Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing MI
If you have imperfect teeth or a gummy smile, you may want to improve your looks with a smile makeover. But unfortunately, many patients in your shoes are hesitant to take the first step as they aren’t sure what a smile makeover entails or if it is right for them. So, today on the blog, our Okemos cosmetic dentist, Dr. Christine Tenaglia, addresses common treatments used in smile makeovers and how to know which one is right for you.
What is a smile makeover?
A smile makeover is multifaceted, addressing all cosmetic concerns that a patient may have with their smile. In some cases, it may also include preventive and restorative care like a dental cleaning if you haven’t had one in a long time or addressing tooth decay if present. The best part about a smile makeover is that it is unique to your smile needs. So, no two smile makeovers are the same.
What is included in a smile makeover?
Cosmetic dental treatments like teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, crowns, and veneers are often the go-to solutions to rejuvenate damaged or imperfect teeth. Teeth whitening helps your existing healthy teeth achieve the brightest shade possible so that porcelain restorations like veneers or crowns will blend in with your smile. Since porcelain dental restorations cannot be whitened later, it’s essential to choose the whitest shade of porcelain possible while still blending with your other natural teeth. If all teeth in your smile line are being treated with cosmetic dental treatments, then a teeth whitening treatment probably isn’t necessary.
How do I know which treatment is right for me?
If you’re considering a smile makeover, the first step to take is to schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist near you in Okemos to discuss your smile needs. Dr. Tenaglia will also ask you to point out specific concerns that you may have regarding your smile. After a thorough oral health assessment, Dr. Tenaglia will present the best options for you. Together, you can decide which options best suit your needs. In the meantime, take a look at how common cosmetic dental treatments could help improve your smile.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is ideal for minor tooth imperfections or a couple of teeth that need some work. Using composite resin, Dr. Tenaglia bonds the material directly to your existing tooth structure and sculpts the material to look just like a real tooth. Patients prefer cosmetic bonding treatment because it is fast and convenient. Typically, treatment using cosmetic bonding takes only a single office visit and does not involve the use of a dental lab to fabricate the final results. If you’re in a rush or need a quick fix for a broken front tooth, cosmetic bonding may be the answer for you.
Veneers and Dental Crowns
For a more natural look that lasts longer, porcelain restorations may be preferred. Veneers are crafted from thin porcelain that bonds directly to the front surface of each tooth. If you need multiple teeth fixed or improved, veneers may be the way to go. Porcelain veneers are the most popular choice for a smile makeover as they can be made to cover all of the visible teeth in your smile line. Only a small portion of the tooth’s natural surface is removed to make room for veneers to bond to your teeth. However, Dr. Tenaglia also offers Lumineers, which are similar to veneers, except they don’t require altering your natural tooth structure.
For teeth with extensive damage or old, large fillings, dental crowns may be the best choice. However, crowns require more tooth structure to be removed and are considered a little more invasive than veneers, although the results look similar. Talk to Dr. Tenaglia about which treatment is right for you if you’d like to explore your options and preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible.
How long does it take to complete a smile makeover?
The timeline of your smile makeover may vary, depending on the treatments you choose and your own schedule and willingness to commit to treatment. For instance, if you only need a few teeth repaired and choose cosmetic bonding, you’ll get results the same day. However, if you require more extensive procedures that require the need for a dental lab, it could take several weeks to achieve your final results. So, the sooner you get started, the quicker you’ll see results.
Cosmetic Dentist in Okemos, Lansing, and East Lansing, MI
Feeling embarrassed about your smile can hinder your social life, job prospects and make intimate situations difficult. If you’d like to feel confident and have a perfect smile, a smile makeover may be right for you. Get started today by calling Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733 to schedule a consultation.