Smile Makeover in Salt Lake City, UT

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.  

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.

However, it's important to know that this is a temporary solution, so you may have to go through it again and again.

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.  

At Legacy Dental, if you choose veneers, we always recommend porcelain over resin because they last longer and have a more natural appearance.

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.

The final procedure involved in a smile makeover is 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.

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