Straight, sparkling white teeth create an impactful first impression. Whether interviewing for a job, arriving to a blind date or auditioning for a film role, that initial impression can be a lasting one, influencing the outcome of the meeting. Smile makeovers are growing in popularity as people strive toward youthful, healthy appearances.
If an important event is on the horizon,
it may be time to consider a smile makeover. Whether it is a simple teeth whitening to brighten the smile or a complete makeover that has long been put off, there is a vast menu of options available to assist in creating that radiant, movie star grin.
If chipped, broken, discolored, crooked, cracked or an embarrassing gap in the teeth is the issue, cosmetic dentistry is available to create smile makeovers any patient will appreciate. Aesthetic dentistry is a growing field, as men and women feel the need to look their very best.
The world is obsessed with achieving the Hollywood perfect appearance, which includes a movie star smile. From veneers to crowns to implants, orthodontics to periodontics the first step should be acquiring a qualified expert in the dentistry field.
Smile makeovers can be achieved through the use of teeth whitening to improve upon discoloration, or veneers and crowns are applied to correct tooth cracks, calcium deposits or decay. If those steps are not enough to complete the desired look, implants may be the route to consider going. Many patients long for a mouth full of straight, even, symmetrical pearly whites, which could require the application of braces.
Braces are no longer the torturous mouth of wires, brackets and head gear of decades past. The field of orthodontics has made great advances in recent years. 3-5 years of wires and adjustments have been reduced to 24 months on average.
Multiple wires have been decreased to 1 or 2 wires, sometimes placed BEHIND the teeth allowing for a more discrete treatment. Adults can opt to use Invisalign, a clear mouth guard type appliance that can be slipped on and off by the patient as teeth slowly realign.
Treatments proven to be effective for smile makeovers should be performed by a professionally trained and qualified expert, whether that is a dentist, orthodontist or periodontist . Over the counter whitening treatments are available for purchase, but if a “permanent” improvement is the desired result, a professional is the best option for the patient. An initial evaluation will be done, that will include occlusal (bite), radiographic (x-ray) and a diagnostic evaluation. A patient will choose either “Natural white” (teeth blending in uniform color) or “Hollywood white” whitening. When straightening the teeth, a smile should follow the curvature of the lower lip; this is the point where science and art come together to create a customized smile for the individual patient.
Some of these treatments may be covered by the patient’s insurance plan, partial or in full. Many options, such as braces, crowns or implants can cost in the thousands of dollars, and if chosen for cosmetic reasons, rather than medical necessity, insurance may not cover any of the cost.
A smile makeover can be a big investment of both money and time, but will pay off in dividends with a more youthful, healthy and radiant appearance. A first impression is a lasting impression, so make it the best it can be.
