What can you do to improve your smile and how long will it take?
A smile makeover is a treatment plan personalized to your needs that uses one or more of cosmetic and restorative therapies to enhance the appearance and function of your teeth. It's not just one procedure. It is created by your dentist based on your teeth and gum health, goals and face shape.
How can a smile makeover fix up a smile?
- Yellowish or stained teeth
- Cracks, chipped or worn teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- The teeth are crooked or overlap each other.
- Crooked, off-center teeth
- Missing teeth
- A “gummy” smile or gumline that is uneven
- Old, discoloured fillings
A smile makeover may require any or all of the following treatments:
1. Teeth whitening
A whitening treatment is frequently the first one. It clears away coffee stains, tea stains, smoking and old age stains. Professional whitening is more potent than do-it-at-home whitening strips and more controlled.
2. Porcelain veneers
Veneers are thin shells affixed to the front of teeth. They can alter the colour, shape, size and position of the chipped, stained or slightly misaligned teeth.
3. Dental bonding
Bonding involves the use of tooth-colored resin to close small gaps, repair a small chip or reshape a tooth. Good for small fixes, fast and cheap.
4. Braces/ clear aligners
Straightening is typically the base of a long-lasting outcome if you have crooked or crowded teeth. Clear aligners are much more popular among adults because they are not that noticeable.
5. Dental crowns
Crowns protect and cover teeth which are heavily used, broken or weakened, and enhance the look of your teeth at the same time.
How Long Does a Smile Makeover Take?
Treatment time is dependent upon the starting point, the treatments used and the healing process. Here are some examples:
- Filling in cavities: approximately 1 hour for the clinic appointment, or 1–2 weeks for the take-home appointment.
- Dental bonding is a procedure that takes approximately 30-60 minutes per tooth and requires just one visit.
- Gum contouring: 1 visit (and 1-2 weeks healing)
- Porcelain veneers are installed in 2-3 appointments over 2-4 weeks.Porcelain veneers take 2-3 visits over 2-4 weeks.
- Facial lifts: 2 visits 1-3 weeks apart
- Clear aligners: 6 to 18 months (depending on the case)
- Traditional braces: 12-24 months (depends on the case)
- Dental implants: 3-6 months or longer with healing
Overall: A simple make-over (whitening and bonding) can be accomplished in a few weeks. An entire transformation that includes orthodontics, implants or multiple veneers can last several months to two years or longer.
What to expect at your first consultation?
Examination: your dentist examines your teeth, gums, bite and jaw, and may take x-rays.
Talk about your smile goals: discuss likes and dislikes of yours.
Digital smile design: many clinics can preview the results, using photos or digital mock-ups.
Treatment plan: A plan, step-by-step, with a timeline and an estimate of the costs involved.
Any gum disease or decay is treated first. A pretty smile requires a strong base.
For best results, follow these tips:
Choose an experienced dentist. Request before and after pictures of past patients.
Have clear objectives. If you're looking for a natural appearance, or you're aiming for a dramatic effect, let your dentist know.
Be patient. Baking a makeover can foul up the results.
Follow aftercare. Brush and floss and receive routine check-ups.
Don't do things that are bad for work. Smoking, biting nails, chewing ice and grinding teeth are damaging to veneers, crowns and bonding. If you tend to grind your teeth, a night guard may be able to help.
How Long Will the Results Last?
With proper maintenance, they can last for many years, but each works differently:
- Whritening: 1-3 years depending upon diet and habits
- Bonding: roughly 5–10 years
- Veneers are usually between 10 and 15 years or even more.
- Crowns: 10–15 years or longer
- Implants: can last for decades with proper care and maintenance
- Orthodontic results: will only be permanent if you wear your retainers as prescribed.
These figures are rough estimates only and your results may differ.
Should you get a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover may be right for you if you feel uncomfortable with your teeth or don't like smiling in pictures. It's not just about looking good, either, since things such as crowns, implants and alignment can help you feel better, bite better, and lead to better long-term oral health.
Final Thoughts
Smile make over is not just about appearance, it's about feeling good. The only way to determine what is attainable and how long will be the time is to have a professional evaluation. Take a consultation to speak about your target and view a customised plan.