What is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover, or teeth makeover, is perhaps the most personalized procedure performed at Deer Park Dental in Stockton, CA. It is when we ask you, “If we could wave a magic wand, and have your smile look however you would like, what would that look like?” And then we discuss how to achieve it. Therefore, a smile makeover can be very simple or elaborate. Regardless of the treatment plan, we want your smile to not only look fabulous, but to be healthy and functional.
Smile Makeover Treatments
Some of the main treatment options involved in a smile makeover include:
Depending upon the complexity of your case, there are multiple procedures in our “cosmetic dentistry toolbox” that can be used for a smile makeover. Smile Makeovers also include orthodontics, dental implants, gum recontouring and more.
Ideal Candidates for a Smile Makeover
Individuals who are committed to keeping their smile healthy are good candidates for a smile makeover. This includes achieving and maintaining good gum health, proper at-home oral hygiene and in office professional cleanings, and protecting his or her new smile with a proper diet and with a night guard if necessary.
Benefits of a Smile Makeover
There are many benefits to an attractive smile. A smile is often the first feature we notice in others. It is said that from the length of a football field, you can tell if someone is smiling or not. Smiles communicate so much: warmth, confidence, intelligence, friendliness, and they inspire others. Smiles are infectious. When you genuinely smile at someone, chances are they will smile back. Studies show that the more you smile, the happier you become. But if one is self-conscious about their smile, they may smile less and miss out on all of the benefits of smiling.
Smile Design at Deer Park Dental
“Smile Design” is an industry term that is usually associated with cosmetic dental treatment plans involving porcelain veneers. I consider “smile design” to be any situation where a patient works with a cosmetic dentist to figure out how they can achieve their dream smile.
For over twenty years, it has been our privilege to collaborate with patients through the smile design process. These experiences have easily been the most rewarding in our careers. It is so awesome to see the literal tears of joy of patients after we have helped them with their smiles.
Smile design is a three step process.
Step Number One: Establish Your Vision.
One of the most important parts of the smile design process is to figure out how you want your smile to look. You discuss with the cosmetic dentist what you like and don’t like about your smile.
Things we consider at this step include:
- Are you happy with the color, shade or brightness of your smile?
- Are your teeth chipped or stained?
- Do you have spacing between your teeth or are any teeth missing?
- Does your smile complement the shape of your face?
- How is the overall flow of your smile?
- Does your smile appear balanced?
At this step, it often helps to look at photos of other people’s smiles for inspiration. Of course, be careful not to compare your smile with someone who looks entirely different from you. For example, if you have have a small mouth, your smile will naturally have different characteristics than someone with a very large mouth.
Once we agree upon how we would like your smile to look, we can figure out how to get you there.
Step Number Two: Create Your Roadmap.
Each smile design plan is completely unique. Some are simple and some are more complicated. There are so many tools that we have at our disposal to to create the smile of your dreams.
Some of the tools or techniques we employ in smile design are:
- Porcelain veneers
- Composite bonding
- All-porcelain crowns
- Porcelain bridges
- Tooth reshaping
- Gum recontouring
- Orthodontics
- Dental implants
Often times, smile design treatment is not covered by dental insurance. So an important component of our smile design process is to make sure that the plan is affordable. Our business office staff will review case fees and payment options with you.
So once we have agreed upon a plan that fits within your budget.
Step Three: Just Do It!
The final step is to schedule the appointments and complete the treatment. The nice thing is that once the planning steps have been completed, most smile design cases can be executed pretty quickly.
How Do I Get Started for My Smile Design?
The way we get started is with the Smile Design consultation. During this appointment, you talk with our cosmetic dental team about your goals for your smile. We take photos, initial tooth shade information, and preliminary records to begin exploring options. We talk about your Christmas wishlist for your smile.
If you feel good about moving forward with the process, our next phase is the Smile Design Work-Up Appointment. At this appointment, we gather ALL the information the doctor and the lab need to work up your case. We take impressions for models of your teeth, face measurements, collect records for mounting your case on a biting simulator, take a complete set of cosmetic digital photos, shoot video of you speaking, and gather any other information that will help us design your smile.
At this appointment we will also look at photos of smiles and libraries of different teeth shapes to help us communicate with the laboratory how we want your new smile to look. Once the laboratory has all of this information, they will design for us models of how your new smile will look. Once you approve the look of the smile, the treatment plan is created. Then the final step is giving you your new smile!
Is Anesthesia Used During Treatment?
Local anesthesia is typically used unless the treatment is very conservative.
What to Expect During Recovery
The answer to this question can vary wildly from one individual to another. In some cases, treatment is very conservative and there would be virtually zero postoperative discomfort. In more involved cases patients may experience days to weeks of sensitivity.
Will My Smile Makeover Require More than One Appointment?
Not including the planning (which is the most important step). Dental bonding takes one appointment and porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns require two appointments.
When Will I Be Able to Return to Normal Activities?
In most instances, you can return to normal activities immediately. Even with the most involved cases, you should be fine to return to regular activities the next day. Keep in mind that if you are in temporary crowns or veneers, you will need to bite and chew things gently during that phase.
How Long Will My Results Last?
The answer to this question can vary from person to person and depends upon the procedure. If you take good care of your new smile and wear a night guard if it is indicated, bonding will typically last over 5 years and porcelain veneers will last over 10 years.
Schedule a Smile Design Consultation
Having a good, thorough consultation is the best way to prepare for the Smile Design procedure. Our team wants to make sure that all of your questions are answered and that you are a part of the design process. This will help ensure you end up with the smile you desire. If you have questions, or would like to discuss how our team at Deer Park Dental can help you achieve your smile makeover goals, call 209-478-3036 to schedule a consultation today!
