Smile Makeover

If your smile isn't what it used to be or what you want it to be, you might want to consider a smile makeover. This is the process of using one or more cosmetic dental procedures to improve the appearance of your smile. The team at Legacy Dental is here to support your cosmetic dental needs and goals.

A smile makeover will improve the function, appearance, and health of your smile through one or more cosmetic/restorative dental procedures. A few of the issues addressed by a smile makeover include:

• Gaps
• Cracks/chips
• Shape
• Alignment
• Color
• Luster
• Shape

There are several different dental procedures that may be included in part of your smile makeover, depending on your needs or goals for dental treatment. You will need to schedule an initial consultation to determine your needs and goals before proceeding to treatment.

Some of the procedures involved include:

Gum Disease Treatment

The dentist may want to start with gum disease treatment because if not addressed, gum disease can become worse under your veneers and other dental restorations. The treatment method used will depend on the severity of your condition and may include:

• Professional dental cleaning: if you only have mild plaque and tartar build-up along your gum line, a deep cleaning may be enough to prevent gum disease- but once the condition has advanced to gingivitis or even periodontitis, cleaning won't eliminate the issue.
• Scaling/Root planing: the process of scaling/root planing is more advanced than a deep cleaning, but not quite as advanced as surgery. In this process, plaque and tartar will be scraped above and below the gumline and rough spots on the root of the tooth will be smoothed out. This is considered a non-surgical treatment, but the dentist will typically use a local anesthetic to prevent discomfort.
• Surgery: if you have severe gum disease, the dentist may opt to do pocket reduction or flap surgery, which involves lifting back the gums to remove the tartar buried deep under the surface. Sometimes, the dentist may also smooth out irregular spots on the bone to keep plaque and bacteria from small crevices. The gum will then be re-shaped to ensure that it fits snugly along the natural tooth root.

Teeth Whitening

When your teeth are discolored, it takes away from the overall aesthetic of your smile, and it can have a substantial impact on your smile and your confidence. One of the most basic smile makeover procedures is teeth whitening. A bright, white smile can make all the difference in the world.

This procedure is simple. You'll find a lot of options on the shelf at your local grocery store- but you really should avoid these. First, they don't always work very well and second, most people are not trained how to properly use them and end up using too much of the solution, which can cause issues.

Plus, teeth whitening at the dentist is a lot more effective than those at-home kits that you can get. Meet with the team at Legacy Dental to learn more about the best whitening option for you.

Teeth whitening will generally need to be repeated every year or two.

Porcelain Crowns/Veneers

The most common procedures of a smile makeover include porcelain veneers and crowns- both can be used to improve your smile, but the health of the underlying teeth determines which one is best for you.

• Porcelain Crown: this procedure requires more than one appointment to complete. It is a specially designed cap that fits over the tooth, offering the same benefits as a veneer, while also reinforcing and protecting a weak, fractured, sensitive tooth. The dentist will clean and reshape the tooth so that it can support the crown. In the second appointment, the crown is placed on the tooth. The crown will match the shape, color, and size of the surrounding teeth.
• Porcelain Veneer: this procedure typically requires three appointments: consultation, preparation, and placement. It is a purely cosmetic procedure, offering no structural benefits. It is used to cover teeth that are discolored or misaligned. Many times, patients only need 1-2 veneers, while others opt for 8 so that all of their visible front teeth are covered.

Dental Implants

If your teeth are severely decayed and require extraction, missing, or otherwise damaged beyond repair, dental implants may be an option for a smile makeover. There are 3 steps to placing a dental implant:

• Placement of dental implant post: the gum is opened, and small holes are drilled into the jawbone to insert the screw.
• Placement of abutment: once the gum has healed and the jawbone has fused around the post, an abutment will be placed on it. This will allow the oral surgeon to attach the crown. They may use a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort.
• Placement of crown: the crown is a prosthesis that is placed on the abutment. This is the final step in the process and is typically completed approximately 2 weeks after the abutment is placed. The crown is customized to the shape/color of your natural teeth so that it blends in.

Some patients require additional procedures, such as a bone graft. During the consultation, the dentist will help you understand the process of placing dental implants as well as your other options for a smile makeover.

Dental implants are among the more expensive smile makeover options and insurance doesn't always cover them. You can speak with our office staff about your insurance coverage.

Orthodontic Aligners (CandidPro)

The final procedure involved in a smile makeover is orthodontic aligners.. This is an alternative to metal braces. If your teeth are severely misaligned, the dentist may recommend aligners.

This procedure involved clear aligners that are custom-made based on computer-generated images of your mouth. The aligners are more comfortable than traditional metal braces and will straighten your teeth in less time. Plus, they are like retainers- they are removable so that you can eat and brush your teeth without worry. They are made of smooth plastic, with no sharp edges.

Aligners doesn't just treat crooked teeth, it may also work for other teeth misalignment issues such as underbites and overbites.

Smile makeover procedures do tend to be a bit on the more expensive side- but it's completely worth it. The results that you get will change your entire life. After all, your smile is an important part of who you are and can affect your quality of life, overall health, and confidence. Therefore, you want to choose a dentist you can trust, such as the dental team at Legacy Dental.

If you live in or near Salt Lake City, Utah, and are unhappy with your smile, consider scheduling a consultation with the professional dental staff at Legacy Dental. We are trained in a wide variety of dental procedures and will be happy to work with you to find the best solution to help you meet your needs and goals for your smile.

After all, everyone is different, and your smile makeover needs might not be the same as your partner or even your best friend. Therefore, you need your own evaluation and consultation. It's important to note that dental insurance doesn't always cover smile makeovers- it depends on whether the procedure is purely cosmetic or will have some structural benefits as well. If you want to start with something simple, that won't cost a lot of money, consider teeth whitening.