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Smile Makeover Basics

Procedure Description:

A smile makeover refers to any combination of cosmetic dental procedures that enhances the beauty and appearance of the smile, correcting almost any problem:

• crooked teeth can be straightened
• chipped, broken teeth can be repaired
• missing teeth can be replaced
• gaps between teeth can be closed
• gummy smiles can be recontoured
• stained, discolored teeth can be whitened
• and so much more.

The result? A smile that is straight, white and even.

Smile makeovers are typically created with the use of porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns and/or porcelain onlays. Veneers are thin shells of fired porcelain that are placed on the front surfaces of the teeth. Offering a natural look and feel, veneers allow the cosmetic dentist to dramatically change the length, width, color and shape of a tooth. Restoring teeth to their natural beauty, veneers also resist staining, creating an enduring white, bright straight smile. Porcelain crowns and onlays offer the same advantages.

How It's Done:

Once the dentist and patient determine the "style" of the desired smile, the dentist takes an impression of the patient's existing teeth. That impression is sent to a lab with precise instructions of what the smile should look like. The lab creates a "wax up"  a wax model of how the enhanced smile or repaired teeth will look. The patient and dentist review the wax up and either make changes or give the lab approval to proceed. From the wax up, the lab creates the patient's new "teeth", typically a combination of veneers, crowns, inlays and onlays made of porcelain.

Once the wax up is approved, the dentist prepares the patient's teeth, takes a new impression, and fits him or her with temporaries (a temporary version of the "new smile".) Three to four weeks later when the porcelain restorations are ready, the temporaries are removed and the porcelain is bonded to the teeth.

Technology:

While each dentist employs a different set of technologies to help him, here are some common ones that you may encounter:

• IntraOral Camera - this small, pen-like camera projects a magnified image of your teeth on a monitor to help the doctor diagnose the treatment needed for each tooth.
  
• Digital Imaging - This technology allows the doctor to show you a digitally re-imaged photo of you with your new smile before you start the procedure.
  
• Soft Tissue laser - This laser may be used to help recontour your gum line or surgically eliminate the frenum, a muscle that causes the common space between front teeth.
  
• The Wand - this is a computer controlled anesthesia devise that makes injections essentially painless
  
• Computerized Jaw Tracking/Bite Analysis System - Many doctors will use this system to measure the proper height of your bite so that the final restorations are most comfortable for your mouth.

Recovery/Post Op Expectations:

Patients can expect recovery to be about the same as any dental procedure. The gums may be tender for a couple days after the veneers are bonded to the teeth. Over the counter anti-inflamatories, such as ibuprofen, can ease any discomfort.

After a week or two, the veneers may need to be adjusted to provide a more comfortable bite or fit.

Complications:

There are no known complications associated with a smile makeover.

Am I a Candidate?

If you answer yes to any of the following statements, you are a candidate for a smile makeover:

• I dislike the appearance of my smile.
• My teeth are crooked.
• My teeth are uneven.
• My teeth are chipped or broken.
• I have missing teeth.
• I have unsightly gaps between my teeth.
• I'm embarrassed to smile.
• My smile is keeping me from fulfilling my personal and professional life.
• My teeth are stained and discolored.
• I have grown a mustache or beard to cover my smile.

Cost:

The cost of a smile makeover will depend on the actual treatment plan. The most common version of a smile makeover is simply 10 anterior, or upper front, veneers. The cost per veneer can range from $800 to $1,500 depending on the lab fees, skills, training and location of the doctor. Nearly all offices offer some sort of outside billing service with extended payment plans to make your new smile affordable.

Tooth Whitening Surgery Information Guide

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