Smile Makeover Vancouver - Cosmetic Dental Esthetics

M any patients are self-conscious about their smiles with complaints ranging from small teeth, to teeth that aren’t wide enough, crooked teeth, missing teeth or simply noticeable fillings. With the help of smile makeovers, patients no longer need to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable with the appearance of their teeth and can feel confident once again to smile and laugh in company of others. The makeover process may include one or a combination of the following procedures: composite bonding, dental veneers, teeth whitening and dental implants. Smile makeovers are generally elective and for esthetic purposes. A full mouth reconstruction would be a procedure for a patient in which severe health and functional problems require necessary treatment to repair the teeth, gums and bone structure of the mouth. Full mouth reconstruction is for this reason categorized as restorative dentistry rather than cosmetic.

Smile Makeover Considerations

There are many factors to consider when opting for a smile makeover such as the appearance of the natural teeth with regard to length, width, shape, spacing and overall display. Other areas to keep in mind are the lips and gum tissue, hair color, skin tone and general facial appearance as each smile makeover is customized to address each individual’s needs.  During your smile makeover consult, your dentist will discuss with you the issues that apply to you, how to best approach them, and what you can expect from the results of your treatment. The influential factors described below will give you a better idea what you can expect during your consult conversation.

Balance and Symmetry: Cracked, chipped and uneven teeth can be bonded with tooth colored composite material to restore and improve appearance. Just as well, the gum line can also be esthetically contoured for patients with gummy smiles.

Spacing and Alignment: Overlapping or crooked teeth and spacing can all be addressed with the use of either Invisalign or orthodontics and then if necessary, with dental veneers.

Color of Teeth: Today fillings can be performed with tooth colored materials making them virtually invisible. For teeth that have dulled in color or have been stained over the years, tooth whitening is a great option to restore the color of your smile in a relatively short amount of time. The shade of your smile is particularly important when undergoing procedures such as dental veneers, composite bonding, dental crowns and bridges, as well as dental implants. Teeth that give off a dulled or discolored appearance are often associated with a smile that has aged throughout the years. In contrast, teeth that are bright, aligned and esthetically shaped suggests a more youthful appearance. The shade of teeth best suited for your is discussed during your consult and determined by your hair and skin coloration to ensure you with the best possible results for a natural radiant smile.

Missing Teeth: Whether it be a single missing tooth or several missing teeth, the spaces created from tooth loss can greatly impact your smile in addition to affecting your overall bite. In fact, tooth loss actually increases your susceptibility to tooth decay. Thankfully, such an issue can be easily resolved with the help of your dentist and dental implants, partial dentures or a dental bridge depending on what is required for your particular case.

Facial Features: Problems with the jawline and aging features can be rejuvenated and improved via the aid of orthodontics and/or oral maxillofacial surgery.

During your smile makeover consult, your dentist will present you with a list a treatments suitable for your case which will best ensure you leave with a smile. The treatment plan devised will be customized to meet your specific needs and expectations and may include a combination of cosmetic, restorative, as well as functional procedures such as the ones previously described.

Cosmetic Dental Esthetics:

Tooth Proportion: In most cases an esthetically pleasing smile is one in which the two central incisors are dominant and are slightly longer than they are wide. It is important that these front teeth are proportionate as they will serve are the guideline for the rest of the teeth in balancing their symmetry.

Length of Teeth: Gummy smiles often make teeth appear smaller. In addition, as we age, wear and tear can also negatively impact the length of teeth. With the help of a smile makeover, teeth can be lengthened and reshaped as necessary with dental veneers or composite bonding. Gingivectomy, or gum contouring, is a sculpting of the gum line using a specially designed dental laser and is used to treat gummy smiles to reduce the appearance of an excessive gum line. Longer teeth can also contribute to the enhancement of your facial features. Longer square teeth can provide a slimming effect on round faces. In the event that your dentist deems it necessary for you to have crown lengthening, you will likely be referred to a periodontist for specialized treatment.

Texture and Shape of Teeth: The shape of your teeth is a highly influential aspect of your smile, teeth can be contoured to create a more feminine or masculine appearance. This concept of course also applies to veneers and crowns by providing our patients with the most radiant natural looking smiles possible.

The Life of Your Smile Makeover

The lifetime of your smile makeover is largely determined by how well you maintain it with regards to oral hygiene. Porcelain veneers can sometimes chip or break which is why your dentist will likely recommend not eating particularly hard foods which may cause damage to the veneers. Dental crowns generally should be replaced every 10 to 15 years.