use a little more tender, loving care? If so, then you’re not alone. Recent data suggests that an estimated 60% of people are unhappy with the appearance of their smiles, especially in pictures.
But, a lackluster smile isn’t just embarrassing – it can be unhealthy, too. Luckily, you can address aesthetic and functional issues with a Smile Makeover. This comprehensive procedure combines cosmetic and restorative dental treatments to improve the appearance and function of dull, damaged, or incomplete smiles.
If you’re interested in revamping your entire grin, then keep reading. In this post, we tell you what steps are involved in a Smile Makeover. From start to finish, we give you all of the information that you need to know before getting an Instagram-worthy smile.
Getting Started – The Consultation Process
Getting started requires some research and planning. Let’s go over some factors to consider before scheduling a consultation.
What do you want to address?
Dentists can combine numerous treatments for dramatic results. So, assess which issues you want to address, such as:
- Cavities
- Gum disease
- Dental damage, like chips or cracks
- Large gaps between the teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Alignment and spacing issues
- Excess gum tissue
- Tooth loss
Before scheduling a consultation, be sure that your chosen dentist offers treatments for the issues that you want to address. If they do not, then it may be worth exploring other dentists that offer a wider range of treatments.
What is your budget?
While it is possible to address all of the issues listed above, it may be unaffordable for some patients. However, there are several low-cost alternatives to more costly procedures. For example, if dental veneers are too pricey, then dental bonding may be a cost-effective alternative.
Establishing your budget before seeking treatment allows you to choose treatments that won’t break the bank. Just make sure that you tell your dentist how much you are willing to spend before discussing possible treatments.
What is your timeline?
It may take a while to complete the entire Smile Makeover process. So, if you want to upgrade your smile quickly, then you may want to consider less complicated treatments.
For example, if you want to address tooth loss, then your options may include dental implants or traditional dental bridges. But, dental implants may take months to heal before a dentist can complete them with a tooth-shaped restoration. Subsequently, a traditional dental bridge may be a time-effective alternative to dental implants for patients who want to address tooth loss quickly.
Schedule Your Consultation
After assessing your goals, budget, and timeline, then the next step is to schedule a consultation with your preferred dentist.
An in-depth consultation allows you and your dentist to strategize your treatments for optimal results. Your provider may also suggest some preparatory procedures (like dental bone grafting or cavity removal) before beginning cosmetic and restorative treatments.
Beginning Your Smile Makeover – The Treatment Process
Once you and your dentist strategize your Smile Makeover treatments for high-impact results, then it’s time to get started.
Your dentist may start with more complicated procedures first, such as:
- Tooth extractions or root canals
- Dental implants
- Dental restorations, like partials or bridges
- Orthodontia, like Invisalign® or braces
After tackling more challenging treatments, then it’s time to move on to less complicated procedures, such as:
- Dental veneers
- Dental bonding
- Tooth and gum contouring
- Teeth whitening
How long does it take to get a Smile Makeover?
Smile Makeovers are unique to each patient. This means that timelines for desired results are highly variable among patient demographics.
Depending on your goals, you may be able to revamp your smile in a matter of weeks, months, or years. Talk to our dental team to get an idea of the expected timelines for your anticipated treatments.
Enjoying Your New Smile – The Recovery Process and Aftercare
Many Smile Makeover treatments require a recovery period. Here are a few ways to ensure a proper recovery following some Smile Makeover treatments:
- Keep pain and swelling at bay with over-the-counter painkillers, like ibuprofen or naproxen
- Avoid alcohol
- Stop using tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco products
- Avoid straws
- Avoid overly hot, spicy, and acidic foods
- Gently conduct daily oral hygiene, like once-daily flossing and twice-daily brushing
After the recovery process, caring for your new smile is key. Here are a few ways to keep your newly upgraded smile looking and feeling its best:
- Prioritize oral hygiene
- Don’t use the teeth as tools (like to open packaging or trim fingernails)
- Protect teeth from bruxism and external trauma with a mouthguard
- Limit added sugar in your diet
- Limit alcohol consumption and tobacco use
- Drink plenty of water
- Visit our dentist twice a year for routine exams and cleanings
Get the Healthy, Beautiful Smile that You Deserve
A Smile Makeover can give you a smile as beautiful as it is healthy. If you’re ready to get a picture-perfect grin, then schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team today!