What Is Smile Makeover?

Smile Makeover is a process of improving the appearance of a smile through various procedures which are cosmetic or surgical.

Smile makeover takes into consideration the tooth color, tooth size, tooth shape, tooth position, lip position, lip length, gum position, and gum color.

Tooth Colour

Bright and white teeth are a sign of youthful appearance. The dentist will match the color of the teeth with skin tone, skin color, and hair color. He can change the color of the teeth by Bleaching or Veneers.

The line from incisal edges of upper teeth from side to side should follow the contour of the lower lip for an aesthetic appearance.

Tooth Size/Shape

As the age increases the teeth become shorter due to attrition. Long teeth give a young look. Some teeth are slightly abnormal in shape as compared to adjacent teeth eg. Peg laterals which give an unaesthetic appearance. The size and shape of the teeth can be changed by veneers or crowns. The white show (tooth show) can also be increased by procedures like crown lengthening or changing the gum line (in cases of a gummy smile) by the help of laser dentistry. The width to length ratio of the upper central incisors should be 4-5 for a balanced smile line.

Tooth Position

Crooked, crowded or spacing between teeth can be corrected by using Braces, Aligners or Veneers.

Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can be replaced by using Bridges, Implants or other Removable Prosthesis.

Procedures Involved in Smile Makeover

The procedures involved in smile makeover can be mix of

Veneers/Crowns

Veneers are thin tooth colored custom made shells that are fixed on the labial surface of teeth to change their color, shape, and size. These improve the appearance of front teeth. Crowns are also tooth-colored custom made shells but they cover the full surface of the tooth. They also make the tooth stronger.

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a process of removing stains from the tooth surface and restoring the natural color of the teeth. Whitening is a one-time procedure performed by a dentist. It is amongst the most common and widely adopted cosmetic procedure.

Composite Bonding

Permanently attaching a tooth-colored material (composite) onto the tooth is called composite bonding. This can be Direct or Indirect. Direct composite bonding can be used by dentists on the chair to do fillings, repair fractured edges and close gaps. Indirect bonding is usually done in the lab.

Dental Implants

Dental Implants are root-like titanium screws which are surgically placed in the jaw bone for replacement of missing teeth. It greatly increases the self-esteem of the patient as it closely simulates the natural tooth. It does not cause any speech difficulty and has high acceptability.

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening teeth to make them look more esthetic and improve function. The treatment can be done by Braces and Aligners (Invisible Braces). There are tooth-colored braces, metal braces, and lingual braces. The treatment usually takes 12-18 months to complete but is more stable and long lasting as it preserves the natural integrity of teeth.

What are the precautions to be taken

• Veneers need to be replaced in case they break or chip off. The patients are advised not to eat hard food when they are wearing veneers.
• Crowns usually require replacement after 10-15 years.
• Composite bondings can get stained or can break and would need replacement.
• Implants have to be kept for 3-4 months before loading it with the crown and have to be checked for osseointegration.
• Patient has to be regular and cooperative during the complete orthodontic treatment.
• In addition depending upon the treatment mix always consult your dentist for doubts.

Post Treatment Care

Smile makeover requires regular maintenance of oral hygiene. The patient has to visit the dentist every 6 months for a checkup and any minor repairs.

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