Which Conditions Can a Smile Makeover Correct?
Professional dental care is often equated to cleanings, fillings, and similar procedures that improve the health of teeth. Once teeth are healthy, however, it is also worthwhile to consider any problems that may be negatively impacting the appearance of your smile. With our assortment of cosmetic dentistry options, you can have a smile that looks at least as good as it feels. For patients who hope to correct multiple or complex problems simultaneously, a smile makeover at our Charlotte office may be the right choice for you. To gain a better idea of what a smile makeover is and which conditions it can correct, refer to the information below.
When Is a Smile Makeover Appropriate?
A smile makeover is any combination of procedures utilized to specifically address a patient’s cosmetic problems. Because each patient’s smile is unique, the treatments themselves are recommended and implemented on a case-by-case basis, after initially meeting with Dr. Porter. Because a makeover employs multiple techniques, it produces effective results in patients who suffer from various types of flaws that cannot typically be corrected by any one procedure. Generally, the only limitation of a smile makeover is a patient’s dental health. As long as teeth and gums are free of disease, cosmetic treatment can follow.
Common Reasons for a Smile Makeover
Although cosmetic imperfections manifest in different ways and to varying degrees, many patients tend to suffer from one or more of the same conditions. By understanding the most common reasons for a smile makeover, you can begin to assess how such treatment may be able to help you:
- Stained teeth: Discoloration is one of the most common reasons that people seek cosmetic treatment. Intrinsic stains can be covered by porcelain veneers or dental bonding, extrinsic stains are more easily reduced through professional teeth whitening.
- Crooked teeth: Teeth that are crooked, crowded, or misaligned can be evaluated in an initial consultation. If crookedness is not severe and conventional orthodontic treatment is not needed, porcelain veneers can be an excellent way to achieve an instantly straighter smile.
- Spaces between teeth: Gapped teeth can be a distraction in your smile, especially when located within the front teeth. These gaps can be filled by extending the width of teeth via dental bonding or porcelain veneers.
- Cracked teeth: If a tooth is chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged, it can be a potential problem to both your smile and the health of the tooth itself. Lost tooth tissue may be covered by porcelain veneers or crowns, or filled in with dental bonding or onlays.
- Misshapen teeth: One or more teeth may appear strangely shaped or sized. While this does not typically affect dental health, it makes a strong impact on the fullness of a smile. Porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and dental crowns are all commonly used to alter a tooth’s overall shape.
- A “gummy” smile: When teeth appear too small, it is often because the gum line covers a significant portion of tooth tissue. With laser gum reshaping, more of your teeth can be permanently revealed for a more conventional smile.
Restorative Problems
If your smile is impacted by more serious problems, such as decay or missing teeth, restorative treatment should be administered first. Through dental fillings, periodontal treatment, dental implants, or any of our reparative techniques, your smile can be made strong and healthy while also often improving its appearance in the process. Whether you need to improve the aesthetics or health of your smile, visit our office for an exam and to consult Dr. Porter on your treatment goals.
Schedule Your Appointment
Come in for an initial consultation to discuss your concerns and learn more about your treatment options. Contact us today to schedule your appointment or to inquire further.