1. Introduction
The real treasure to be gained from feeling and looking your best is the positive changes that can occur in every aspect of one’s life. Many patients seeking cosmetic dental enhancement actually have no idea what they truly desire or how they can go about achieving a great smile to get them there. This is why you will find that “before and after smile photos” are a critical part of the decision-making process. They give patients the motivation and a definite goal to strive for.
The most attractive thing about a person is a healthy, vibrant smile. That’s why a smile makeover – improving the appearance of a smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures – is becoming more popular not only with celebrities, but with everyday people from all walks of life. At the very least, there’s no doubt that a smile makeover is a worthwhile investment – it’s an essential part of looking and feeling your best.
1.1. Importance of a Smile Makeover
Teeth also play a big part in speech. Different sounds are formed by the positioning of the tongue and various parts of the mouth in relation to the teeth. With our teeth, we are able to form and articulate words that can be used to express ourselves. Failure to enunciate words correctly due to poor teeth can hinder communication with others and affect confidence and self-esteem.
Have you ever experienced a toothache? The answer is almost certainly “yes”. We have all had a toothache at some point, and we know that it is no laughing matter. Let’s face it; teeth are important. The first and foremost function of teeth is to chew and mash food so that it is easily digestible for the body. Without teeth, the digestive system is put in jeopardy as the first set of digestive tools in the body (the teeth) have failed to properly prepare the food for digestion. The digestive system, in turn, provides fuel for the body. So now we see that teeth are a vital cog in the machine that is the human body. But it’s more than just the physiological importance of teeth. The importance of teeth works hand in hand with our appearance. How many times have you heard the phrase “You are what you eat”? This phrase is extremely profound as the materials that we consume (which are derived from the food) are utilized in the construction and rebuilding of both body and mind. The discovery of the importance of vitamins and minerals in the role of maintaining health has led to a boom in the food supplement industry and the use of enriched, prepared, and preserved foods. So it is vital that food is well processed for the sake of the body, and the final stage of food processing occurs at the mouth. This processing is best achieved by properly functioning teeth. Failure to chew food properly can lead to a host of digestive problems, some of which can be life-threatening.
– Hide your smile because you’re embarrassed about the way your teeth look? With the latest advances in cosmetic dentistry, there is no reason to live with an embarrassing smile. Today’s dentists have many tools and techniques to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. That’s good news for people who are self-conscious because they have a smile that is less than attractive. Time and again, I’ve seen a smile makeover improve a person’s self-esteem. People are amazed at the confidence they have when they no longer have to hide their smile. With newfound confidence, who knows what you can achieve?
A smile makeover can change the outlook of a person’s life. Someone who has been self-conscious and embarrassed about their teeth may find themselves hiding their smile with their hand or finding excuses not to smile in front of the cameras. A smile makeover with whiter, straighter, and more balanced teeth can dramatically upturn one’s self-esteem. A beautiful healthy smile can improve romance, the sense of well-being, and the strength of others. According to a study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a beautiful healthy smile can make you seem more intelligent, interesting, successful, and wealthy to others. A list of the top importance of having a smile makeover is:
1.2. Benefits of Before and After Transformations
In conclusion, a comprehensive set of before and after photos can enhance a patient’s education and lead to a more informed treatment decision. The photos have a value that exceeds their presence on the internet. These close-up facial photos portraying emotion and attitude provide an emotional experience for the viewer. This becomes the whereby the single most powerful tool for influencing a patient’s treatment decision.
Another benefit is that the patient will feel more inclined to take better care of their teeth and gums in order to maintain the improved smile.
The clear difference from a before and after facial close-up in overall appearance and attitude is astounding. The before smile is suppressing. The mouth tends to be in a frowning position with the edges turned down. This can make the patient look sad or angry whether you are or not. In the after smile, the lips tend to hang at a more relaxed state with the edges slightly turned upward. This gives a more pleasant and happier appearance. The teeth are revealed more in the after smile because the lips tend to be more spread. This is inviting to the eyes of the beholder. When more teeth are shown, it gives the appearance of a bigger smile.
A smile says a lot about a person. It can display how happy, healthy, confident, engaging, approachable, and easy-going that person is. A smile can also hide insecurities and concerns about one’s appearance. In a smile makeover, there are many things that can be done to improve one’s smile. So how can one truly know what they want and what is the most ideal for them?
The step-by-step presentation of a comprehensive smile makeover empowers patients to reach the absolute best decision regarding the extent of their planned treatment. In case they are dental specialists, they will have the ability to pass on precise and practical treatment estimates and fulfill unsurprising wants.
2. Preparing for a Smile Makeover
There are 9 different types of dentists who can call themselves “cosmetic dentists. For example, a general dentist can take a weekend course on veneers and start advertising himself/herself as a cosmetic dentist. Any dentist can do this! The American Dental Association does not recognize cosmetic dentistry as a specialty. It is vital in selecting a dentist that has the right education and extensive training in cosmetic dentistry. This is definitely the first and most important step!
To confirm that you are seeking care from the highest quality dentist available, these are the basic questions that you should ask when reaching your decision in choosing a smile makeover dentist.
The first and most important step of any successful smile makeover is finding a dentist with an extensive amount of experience. A good smile is something that you will carry with you for the rest of your life, so it’s very important that you make the decision on your new smile makeover carefully. Whether you are simply looking for that new smile that you or a loved one has always wanted for you, or you are an extreme makeover case, the following information will be the most important thing you read concerning your new smile.
2.1. Finding the Right Dentist
The skill and style of the dentist you select will affect your treatment costs and outcome. A dentist who is experienced in cosmetic dentistry, but who is also a happy, positive person, will undoubtedly provide the best results. Because it is an elective process, cosmetic dental treatment is not usually covered by dental insurance. You may therefore want to consider selecting a dentist who offers patient financing options to help you. Although it will be tempting to select the cheapest treatment option, this decision will inevitably cost you more in the long run. Therefore, when searching for a high quality cosmetic dentist, don’t shop solely on price. This is one instance where getting your money’s worth is of the utmost importance. The majority of dentists post before-and-after photos in online Smile Galleries. If such a gallery is available on a dentist’s website, take the time to examine each picture carefully. These photos are a representation of the dentist’s work and should be able to give a good indication of what you can expect should you choose to undergo treatment with them.
2.2. Initial Consultation and Examination
The dentist must be able to tell you whether the procedure is right for you. To do so, he should conduct a complete examination of your mouth. Most dentists have intraoral cameras that will allow them to measure and show you what is going on in your mouth. With the use of these pictures, the dentist can clearly illustrate why certain teeth have to be restored or replaced. The dentist should also perform an analysis of your smile. He can take a portrait photo of yourself and then use a digital imaging program to change your photo to show you what can be done to enhance your smile. With this image, the dentist can better explain the procedures and help determine successful end results. Overall, you want a dentist who is able to get a complete understanding of your dental health and who is willing to openly discuss options. Ask a lot of questions and make sure the dentist answers in a way that is understandable to you. Always keep in mind that your private health information should be protected. Make sure that the dental office fulfills your privacy needs according to HIPAA recommendations. This might seem like a small request, but it is important to know you can trust your dentist and his employees with regards to your personal information. This is where we come in. We realize that there are many patients who are interested in cosmetic dentistry procedures, but have no idea where to start. These articles should serve as a resource for those seeking to improve their smiles and want to be properly informed on where to begin. The dental guide is organized into a step-by-step process to make finding the right information easy. In this section, we will cover how to prepare yourself to be an informed patient during the initial consultation and examination with your dentist. This is a crucial first step towards achieving the smile you have always wanted. By following the advice outlined in this guide, we guarantee you will be better educated and more confident in making the right decisions towards improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry procedures.
2.3. Discussing Treatment Options
Treatment plans can be discussed in a number of ways. In general, the more educated you are about your treatment, the more likely you are to make a wise decision. Many times during the initial consultation, the dentist will go over a “big picture” treatment plan. This is only to give the patient an overview of their oral health and the treatment options available, and is not an itemized treatment plan. If you are unsure about what the dentist has explained, ask for a detailed diagnosis and treatment plan that can be taken home to review. This should include information about oral health, all treatment options, and the implications of not going through with treatment. This helps patients to be more involved in their treatment, as they can take the time to understand the benefits of each treatment option and the consequences of not going through with the treatment. Realistically, there is more than one way to treat a problem in the mouth. You should be given information about the type of materials that will be used, and their cost, especially if you have dental insurance. This may require a consult with the dentist at another date, with the information being sent to the insurance company for predetermination. This can be crucial with more complex cases, as it is difficult to visualize the end result. An itemized treatment plan with cost and duration estimates can also help with comparison of treatment options, and is useful when sequencing the treatments. Treatment options can also be discussed via a specialist referral. Many general dentists will refer complex cases to a specialist, a periodontist or prosthodontist. This is especially common in cases with several treatment options, or a poor long-term prognosis of treatment. The specialist will be able to discuss in detail the treatment options with the patient, and the most predictable way to achieve the treatment goal. This can be very valuable for the patient, though they should ensure that the specialist has a good rapport with their referring dentist as poor communication between the two can lead to compromised treatment.
3. Smile Makeover Procedures
Dental implants are used to replace missing roots and support artificial replacement teeth. They are comfortable and look like natural teeth. Implants can replace single or multiple teeth. To provide a replacement for a single tooth, the dentist will make an incision in your gum to expose the bone. Then a hole is drilled where the implant will be placed. After several months of the implant integrating with the bone, a temporary will be placed. This temp is then replaced with a permanent crown. Multiple different types of implants (e.g. bridge) have different methods but the procedure will usually involve small incisions in the gums being made to expose the bone. Implants provide a strong foundation and will last many years if cared for properly.
Veneers are ideal for teeth that are too small, too big or have uneven surfaces and are especially good for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth. Tooth preparation is minimal and confined to the enamel layer. The dentist will remove the enamel from the tooth surface and then take an impression. This impression will then be sent to a laboratory so the veneer can be made. The veneer will be made to match your natural teeth so it appears natural. A temporary veneer can be placed for you to wear in the time the permanent veneer is being made, if teeth are unsightly and a solution is needed fast.
Tooth whitening can be performed either at home or at the dental office. The simplest form of teeth whitening is an at-home kit from your dentist. This involves a tray being custom molded to your teeth, in it you place a gel and wear for an hour a day. Results are normally seen within a week. In-surgery whitening is the fastest and most effective way to whiten teeth. It involves the dentist applying a gel and then activating it with a special light. The entire process takes around an hour and you will be able to see results immediately.
3.1. Teeth Whitening
The current most popular and established method of teeth whitening is known as home whitening. Home whitening is easy. You have an appointment with the dentist to take molds of your teeth and from these molds, small trays are custom made to fit your teeth. The dentist will show you how to fill the trays with a whitening gel and how to wear the trays. Home whitening differs from the old method of tray whitening as the gel is weaker and therefore safer to use. Most patients will use this treatment for 2 weeks with an option to stop if they are happy with the results at any point during treatment, and a top-up is always available. A new method of home whitening known as reciprocating is becoming very popular. This is where the trays are worn continuously for 5 days and nights. With both of these forms of home whitening, the patient will normally get a noticeable result very quickly and the nature of the treatment gives great flexibility.
There are many factors that affect a successful result. These can include the type and concentration of the dye, the duration and cause of the stain, the effect of the patient’s diet and lifestyle, and also the use of tobacco and certain medications. Additionally, the effectiveness of whitening can vary between different teeth in the same patient. This is important as it can affect the decision to whiten one tooth with internal staining to match the shade of the others.
Teeth whitening is a simple and yet effective way to improve your smile. Staining is a natural process and teeth will discolor over time. The degree of discoloration can vary from person to person, but everyone can benefit from teeth lightening. Apart from extrinsic staining, which is staining on the surface of the tooth, everyone is different and the outcome from treatment depends on the nature of the discoloration.
3.2. Dental Veneers
A veneer is a new front surface for a tooth, custom made from porcelain. Veneers are extremely versatile and can be used to align crowding or protruding teeth, close gaps or lighten tooth colour. The strength and appearance of our dental porcelain veneers rivals that of dental crowns and the treatment is less destructive than crowns. Dental porcelain can be sculpted to closely replicate the appearance of natural tooth enamel, while providing desirable strength and resilience. Porcelain veneers are an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They may provide a more conservative approach to changing a tooth’s color, size or shape. Porcelain veneers can mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline and damage due to an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure. Usually, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed. Treatment usually takes several appointments.
3.3. Dental Implants
A critical part of implant design is determining the cheapest way to fit the implant in association with a tooth restoration. In modern times, a majority of implants are screwed into place and immediately loaded, allowing the patient to use the tooth at that time. If the implant is to be placed in load-bearing areas, it is usually left to heal without any tooth restoration on it and is uncovered after a few months. No matter what type of implant is used, the key is to have close contact between the implant and the surrounding bone. With time, the bone will grow a tight bond to the implant. This process is called osseointegration, and it ensures the longevity of the implant.
Dental implant is an artificial tooth root replacement and is used in prosthetic dentistry to support restorations that resemble a tooth or a group of teeth. A typical implant consists of a titanium screw with a roughened surface. It is this roughness that promotes bone growth. The bone grows with the implant, and the implant is then topped with either a crown, a fixed bridge, or a denture. The crown is usually attached to the implant by a screw and can be removed at any time. A fixed bridge is cemented to the implant and can only be removed by a dentist. Finally, a denture will be clipped or screwed to the implant with a bar and can only be removed by a dentist.
3.4. Orthodontic Treatment
For people who have lived their lives with imperfect teeth, a beautiful, healthy smile can be life-changing. According to research from the Kelton Global, a consultancy, people with beautiful smiles are considered both more attractive and successful. The survey also found that people with nice smiles are thought to be about 20% smarter and 13% more successful. What’s more, a nice smile is considered important both socially and professionally. Data from the American Dental Association (ADA) shows that adults are keeping their teeth longer. This, along with increased societal emphasis on appearance, is why more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment. There’s no doubt that a nice smile is aesthetically pleasing. But there are also health reasons for seeking orthodontic treatment as an adult. According to the AAO, malocclusion (a bad bite) can lead to a variety of dental complications. Interceptive orthodontic treatment to correct a bad bite has been shown to prevent more serious problems from developing later. A nice smile is healthy and many adults now realize they can have both.
Orthodontics is a dentistry specialty that has undergone a major evolution just in the last 20 years. “Remember when having your teeth straightened meant the dreaded ‘tin grin’ for two or three years?” asks Michael B. Dunn, D.D.S., president of the American Association of Orthodontics (AAO). Today, a new emphasis on appearance in adults and the introduction of less visible, even invisible, treatment methods have fueled a tremendous surge in demand for orthodontic treatment at any age. Here’s a look at what orthodontic treatments are available for adults, along with the issues which could make treatment as an adult necessary.
4. Maintaining Your New Smile
Regular dental cleaning appointments will be necessary to ensure that your teeth and gums remain healthy and to remove any buildup of plaque or tartar. If you have had any dental restorations, it will be important to have these checked to ensure that they remain in good condition. For some individuals, dental check-ups are necessary every 3-6 months, while others can maintain a healthy dentition with 6-12 monthly visits. Your dentist will be able to advise what interval is best for you.
It is important to keep the mouth clean of harmful bacteria to avoid recurrence of gum disease, which could compromise the aesthetics achieved through the smile makeover. Cleaning your teeth twice daily with toothpaste, using dental floss regularly, and using a good mouthwash will all help to keep your mouth fresh and clean from plaque and bacteria. An electric toothbrush is often more effective at removing plaque and stains, so this may be an investment worth making.
Once the transformation is complete and you have achieved the smile you have always wanted, it will be important to continue with good dental hygiene practices, have regular dental check-ups, and maintain a healthy lifestyle for your teeth and gums. All of these factors are critical in retaining your new smile for the long-term future.
4.1. Proper Oral Hygiene Practices
Children’s dental hygiene needs additional attention with a new smile or dental appliance. Studies have associated the presence of oral bacteria to adverse health effects in children including increased risk for acute and chronic diseases such as upper respiratory infection, oral disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. An antimicrobial agent or fluoride rinse may be recommended to reduce the prevalence of the bacteria that causes these adverse health effects. It is important to follow this with regular visits to the dentist for assessment of your child’s dental health.
Proper oral hygiene is very important to maintain your new smile. Your dentist can design a personalized oral hygiene program that includes a dental appliance and/or mouth rinse to reduce tooth decay and gum disease. The two main causes of tooth loss are decay and gum disease. The better you remove plaque, the less chance you have of developing tooth decay or gum disease. It is also very important to avoid damage to your new smile, dental appliance, or natural teeth. If you are at risk of damage to your teeth, a mouth guard can be fashioned to protect your smile. This may involve taking an impression of your teeth and sending the mold to a dental lab to construct a custom fitting mouth guard. Any minor damage to a dental appliance can be fixed. Often times it is best to have the dentist who made the appliance repair it. This ensures that the same esthetic materials and quality of work be upheld. Damage to natural teeth can be repaired with a tooth color filling or composite, so it is very important to report any damage to your dentist.
4.2. Regular Dental Check-ups
At your regular dental check-up, your dentist will discuss your plans for treatment and ask about your medical history to make sure they treat you in the best way. Take this opportunity to discuss with your dentist how you’re feeling about your treatment and how it’s going. If you have any worries or are experiencing any pain, tell your dentist. It’s also a chance to mention any changes in your medical health. Notify the dental team of any recent illnesses or new medications. If you’re using an electric toothbrush or a specific mouthwash, your dentist might recommend using it for a set period to see if it is making an improvement. This will then be reviewed at future appointments. Your dentist will be continuing to monitor your oral health during regular check-ups to make sure that the treatment is going to plan and not having an adverse effect. Using frequent examinations and x-rays, tooth decay and gum disease will be closely monitored, as well as any side effects the treatment might be having inside the mouth. At the end of the day, the ultimate goal through regular dental check-ups is to have a healthy and happy patient with a healthy mouth to match.
4.3. Lifestyle Habits to Preserve Your Smile
It is also important to limit consumption of coffee, tea, and red wine as all of these can stain your teeth. If you do drink these beverages, use a straw so that the liquid bypasses the front of your teeth. There are certain foods and beverages which, when consumed, will cause tooth decay. If you do indulge in sugary snacks and drinks, ensure that you brush your teeth soon afterwards. It is not healthy for your body to snack and sip on sugary beverages throughout the day, and doing so will cause much damage to your new smile. Step one in reducing damage is to actually determine the amount and the times which you eat and drink. Step two is to identify the main causes of decay, such as sticky and slowly dissolving foods, and cut down on them. The next step is to actually save these sugary treats for meal times and then to ultimately change your eating and drinking habits altogether.
It is widely understood that one of the most damaging lifestyle habits is smoking. The effects of smoking are limitless and often very damaging. For oral health, smoking can lead to tooth staining, gum disease, tooth loss, and in more severe cases, mouth cancer. It also affects the success rate of certain dental treatments and affects the taste of food. If you are concerned about maintaining a new smile and improving your appearance, then quit smoking.
The last thing you will want to do is invest time and money in improving your smile and then end up inadvertently damaging it. The following recommendations will help you to maintain your smile for many years to come.
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