Smile Makeover
What Is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover from our New Albany cosmetic dentist, Dr. Andrew Skasko, involves a combination of cosmetic dental procedures to address multiple esthetic concerns under the same treatment plan. This customized “smile design” is carefully planned according to each patient’s unique needs, with the goal of providing significant improvement in the look of their teeth. Common procedures that are often combined in the smile makeover process include teeth whitening, laser gum recontouring, veneers, and other cosmetic and restorative solutions.
What Concerns Can a Smile Makeover Treat?
Smile makeovers are designed to address multiple concerns through one comprehensive treatment plan. Due to the unique nature of each smile makeover, the combination of procedures will vary for each patient. In general, the smile makeover can address the following dental concerns:
- Tooth discoloration or stains
- Uneven teeth
- Excess gum tissue
- Chips or cracks
- Spacing or alignment issues
- Missing teeth
During the consultation, Dr. Skasko will listen to what areas the patient would like to improve, go over their dental history, and perform an oral exam to determine which procedures may benefit the patient.
What Are My Smile Makeover Options?
Each smile makeover is highly customized to the needs of the patient. As a result, the specific treatment options involved in the process will look different for one patient versus another. Depending on the specific concerns presented during the consultation, patients may choose to undergo two or more of the following:
- Porcelain Veneers
- Teeth Whitening
- Porcelain Crowns
- Tooth-Colored Fillings
- Dental Implant Restorations
- Teeth Reshaping
- Cosmetic Bonding
- Laser Gum Recontouring
What is the Smile Makeover Process Like?
To ensure his patients receive the beautiful smile enhancement results they desire, Dr. Skasko utilizes advanced planning technology—including digital smile design and facial analysis software. This makes it possible for him to create trial smiles for the patient, allowing them to “try on” their expected results and make any changes they would like to see. Once a final plan has been established, Dr. Skasko will educate the patient on every aspect of their smile makeover.
Most smile makeovers require two or more office visits to complete the full process. This may include appointments for tooth preparation, restoration fabrication, follow-up treatments, and more. Our team will help patients understand what to expect at every stage of their smile makeover process, ensuring they are well-informed and confident about their dental care.
How Long Does a Smile Makeover Take to Complete?
The duration of a smile makeover can vary widely depending on the specific treatments involved. Simple procedures like teeth whitening can be completed in about an hour. However, more complex interventions, such as orthodontics or dental implants, can take several weeks to several months and will require coordination with an orthodontist or oral surgeon. The total time also depends on the patient’s dental health, the extent of the changes desired, and the healing time required between procedures. On average, a comprehensive smile makeover might range from a few weeks to six months or more.
How Long Do Smile Makeover Results Last?
The longevity of smile makeover results depends on the treatments performed and an individual’s commitment to maintaining excellent at-home oral care. Teeth whitening may last from a few months to three years, while cosmetic bonding can last up to ten years. Veneers and crowns typically endure for 10 to 15 years, and sometimes longer with proper care. Dental implants can last a lifetime with proper maintenance.
Ultimately, the best way to preserve the results of a smile makeover over the long-term is to practice good at-home oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly. Avoiding smoking and being mindful when consuming highly pigmented foods—like red wine, coffee, and certain curries—can also help keep your smile looking beautifully radiant for years to come.
Smile Makeover vs. Full Mouth Reconstruction
A smile makeover and full mouth reconstruction both aim to improve the appearance and function of teeth, but they differ in scope and intent. A smile makeover is elective and focuses on aesthetic enhancements to the teeth, including adjustments to their shape, shade, and alignment. While treatment may result in functional improvements to a patient’s oral health, the primary goal of a smile makeover is generally cosmetic in nature.
By contrast, full mouth reconstruction is aimed towards restoring functionality by addressing severe dental issues such as extensive decay, lost teeth, and significant bite problems. It involves restorative treatments like dental implants, crowns, and periodontal care to remediate issues and restore dental health.
How Much Does a Smile Makeover Cost?
Smile makeovers have a wide cost range since the treatment plan can involve a variety of dental procedures with varying levels of complexity. Once a patient’s smile makeover plan has been finalized, our team will explain the costs associated with each procedure and provide a personalized price quote. To help make the smile makeover cost fit more comfortably within the patient’s budget, dental financing can be utilized, lowering the total price into smaller monthly payments.
How to Choose the Best Smile Makeover Dentist
When choosing the best dentist for a smile makeover, Dr. Skasko encourages patients to consider the following points:
- Qualifications: Ensure the dentist is qualified and accredited. It may also be beneficial to verify that they have received specialized training in cosmetic dentistry.
- Experience: Look for a dentist with extensive experience in the specific procedures you’re considering, especially for more complex procedures like dental implant restorations
- Portfolio: Review before-and-after photos of a dentist’s previous work to evaluate their aesthetic style and the quality of their outcomes.
- Patient Reviews: Read testimonials to gauge patient satisfaction with their results and overall experience.
- Consultations: Schedule consultations to discuss your goals and assess the dentist’s communication skills and understanding of your needs.
- Technology: Check if the dentist uses modern techniques and technology, which can enhance the quality of results and improve comfort. Dr. Skasko has an on-site Smile Design Studio equipped with the latest digital imaging and smile analysis technology, enabling him to precisely plan procedures and even give patients the opportunity to preview their results.
Interested in learning more about smile makeovers? Contact Elite Dental today to schedule a consultation.