Are you in need of a smile correction?
Have you dreamed of correcting and enhancing your smile? But a smile correction is not a one-size-fits-all treatment plan. It involves cosmetic procedures based on each patient’s individual dental needs and desires.
There are many reasons someone may want to improve their smile, and there are several treatment options available to do just that. But how do you know which treatment options are best for you?
It may be time to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist to find out how your personalized smile makeover could leave you proud of your pearly whites!
Do several cosmetic issues cause you concern?
Treatment for this smile makeover include raising and evening out the gums. Veneers or crowns were done on the upper front 12 teeth.
Some patients only need one cosmetic treatment to restore the beauty of their smile. For instance, teeth whitening to brighten dingy teeth or cosmetic bonding for one chipped tooth.
Many patients, however, desire a complete smile makeover with two or more dental procedures. Depending on your goals and needs, this may include a combination of teeth whitening and crowns, veneers, or bonding. Some patients may also need other cosmetic dentistry treatments, such as replacing missing teeth or enhancing their gum line with a gummy smile correction.
During your consultation, the dentist will ask what imperfections cause you concern and discuss your smile correction goals. He will then evaluate your teeth and gums for issues that may benefit from treatment and to ensure you have good oral health. Next, he will discuss your treatment options and work with you to devise a customized plan that will create a beautiful, natural-looking smile.
Please note that if you have dental decay or gum disease, this will need to be addressed first.
Unhappy with the shape or size of your teeth?
When your teeth do not match each other in shape and size, it affects the appearance of your smile. Some patients have what is known as a “peg” tooth, in which one tooth is much smaller than the other teeth. Other patients had several disproportionate teeth, giving their smile a ragged look. For those who have experienced trauma, chipped or broken teeth may stand out when they smile.
No matter what the reason for your uneven teeth, if you want to improve the shape and size of your teeth, you have several options.
Cosmetic bonding for smile correction
The most conservative treatment involves cosmetic bonding. Using the same material as tooth colored fillings, the dentist applies the moldable material onto the surface of a tooth. He then artfully sculpts the material to improve the tooth’s appearance.
The bonding material can make a small tooth bigger, change the tooth’s shape, fill in a chip or gap between teeth, or make a severely stained tooth appear white. This treatment can be performed on one tooth or many.
While cosmetic bonding is an effective way to improve your smile, it is not as strong or durable as crowns or veneers.
Tooth coverings
Made of composite or porcelain, veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of teeth. They can hide numerous tooth imperfections and flaws to give you a dramatically improved smile.
Like bonding, veneers can be applied to one problem tooth, or you may choose to treat all the teeth visible in your smile. And when placed on several teeth, they can make crooked teeth appear straight. Unlike bonding, they are stain-resistant, which keeps them bright and beautiful for years to come. Because of their superior strength and durability, they can last 20 years or longer with proper care.
Smile correction with caps
Dental crowns are caps that cover the entire surface of a tooth, effectively hiding all tooth issues. This is the best option if a tooth needs additional strength due to damage or previous dental work.
Another concern when it comes to the size of teeth occurs in older patients. As we age, our face droops, which causes the upper lip to cover more of the teeth. This makes teeth appear smaller.
While the teeth are normal in size, they do not show in the smile as they once did. A dental facelift lengthens teeth to bring back the impact of your smile and make you appear younger.
Smile correction with porcelain veneers on the front teeth of upper jaw
Replacing a missing tooth is an easy smile correction
A gap in your smile is more than unsightly. When you have a space between your teeth, it causes them to shift and move. Crooked teeth add to the negative appearance of your smile, and they are harder to brush and floss properly. Ineffective oral hygiene puts you at an increased risk of cavities and gum disease, both of which can lead to further tooth loss.
If you lost a tooth to trauma, but your tooth root is intact, we can replace the tooth with a dental crown.
For patients with a missing tooth root, however, dental implants offer the best results. A dental implant is a titanium post placed into the jawbone. It is the only permanent tooth replacement restoration option, and it provides the most strength and durability.
After the implant is placed, you will need three to six months of healing time to allow it to fuse with the jawbone fully. After this healing time, your dentist will replace the missing tooth with a dental crown or bridge. The dental bridgework has the benefit of being able to replace up to three adjacent missing teeth.
Are your gums a concern?
Do you have uneven gums or excess gum tissue that gives you a gummy smile? You may be interested in minor gum surgery to give you a gum lift. This procedure is sometimes called crown lengthening, as it makes your teeth appear longer by gently removing the extra gum tissue.
Adjusting your gum line and improving its symmetry can provide a dramatic smile correction.
Choose the Right Cosmetic Dentist
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, who you choose is more important than which treatment options you choose.
Many dentists provide an array of cosmetic procedures, but satisfying results require a dentist who understands and practices smile artistry.
Dr. James Fondriest is a highly respected and sought after dental artist who is committed to providing you with the highest quality of dental care. His expertise and attention to every detail attract the most discriminating clients from across the United States.
No matter where you call home, you can trust the dental team at Lake Forest Dental Arts to provide you with extraordinary results. Call (847) 234-0517 today to schedule an appointment for your smile correction consultation.
Dr. Fondriest is a Nationally recognized and highly sought after cosmetic dentist. He serves clients from throughout the United States.