1. Introduction
A smile makeover is the means of improving one’s smile through changes in the appearance of teeth and smile. Smile makeover is the process of improving the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, composite bonding, dental implants, and some form of teeth whitening. Smile makeover is the improvement of one’s smile. This is mostly for the reason of appearance. However, improving the smile can also have the benefit of improving the health of a patient’s mouth and even preventing serious health problems in the future. Smile makeovers are designed for the patient and what they wish to accomplish. Many things are taken into consideration such as facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, teeth (color, width, length, shape, and tooth display), gum tissue, and lips. It is important for your cosmetic dentist to take into consideration each of these factors as it is crucial to be satisfied with the results. The dentist will do an extensive evaluation of your teeth and mouth in general; this may also include x-rays and impressions as well as photographs in order to improve the smile. This allows the dentist to also identify any current problems, and a complete treatment plan can be formulated to correct any functional or health problems and at the same time improve the aesthetics of your smile. This exam is essential to ensure good health as undiagnosed oral health issues can have very detrimental effects in future years. A great example of this would be periodontal disease, which is the number one cause of tooth loss in adults and has also been linked to heart disease and stroke.
1.1 What are smile makeovers?
A smile makeover is the process of improving the appearance of the smile. With the use of the latest techniques and technology, it is now possible to have a sparkling smile in a short period of time. A beautiful smile is not only pleasing to the eye, it can also boost a person’s confidence and self-esteem. A smile makeover can correct a wide range of problems, it may be as simple as lightening the shade of your teeth, or a complete smile rejuvenation. Treatment options include veneers to cover the front surface of the teeth, crowns, bridges, dental implants and white fillings. Orthodontics, invisible braces, inman aligners and clearstep can straighten misaligned teeth and jaw problems. Gum treatment can be performed if there are gum problems and teeth can be replaced with dentures. Full mouth reconstruction can restore severely worn teeth or those with an uneven bite. Step one is to identify what you don’t like about your smile, a dentist can then give you options on how to improve these problem areas, together you can then develop a treatment plan that suits you. The focus of the smile makeover is to address aesthetic problems, it is different to general dentistry which is aimed at maintaining healthy teeth and identifying oral problems. As the technology for aesthetic treatment advances, it is becoming increasingly possible to solve these problems in a quick and cost-effective manner. A smile makeover is now widely available and there are many qualified dentists that specialize in different areas of treatment. There is also a vast amount of information on the treatments available, and the price of the treatments is becoming more affordable for the general public. With the aesthetic nature of the treatment, procedures are usually painless and anesthetic is seldom required.
1.2 Importance of smile makeovers
A study titled “Impact of dental appearance on social perceptions” as cited by Inglehart et al. investigated the perception of people’s social attributes depending on the appearance of their smile. Photos were taken of subjects both before and after cosmetic dental work. Another group of people were then shown only the before or after photo of one subject and asked to rate that individual’s characteristics. They found that the subjects’ photos after getting cosmetic work were rated more positively in various categories. These included being judged more content, more interesting, more intelligent, and generally more attractive. This study provides some scientific backing to the commonly known anecdote that an improved smile can have a positive effect on various aspects in someone’s life.
A survey performed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked what people wanted to improve upon their smile. The common response was “whiter and brighter teeth.” Straighter teeth were also a frequent reply. From this information, it can be inferred that people at some level associate an improved smile with an improved appearance. This improvement in appearance can have a positive effect on an individual’s self-esteem, which is consistently linked to many positive social and career outcomes. These can include better first impressions, enhanced perception at work, and a greater likelihood of success in relationships.
Smile makeover is the process of improving the appearance of the smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as dental veneers, composite bonding, tooth implants, and teeth whitening. This is usually done to enhance the overall appearance of the smile. An aesthetically pleasing smile can have several positive effects on an individual’s self-confidence, esteem, interpersonal relationships, and professional success.
2. Before and After Results
A picture is worth a thousand words – it’s been said that this adage is especially true in the case of before and after smile makeover results. Let’s consider a fictional patient we’ll call Mary. Mary was unhappy with the alignment and spacing of her teeth, which also showed signs of wear. She wanted to know what could be done, so she investigated and found a cosmetic dentist who recommended a clear orthodontic aligner and some lower and upper dental bonding. The orthodontic treatment took about one year and involved a total of 12 aligners. The bonding required one two-hour visit. The dentist explained that modern orthodontics could give her a great result using a clear aligner. Mary was still skeptical, but agreed to go ahead. She was also not sure what bonding involved. When Mary finally saw the result of her orthodontic treatment, she was thrilled. She couldn’t believe the changes that took place without metal braces. Bonding nearly blew her away. The conservative use of bonding to lengthen and reshape Mary’s worn teeth was able to achieve the look she desired, and the free consultation simulation was so close to the final result, that it turned out to be a very powerful case analysis tool. Curious, Mary asked the dentist if there were before and after pictures of cases similar to hers. The dentist showed her several cases from his own gallery. Mary was excited to see the clear aligner and bonding case displayed, as well as the final result. This was the confidence booster Mary needed.
2.1 Real-life examples
Tom had been a regular patient at Dev’s surgery and wanted to change his misaligned discolored upper front teeth. After discussing the treatment options, which were mainly orthodontic work to straighten the teeth or composite veneers, Tom opted for composite veneers. He could not believe the difference a few simple fillings could make to his teeth and felt Dev had given him a great deal.
Chloe always wanted white teeth and was tired of having old silver fillings in her teeth. She had seen on the internet about different types of treatments that were available. After a consultation with her dentist to discuss the possibilities of different treatments, Chloe decided to go ahead with a smile makeover with tooth whitening and replacing her silver fillings with tooth-colored fillings. Chloe was delighted with the results and felt it was far less painful than she had expected. Unfortunately, there were no digital before photos, and Chloe was over the moon with her after photos that she found she no longer needed the treatment.
2.2 Transformations through smile makeovers
The changes to your smile might be restricted to the elimination of silver fillings or improvement of a chipped tooth. Simple changes can have a dramatic effect. It can then be expanded to a more comprehensive plan. A recent trend in marketing is the promotion of smiles as seen in Hollywood or in fashion magazines. People desire a more “celebrity” smile. The makeover will address issues such as the color of your teeth, alignment and spacing, and will be a thorough analysis of how these components relate to one another. In order to achieve a certain look, the dentist may refer to the changes as a “smile lift”. This would imply an alteration of the vertical dimension of your face as the teeth are repositioned relative to the length of the face. This can be a complex series of changes which may involve other dental specialists. An orthodontist may be consulted to move the teeth with braces. Periodontal specialists may be consulted to consider the condition of the gums and underlying bone. In this case, the patient may be unclear on specifics of how these changes would be done and it can be visually communicated through a series of x-rays and photographs.
The cosmetic dentist will be able to discuss with you what changes you would like to see. Restoring your smile to a more youthful appearance can be a life-changing experience. Bringing a photograph of yourself when you were more youthful will help the dentist understand your final objectives. Decisions can regularly be made regarding which aspects of the makeover should be done first and what can be left for a later date.
Smile makeovers are designed to eliminate embarrassment about your smile and to produce positive changes that you can enjoy for the rest of your life. With modern technology and experienced dentists, you will be able to preview the changes to your smile before the work is done. Using the principles of smile design, a new smile can be seen in a photograph or in a study model. This is a powerful communication tool that allows you to see how the work will affect your overall appearance. If you are part of the 50% of North Americans who are unhappy with their smile, then finding out what can be done to make changes will be an important and beneficial exercise.
More than 92% of adults agree that an attractive smile is an important social asset. Nearly 88% said they always remember someone with an especially attractive smile. 85% agree that an unattractive smile makes a person less appealing to people of the opposite sex.
Smile makeovers can take years off of your appearance, make positive changes to your teeth, and build confidence. Your smile is an important part of the impression you leave on others. A warm and confident smile will put others at ease and may open doors to new opportunities. It also signifies youth and vitality. According to an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey:
2.3 Benefits of before and after results
It is no secret that we live in a very visual world. With the TV, media, and books to magazines, and internet logs, we are constantly bombarded with images of individuals and their lives. Now, more than ever, appearances are extremely important. Perhaps this is why so many people are choosing to get smile makeovers. The benefits of the before and after results are numerous and varied. A person who is considering a smile makeover can actually see what his or her smile will look like in the end. He or she can also see what the various procedures will do to improve the smile. This whole process can be very motivating and often a person will realize the importance of fixing their smile upon seeing the potential results. These images can also serve as a tool of communication between patient and dentist. A person will have a visual example to express what they hope to achieve.
3. Choosing the Right Smile Makeover
Dental professionals have come to realize that being accountable to patients means being a partner in their treatment program. It involves knowing the patient’s expectations and desires. This process can be time-consuming and requires many appointments. The dental professionals possess a capability that patients do not. They have the expertise and knowledge to design and create a treatment program. Patients must remember prevention, e.g. regular check-ups and cleanings are key to maintaining their oral health. Step one in smile makeover decision-making involves the patient. This is not the time where the dental professional tells the patient what they need. Instead, it is a time where the patient informs the dental professional what they want. A two-way conversation is the best way for the patient to communicate their needs and it is the method that places the essential element of responsibility on the patient for themselves. This is then followed by Step two – the dental professional takes the wants and needs of the patient and translates that to clinical diagnosis and treatment program. This is performed at a consultation appointment and is the most critical and yet most often neglected step in a treatment program. (Step one) The patient must remember that prevention is the key to maintaining their oral health. A good, healthy mouth is a prerequisite to any treatment program.
3.1 Understanding your goals
When a patient comes in for a consultation after reading about smile design, I like to ask, why have you come in now and what is it that you want to change about your smile? Some have always known their smile could be better and this has just recently come to the top of their priority list, some have just learned from their dentist that there are options to improve their smile which they never knew existed, some will be experiencing a life change such as a wedding or a new job and for some it might just be that they have finally decided that they deserve to look better and feel more confident. Whatever your reasons for seeking a better smile, it is important to be able to articulate your desires so that you can effectively communicate that to your dentist. Often the difference between a good result and a great result is in the details. A great dentist will encourage you to share your thoughts about your smile and will want to know what specifically it is that you like and don’t like. I have found that asking patients to bring in a photo of themselves with a smile they have had in the past that they really liked is very helpful. A picture is worth a thousand words and is a great starting point for discussion.
3.2 Consulting with a professional
Step is the initial preparation. In this step, we must share information with our dentist. Information sharing includes your requirement, i.e. the kind of change you are expecting in your smile and the type of result. Your dentist should convey a clear picture about what your problem is and what could be the possible solution for it. Smile analysis and
Before starting the treatment of the smile makeover, you must involve your active participation in the planning of the treatment. Explaining to your dentist the type of result you are expecting is very important. Together with this, you can also analyze your dental condition and whether the suggested remedy is accurate or not. Consulting with a professional will always help you make a right decision for it. These procedures are mostly irreversible, so while planning for it, every possible alternative must be considered. Effective care plans might require treatments over several sessions. Make sure you are comfortable with the duration and frequency of treatment sessions. It hasn’t really guaranteed dramatic results before the treatment. Gather information and admit those treatment plans which seem plausible. Take a positive approach and expect favorable results. A pleasant experience, improvements to dental health, and a dramatic increase in self-esteem are some of the plausible results related to smile makeover. And that they can really give inner satisfaction to you. Always remember that every dentist might have different opinions. With a view to try to correct your dental problems, you might be suggested different treatment plans by different dentists. Always try to explore and understand those treatment options.
3.3 Considering different treatment options
For those exploring the various dental treatment options to rectify their dental problems, some dentists may suggest a comprehensive evaluation. This is a set of diagnostic procedures, often accompanied by a consultation that ranges from $300-$900. During this appointment, a set of intraoral and extraoral photographs is taken. Depending on the case, the dentist may also take impressions of the patients’ upper and lower teeth and obtain a panoramic x-ray. All of this information is used to create a full diagnosis which will help to determine the most appropriate treatment. This is very useful for patients and their referring dentists as it includes a comprehensive treatment plan. The plan is used to inform and guide the patient throughout the course of treatment and they often are able to leave a copy of the treatment plan. This can be taken to their referring dentist or physician for their records. This is especially useful when smile makeover treatment is a combined effort between the prosthodontist and other dental specialists or physicians. Usually a prosthodontist, sometimes with the aid of their dental team, must thoroughly present the treatment plan to the patient. This may require a few different appointments to properly educate the patient on the benefits and any potential risks of the proposed treatment. The specific informed consent on the treatment plan is needed from the patient prior to the commencement of any treatment.
3.4 Budgeting for your smile makeover
With a variety of different treatment options and the improved expectations of patients since the early desires for cosmetic treatments, affordability is quite feasible. It is understood that the high costs usually supply higher quality and there is no price on a beautiful smile, but there are long-term successful results for every budget and financing options are available. A patient should first prioritize the different desired improvements in their smile and understand that they can be done through various methods. It is then important to discuss with the dentist the different options available, the projected costs, and develop a long-term plan. A patient with a specific budget can space out treatments and accomplish the same goals as a patient with a higher budget. This can also prevent inadequate results and expenses from doing unnecessary or poorly planned treatments. Patients can research different treatment options and expected costs in order to get an idea prior to consulting with a dentist. The AACD has provided patients with a link to their mynewsmile.com website that features an abundance of information about various cosmetic treatments and referrals to dentists who are accredited members.
Given the nature and the numerous amount of cosmetic treatments available, the cost of treatment per patient can widely vary. According to the 2007 AACD Fee Survey, the national average cost of dental porcelain veneers is approximately $1,300 per tooth and can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 per tooth. Since veneers prevent tooth decay, they are considered a long-term investment but can be costly. Whitening is a more affordable and simpler treatment with the costs ranging, but according to the same survey, the national average is $650. The costs of crowns and bonding can widely vary as well, and while not as common, braces are also an alternative for various smile makeovers. While the costs of each treatment are generally known by the dentist, a patient may not get an exact quote and the projected costs in the long run can be very different. When understanding the costs and knowing that the desired improvements are long-lasting, it is crucial to discuss with the dentist about the different options available and develop a long-term plan. In the long run, the ultimate goal is to make the care affordable and accomplish the desired improvements in the smile.
Your smile is used daily and it is an emotional investment as much as a financial one. According to a survey conducted in 2007 by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), one of the main reasons people seek cosmetic dental treatment is to improve their physical attractiveness and self-esteem. The same survey reported that two-thirds of patients seeking cosmetic dentistry are female, with most patients in an older age group. The three most popular procedures people inquire about when considering cosmetic dental treatment are whitening, bonding, and veneers. Data from previous years, as well as the expectations and goals for the future, had led to the conclusion that these numbers will increase. With the increasingly large demand to improve smiles and the variety of treatment options available, the need for making the cosmetic treatments affordable has become even more important. In response to this, the AACD conducted a follow-up survey asking patients questions about the cost of cosmetic dental care and the expected and desired amount of improvement in their smile. The survey outcomes showed that the majority of patients wanted very much to slightly improve their smile, and for the quality of the treatments and the improvement to be long-lasting.
4. Maintaining Your New Smile
The Dental Guide states it’s important that you continue to look after your oral health to get the best from your smile. You should continue to brush your teeth for two minutes, twice a day, and floss in between visits to the hygienist. If you have had teeth whitening, you should avoid or limit food and drink that can stain your teeth, such as tea, coffee, and red wine. If you do choose to consume these, you should clean your teeth as soon as possible to prevent staining. Your dentist or hygienist is likely to provide you with a special maintenance program to ensure long-term results for your smile makeover. After all, you’ve invested time and money into your new smile, and you’ll want it to last as long as possible. A new smile won’t just make you look good, you will feel good too. People who feel good about their appearance are more likely to feel confident and self-assured. When you feel good, it shows! So, take a little time to ensure you look your best, and it could be a change that enhances your general well-being.
4.1 Oral hygiene practices
Home care includes brushing at least twice a day, and flossing. Certain brushing and flossing techniques may be advised by your dentist or hygienist in order to reach optimum cleanliness for your mouth. In some cases a special type of brush or implement may be recommended to you, depending on what areas require the most attention.
A popular practice to maintain cleanliness of the teeth is having a prophylactic dental cleaning. This is a clean performed by a dental hygienist to remove plaque that is above the gum line, and calculus (tartar) below the gum line. This is a great way to maintain clean teeth and to primarily maintain the health of the gums. Patients who have had extensive restorative work to their smile often have healthier mouths, as the work that has been done is easier to maintain than the previous natural dentition. This professional clean can also remove external stains on the teeth, which is important to many patients after a smile makeover, particularly if restorations to the front teeth have been made.
When it comes to oral hygiene, a smile makeover will mean nothing if you do not sustain a good standard of care for your teeth and gums. The clean feeling your teeth have after a visit to the dentist is something that can be maintained for longer periods with improved techniques in oral hygiene. Patients who have had a smile makeover often are more conscientious in taking care of their teeth, as they feel an investment has been made in their smile, and they are motivated to maintain it.
4.2 Regular dental check-ups
A dental check-up is therefore a thorough assessment of your current dental health. This will often include both verbal questioning of your current concerns/problems and an assessment of risks for future problems. For example, likelihood of tooth decay and presence of gum disease. The dentist will then proceed to examine the oral environment. Findings can then be methodically documented and a diagnosis made on the appropriate treatment, rendering any maintenance work more accurate and effective. An accurate record-keeping of your current dental health also provides a useful point of reference to compare status at subsequent check-ups and identify any changes in your oral environment.
In the case of cosmetic dentistry, it becomes even more pertinent to maintain good dental health since an unhealthy oral environment can slowly damage the cosmetic work. Generally, the main aims are to prevent tooth decay and to maintain the health of the surrounding gums to the teeth as both are paramount in preventing structural damage and hence maintaining the longevity of your dental work.
Given the overall investment – you, of your new look, more people are taking steps to ensure they adequately look after their investment in terms of health insurance and/or lifestyle. Proper dental hygiene must begin to take a higher priority. Dental problems can be very painful, debilitating in some cases and very costly to treat. The old adage prevention is the best cure holds very true for dentistry. The importance of regular dental check-ups and early intervention to prevent problems worsening cannot be overstated.
4.3 Lifestyle habits that can affect your smile
As mentioned earlier, good oral hygiene is paramount in looking after your new smile. The regular removal of plaque and food debris will prevent gum disease and tooth decay. By eliminating these problems, you will avoid the loss of further teeth. This would be an undesirable outcome after spending time and money on a smile makeover. Using the correct brushing techniques and cleaning between your teeth is important. Make sure you ask your dentist or dental hygienist about the best methods and tools to use. Continuing regular check-ups with your dentist or hygienist will ensure your teeth and gums stay clean and healthy. This will give them the opportunity to detect and treat any problem areas at an early stage. Failure to maintain good oral hygiene will result in certain failure. This can include the return of bad tooth discoloration and the increased likelihood of tooth decay and loss.
Your smile is important. It’s one of the first things you notice when you meet someone. A whiter, brighter smile is beautiful – it can help you feel better about yourself and make a memorable impression. Your lifestyle and the aging process can stain and darken your teeth. Many things can affect the colour of your teeth. Commonly, people drink coffee, tea, cola, and red wine. These drinks are known to stain teeth. People who smoke or chew tobacco will often experience discoloration of their teeth. The natural aging process will also cause your teeth to darken. Finally, some people may have experienced trauma which has resulted in discoloration. This is usually in the form of a grey, brown, or white mark on the tooth. A smile makeover can dramatically improve the look of your teeth and your overall appearance. This can have an impact on your self-confidence, self-esteem, and success in all aspects of your life. After completing your smile makeover, it is important to make sure you look after your new smile. Failure to do so will result in a less than perfect smile.
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