Cosmetic and restorative dental treatments like crowns, veneers, and dental implants aren’t just important for the appearance of your smile. These procedures also restore the function of your teeth and a makeover can completely transform your oral health, which in turn benefits your total body health. Continue reading for your crash course in smile makeovers, so you can decide if this type of dental care is right for you.
What is a smile makeover?
Smile makeovers involve full mouth reconstruction to repair damage that may be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, limited access to regular dental care, bruxism (tooth grinding), and facial injuries. With a smile makeover, the dentist won’t simply address one or two damaged teeth. Instead, they will create a comprehensive treatment plan that improves the function and appearance of the whole mouth. Procedures involved in your smile makeover may include:
Dental crowns
Bridges
Dentures
Dental implants
Veneers and onlays
Orthodontics
Root Canals
Who is a good candidate for a smile makeover?
Patients who are good candidates for smile makeovers will have extensive damage to their teeth, such as multiple missing teeth, several teeth with cavities or large fillings exhibiting decay, cracked or broken teeth, and severely worn enamel. During your treatment, the dentist will determine which (if any) of the natural teeth can be preserved. Often, teeth with healthy roots showing decay on the surface will be treatable with crowns instead of more invasive extraction procedures. Dental crowns fit over the natural tooth and mimic the appearance of real enamel, so they will blend in seamlessly with your smile.
In addition to exhibiting damage in most or all of the teeth (or having several missing teeth), patients should showcase an ongoing commitment to maintaining their oral health. If you smoke, you will want to take steps to quit before you begin your smile restoration. You may also need to check in with your primary care physician to manage any medical conditions that may interfere with your oral care, such as autoimmune diseases or heart disease. Certain medications can also affect your oral health, so you should disclose any prescription medications you are currently taking to your dentist. It may be necessary to work with your primary care provider to alter or discontinue your dosage.
What can you expect from the treatment process?
The first step in restoring your teeth through a smile makeover is visiting the dentist for a consultation. During this visit, the dentist will take X-rays and perform a visual examination of the mouth to get a complete picture of your current oral health. This appointment may also include measurements and castings to begin fabricating custom oral appliances and dental prostheses to fit your needs. From here, the treatment timeline will vary, depending on which specific treatments you need. If your treatment primarily includes crowns and other surface restorations, your smile makeover may be completed in just a few appointments. More extensive procedures like dental implants will require a longer treatment timeline due to the healing period that takes place between implant placement and the casting of your permanent crowns.
Once your smile makeover is complete, you can expect to want to show off your smile much more often! You may also find that it’s easier to chew and eat foods you may have avoided—patients frequently report eating healthier diets after their smile restoration since it becomes easier to eat different fruits and veggies that may have previously posed challenges. With modern dental restorations, you’ll be able to treat your new teeth just like your natural teeth. You can brush and floss as usual and continue your preventive care with biannual cleanings and checkups.
Why choose The Tooth, Inc. for your smile makeover?
If you’re ready to transform your smile, The Tooth Inc. can help you plan your care through our dental office in Nogales, Mexico. Dr. Abraham Chávez Portillo, Prosthodontist along with our team of knowledgeable specialist doctors will work together to provide a complete continuum of care that’s customized to your needs. When you visit our office, you’re more than just another patient. We strive to build lasting relationships with each of our patients to ensure that you build a lifetime of good health.
Book your smile makeover consultation at The Tooth Inc. by calling our office at +52(631)158-3845.
Patients in the U.S. can reach us at +1(520)257-5398 or by email at info@thetoothinc.com.
