Who Needs a Smile Makeover?
When it comes to changing your smile, no one said you had to settle on only one procedure. If there are a few areas you’d like to correct, i.e., tooth discoloration and overcrowding, our Washington, MI, cosmetic dentists may recommend a smile makeover.
Here’s what goes into the and how you can get started.
Cosmetic Treatments Involved
What makes something a complete smile makeover is the inclusion of one or more . Much like full-mouth reconstruction groups together multiple restorative treatments, a smile makeover can allow a patient to have their teeth whitened alongside gum contouring if they choose.
These treatments may not occur all in the same appointment, however. For the best results, our local cosmetic dentists will sit down with you and create a custom plan that details all that you want to achieve. From there, we’ll determine the best way to proceed and complete everything in the most efficient way possible.
Patients interested in a smile makeover can select:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Porcelain veneers
- Laser gum surgery (or gum contouring)
While not strictly cosmetic, our dentists may also recommend patients try either ClearCorrect aligners or traditional metal braces. If you’d like to learn more about how these orthodontic options can fix teeth crowding and bite issues, ask about them today.
Assessing Your Dental Dream
Before you decide to move forward with any cosmetic dental treatments, it’s important to think about what exactly you want to enhance. Are you interested in fixing tooth stains? Do you feel your smile is too “gummy”? Asking yourself these questions can give you a clearer picture of your dream smile.
Remember, smile makeovers can alter:
- Tooth color, shape, and length
- Spacing and alignment of teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Areas where teeth are missing
- Chipped or cracked teeth
Whatever it ends up being, our cosmetic dentists can help you pinpoint areas where there may be room for improvement with an oral examination. We’ll also evaluate your oral health at this time. Keep in mind, we will not pressure you to change anything. We will instead serve as guides during the process and provide advice where it is warranted.
How to Maintain Your Results
If you want your new and improved smile to stay that way, you’ll need to put in the work. By that, we mean brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once daily, and receiving a teeth cleaning inside our Washington, MI, dental office every 6 months. Committing to your oral hygiene routine will not only protect your restorations, but protect you against decay as well.
Some cosmetic procedures require maintenance over time which regular checkups can help you keep track of and schedule accordingly. For example, you may need a professional teeth whitening touchup some time after your first round of gel application. Our cosmetic dentists will be sure you’re made aware of the care requirements of certain treatments.
Depending on the treatments you’ve chosen, other aftercare includes:
- Porcelain Veneers: Avoid biting into hard foods or using your teeth as tools to prevent chipping or damage. Our dentists may recommend a custom night guard if you tend to grind your teeth while sleeping.
- Clear Aligners: Consistency is key. Wear your clear aligners as instructed, usually 20-22 hours a day, and gently clean them regularly to prevent staining or bacteria accumulation.
- Teeth Whitening: Maintain your bright smile by avoiding or limiting foods and beverages that can cause staining, such as coffee, tea, and red wine.
- Dental Bonding: Be cautious with habits like nail-biting or chewing on ice, as they can damage the bonded areas over time.
Makeover Your Smile Starting Today
Whenever you feel ready to make a change, our cosmetic dentists in Washington, MI, are available to answer questions you may have about a smile makeover. Call Romeo Family Dentistry today at (586) 752-3589 to request an appointment.
This blog post has been updated.