What Does a Smile Makeover Entail?

Almost no one has perfect teeth, but across the nation, millions of people are having cosmetic dental treatments. Around 45 million Americans have had professional teeth whitening treatments, and, if needed, you can, too. But, that’s not all. You can get other work done, too, in what’s called a smile makeover, so you can get the smile of your dreams.

Here at Licata Dental in Chesterfield, Missouri, Faye Licata, DMD, FAGD, provides personalized smile makeovers to correct dental imperfections and restore confidence in her patients, so they can smile with pride. In this blog, Dr. Licata explains what’s involved in a smile makeover.

What’s a smile makeover?

Smile makeovers combine multiple dental procedures to restore a patient’s smile. For example, Dr. Licata can fix your damaged teeth, replace missing ones, and make your teeth bright white in a smile makeover.

Smile makeovers take several appointments. During your first appointment, you meet with Dr. Licata to discuss your concerns. Then she conducts a dental exam to check for any decay or other dental health issues that need to be addressed.

Then Dr. Licata creates your personalized smile makeover plan and lets you know what you can expect and how many appointments you’ll need. 

Treatment options

Depending on the work needed, Dr. Licata may recommend any of the following treatments:

Veneers

Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the fronts of your teeth. They can cover severe staining, gaps, and uneven teeth. Veneers are tinted to match your teeth and provide a natural-looking smile. 

Crowns 

Crowns fit over your teeth. Dr. Licata uses them to protect weak or damaged teeth. They can also improve a tooth’s shape, size, and color.

Teeth whitening 

You can choose between rapid in-office teeth whitening or trays that you use at home over a week or two. Both options use a hydrogen peroxide solution to lift stains and superficial discoloration from the surfaces of your teeth. 

Both in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments are effective, but in-office teeth whitening can significantly brighten your smile in less than an hour. 

Bridges

Dental bridges are dental appliances designed to “bridge” the gap between missing teeth. The false tooth or teeth are secured to the neighboring natural teeth with dental crowns. Dental bridges are custom-made to match your natural teeth and provide a beautiful smile.

Dental implants

A dental implant is a false tooth that replaces a missing or badly damaged tooth. Dr. Licata does not place dental implants, but she works with oral surgeons in the area who do. First, a titanium post is inserted into your jaw. The post acts as a root. After the post bonds with your tooth, Dr. Licata places a crown on the titanium post.

Dentures

Dr. Licata also offers complete, partial, and implant-retained dentures to replace missing teeth and restore your smile. 

Knowing what treatments are right for you

You might have an idea of what dental services you want to include in your smile makeover. However, you won’t know for sure until Dr. Licata has a chance to examine your teeth and jaw and assess your needs.

No matter what you need, Dr. Licata can help. She’ll give you a thorough evaluation and explain how you can get the smile of your dreams. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone with Licata Dental today.