Smile Makeovers at Southern Smiles
Hi there. This is Dr. Shakally with Southern Smiles. We get a lot of questions in our office about smile makeovers and what they entail. I'm going to answer some of the most common questions we receive, and I hope you enjoy this video.
What is a smile makeover?
What is a smile makeover? That is a great question. A smile makeover can mean a lot of things. Usually, it involves something we do to improve the patient's overall smile. For different people, this may involve various kinds of work. The goal is to achieve a smile that is full and makes you happy to smile and show your teeth. This could mean bringing back some missing teeth with implants, straightening your teeth with Invisalign, or doing a combination of crowns and veneers. It could mean all three things for some of our patients. A smile makeover typically involves whatever is needed to make your smile perfect and give you a smile you're happy to show.
Are smile makeovers considered cosmetic or restorative dentistry?
A question we get is, "Are most smile makeovers just cosmetic, or are they functional as well?" I would say it could be both. Some patients come in with pretty nice teeth. They may have really healthy gums and teeth but might have some staining that can go away with cleanings or whitenings. For someone in that case, it would be considered more cosmetic. But for some of our patients, a smile makeover might mean bringing back some teeth, straightening their teeth, and adding new veneers, making it both functional and cosmetic.
What are the goals of a smile makeover?
What are some of the goals of doing a smile makeover? Obviously, the end goal is a patient who is absolutely happy with their smile. Being happy with a smile means you'll smile more often, which will have positive consequences psychologically and in your life. From my standpoint as the clinician, the goals of a smile makeover include a healthy smile, stable teeth, crowns and veneers that can be maintained for a long time, and teeth that relieve pressure off your joint, not add to them. From the patient's standpoint, it's a smile they can function with, that doesn't hurt, and they can eat whatever they want with it.
Who would be a good candidate for a smile makeover?
Who would be a good candidate for a smile makeover? I would say everyone is usually a candidate for a smile makeover. The extent of what we need to do varies between different people. The more problems or things needing attention, the more involved the smile makeover will be. Instead of someone who just needs a few veneers to fix a coloring issue, they may need implants, Invisalign, veneers, and bridges. Most people are candidates, but it depends on the situation.
What are the procedures involved in a smile makeover?
Many patients call us to ask about the procedures involved in a smile makeover. It really depends on the extent of work needed to achieve a healthy, functioning smile that is bright and full. If someone simply has some stains or is missing a tooth, but everything else looks healthy, it might involve an implant and veneers. If someone has crooked teeth, infections, and staining, it might involve extractions, an implant, Invisalign, and veneers. Anything under the sun could be part of a smile makeover. It's whatever gets us to the point where everything is healthy and stable, and you're able to eat and smile with your teeth.
What are the benefits of a smile makeover?
What are some of the benefits of a smile makeover? Some can be easily quantified and shown, and some are more difficult to explain. Benefits include teeth that don't hurt, a bright and beautiful smile, and the ability to eat all the foods you want and smile in pictures. Smile makeovers sometimes bring unexpected benefits. We see patients who are much more confident in their ability to talk to others, happier, and getting raises at work because they can communicate and interact effectively. Smile makeovers are an amazing procedure with life-changing consequences, usually in a positive way.
Will I need anesthesia during a smile makeover?
Many patients ask, "What kind of sedation or anesthesia will I need during a smile makeover?" It really depends on a few factors, such as the patient's anxiety level. If someone is anxious, they don't need to just endure it. We have solutions here, especially at Southern Smiles. We are uniquely qualified with options like laughing gas, sedation, and full anesthesia. A smile makeover might need as little as numbing and laughing gas. If there's a lot of work with extractions and surgery involved, anesthesia could be an option. It really depends on the situation.
How long will it take to heal from a smile makeover?
How long does it take to heal from a smile makeover? The answer depends on what is being done. If it's just crowns and veneers, the recovery is usually very quick, typically a day or two. If there's more involved, like implants and extractions, the recovery is still fairly quick, maybe 3 to 4 days. It depends on what's involved, but every situation is different.
Can I resume regular brushing and flossing after a smile makeover?
Can I resume brushing and flossing after a smile makeover? Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential after a smile makeover and during the process. What we do relies on your cooperation and care. There's only so much we can do. Returning to brushing and flossing as quickly as possible is really the goal. Always ask your dentist if there are areas to be careful with, but overall, keeping a clean mouth is key to a long-term successful smile makeover.
How can I schedule an appointment to discuss a smile makeover?
A lot of patients call us asking how to schedule an appointment for a smile makeover. The first step is to come in for a consult. Before we do X-rays and exams, we usually have a conversation with the patient about their expectations. Why are they doing this treatment? Is it cosmetic or functional? What's been the reason for the delay? We see if it's something we can deliver or if a different procedure might be better. From there, we do a full exam, determine priorities, and develop a plan going forward.
If you live in or near Phoenix, AZ, and are looking for dental care, contact us at (480) 530-0755 to set an appointment. You can also email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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