Smile Makeover FAQ in San Francisco
A smile makeover is a procedure to improve the smile's appearance through a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures:
- Porcelain veneers
- Tooth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Tooth straightening
- Dental implants
- Tooth reshaping
- Gum sculpting
Each procedure serves a slightly different purpose. So, knowing your aesthetic goals before meeting your dentist will help you achieve more productive outcomes.
What is a Smile Makeover?
The term 'smile makeover' refers to a combination of cosmetic dental procedures aimed to address the issues that negatively impact the appearance of your smile and overall facial expression. A smile makeover may consist of implants, veneers, crowns, gum sculpting, teeth whitening, or teeth straightening. Each of these procedures serves a slightly different purpose. You must take some time to review these procedures and compare them with your aesthetic goals before discussing them with your dentist. It may help you adequately express your goals to your dentist and achieve more desirable outcomes.
Common problems a smile makeover addresses include (but are not limited to) tooth decay, uneven spacing, tooth stain and discoloration, slight crookedness, and an uninspiring smile.
Before the smile makeover procedure, a few considerations that must be taken into account include facial appearance, skin tone, hair color, tooth color, size, shape, gum tissues, and lips. It makes smile makeover a highly individualized procedure tailored to the unique needs of individual candidates. The procedure needs a great deal of attention to detail and a cosmetic eye. A smile makeover is an incredibly gratifying experience once you see the final results. Investing in a smile makeover brings you an array of advantages. Selecting the right treatment plan will enable you to achieve the contagious smile you dreamed of and get the confidence you deserve.
Why Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is actually what it sounds like. A smile makeover is a combination of procedures that alter the appearance of your visage by ensuring an aesthetically pleasing smile. A smile makeover gets you the smile you always dreamt of, with a perfect set of teeth. Everyone might have a unique reason to go for a smile makeover, but one reason is in common — a negative self-image. A smile makeover addresses the concerns that instill a sense of low confidence and negative body image in you. The most common conditions dealt with by a smile makeover are:
- Undersized or oversized teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Crooked or missing teeth
- Stains or discoloration in teeth
- Gaps in teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
A smile makeover uses both cosmetic and restorative procedures as a part of the treatment plan. Procedures included in a smile makeover are:
- Dental veneers
- Composite bonding
- Tooth implants
- Teeth whitening
- Gum sculpting
It's imperative to consult your cosmetic dentist before heading for a smile makeover to discuss your concerns and the aim of the treatment. Your cosmetic dentist will develop a procedure based on your oral health and the treatment goals. The dentist must work with the patient to draft a customized makeover plan to ensure the desired outcomes.
How Do I Prepare for a Smile Makeover?
According to a recent survey, 9 out of 10 people in America find good teeth a symbol of beauty. Your smile is an integral part of your overall image, potentially affecting your social and professional life. Having a visually appealing smile and teeth is crucial, especially when you have a job to meet and greet people.
With time, dental conditions such as oral injuries, wear and tear, and aging can take a toll on your smile. Today, cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of options to fix oral flaws that let you enjoy your smile immediately after the procedure.
However, scheduling a meeting with your dentist before you embark on your cosmetic dentistry journey can add value to your treatment outcomes. Your initial appointment with your doctor is likely to involve the following steps:
- A dental assessment
- A review of your dental and medical history
- An X-ray of your teeth to check their position and health
- Full set of face and teeth pictures
- Scan or impressions for study models
Before your smile makeover consultation, make a list of questions and concerns that can help you adjust your treatment goals. A few possible questions are:
- Do you want your teeth to be ultra-white, natural-looking, or between the two?
- What is your budget for the treatment?
- Do you want your teeth to be perfectly aligned or slightly varied?
- Do you want your smile to be toothy or gummy?
- What tooth defects do you want to fix?
Before heading for your smile makeover, make sure to know which treatment plan offers you more lasting results. Considering an experienced dentist for the procedure can also ensure successful treatment. Being orally fit is necessary before proceeding with the treatment plan. Moreover, it's also important to realize that the procedure may take weeks or even months, as the treatment time varies from patient to patient.
What Procedures are Included in a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a combination of procedures that work together to enhance the overall appearance of teeth. Check out the list of standard procedures that help you improve your smile:
Dental bonding
Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, is a dental cosmetic procedure that uses a composite resin material similar to your tooth color to help repair chips and gaps in your teeth. This procedure also involves changing tooth shape and color. Unlike other dental cosmetic procedures, dental bonding is fully reversible.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are shells used to cover the front surface of your teeth, customized to your teeth's shape and size. They conceal cosmetic imperfections like cracks, chips, stains, etc. Different types of veneers are available depending on your cosmetic goals.
Tooth whitening
Tooth whitening involves covering your gums with a rubber dam to protect them and applying a bleaching agent to your teeth. Then a laser or a light beam is shone onto the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the chemical activation and helps achieve quick results. There are also other options like making a tray to wear at home, during night or day.
Tooth straightening
Tooth straightening is a treatment option for those with an imbalanced upper and lower jaw. The procedure moves one or both jaws, and speaking, chewing, or biting issues are also addressed as a part of the procedure.
Dental implant
A dental implant is a surgical procedure that involves uprooting the damaged tooth and replacing the root with screw-like metal posts and the missing tooth with an artificial tooth.
Dental crown
Dental crowns are porcelain, metal, or resin caps placed atop damaged teeth. They protect, cover, and maintain the tooth shape when fillings can no longer serve the purpose.
How Long Does a Smile Makeover Take?
The time frame for a smile makeover chiefly depends on the procedure chosen and individual desires and aesthetic goals.
Most patients undergo two to three different smile makeover procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental crown placement, or gum sculpting. The number and types of smaller procedures dictate how much time the entire treatment takes.
Teeth whitening is typically two weeks at home and then an hour-long in office procedure.
Porcelain veneers may require a couple visits to gain permanent restoration.
Tooth bonding is a three-step procedure of sculpting, polishing, and applying resin. However, it takes one visit to complete.
Dental implants may take up to six months, depending upon the number of implants used and the patient's ability to heal. Six months sounds like a long time, but the results are worth the wait. Dental implants change the entire teeth arch while producing the most natural results.
Porcelain tooth crowns need two visits to the dentist. Customizing a permanent crown for patients is a lengthy process. In the meantime, patients use a temporary crown for normal speaking, biting, and chewing.
Keeping up with post-procedural care helps maintain a perky smile with beautiful-looking and healthy teeth, mouth, and gums. It also lessens the need for restorative treatments. Regularly following the dentist after the procedure also assists in the diagnosis of a new problem before it becomes a medical concern.
How Do I Maintain the Results of My Smile Makeover?
The expert cosmetic dentists at My Dentist San Francisco are committed to giving you a smile you deserve. The work doesn't stop here, though. Our experts spend time with patients to improve their smiles so that they enjoy excellent results for many years to come. Maintaining the smile makeover results needs routine oral hygiene. Below, our experts at My Dentist San Francisco, have compiled a list of advice to help you maintain your smile makeover results over the long term:
Follow post-procedural instructions
A primary goal of the smile makeover is to help optimize your oral health. After the procedure, avoid the things that can potentially impact your results. For example, patients who receive porcelain veneers or dental implants and grind or clench their teeth must wear a nightguard to protect their new smile makeover. Likewise, patients with teeth straightening treatment need to wear retainers to preserve their results.
Keep up with daily oral hygiene
Maintain healthy oral habits at home with regular brushing and dental flossing. It not only adds to the longevity of current results but also minimizes the need for future dental work.
Avoid bad habits
Do not consume tobacco products because it leads to discoloration of whitened teeth and damages the resin for teeth restored with composite resin. Moreover, avoid eating hard, sugary, or sticky foods. People who manage to avoid bad habits get the most out of their smile makeover.
Attend regular cleaning sessions
Attend your dentist regularly for cleaning and oral examination every 3-4 months. It helps you maintain your current work and proactively identify any changes or potential oral problems.
What is the Process for a Smile Makeover?
Overview of a smile makeover process
A broad and radiant smile is a symbol of vigor and joy. If you are unsatisfied with your smile and feel embarrassed to show off your teeth, a smile makeover can help restore your confidence. Patients at My Dentist San Francisco ask about a smile makeover process, and here is an overview for you:
Before the smile makeover
Every smile makeover process starts with a visit to the dentist for an oral examination. After consultation and oral examination,Dr Shirvani will assess your oral health, medical history, aesthetic goals, and budget, and then your dentist will develop your personalized makeover plan.
During the smile makeover
In most cases, the smile makeover process is likely to follow the following steps:
Restorative care
If you have crooked, chipped, or broken teeth or have cavities, Dr. Shirvani must fix them using filling, crowns, bridges, or implants before starting the treatment.
Orthodontic treatment
If your teeth are slightly out of order, they must be aligned with braces or Invisalign® as a complementary part of step II — orthodontic correction. Your teeth must be aligned before heading for veneers. That will be done by Dr Rodriguez.
Cosmetic Dentistry
This step is considered the final step of the smile makeover process. Cosmetic dentistry treatments like dental bonding, veneers, and teeth whitening are usually done in this step to ensure your oral health is protected.
After the smile makeover
With the transformative power of the smile makeover, walk out with a big, dazzling, and confident smile. Moreover, remember to follow the post-procedural guidelines if you want to enjoy the results in the longer run.
Are There Risks with Smile Makeovers?
Risk factors associated with a smile makeover
While most people love to enjoy the oh-so-amazing benefits of a smile makeover, it is not almost always risk-free.
Discomfort and tooth sensitivity
Few people feel tooth sensitivity, pain, and discomfort after the treatment. For example, teeth whitening treatments cause temporary tooth sensitivity. Like any procedure in the body, it would take a few days to calm down and get back to normal.
Extended procedures
A few smile makeover treatments, for example, tooth alignment, require multiple trips to the dentist, demanding some time off from work or school and the fee involved. Patients unable to meet the demands may need some other substitutional treatments.
How Do I Choose the Right Teeth Whitening Method?
There are certain in-office and over-the-counter teeth whitening methods. Before you start, determine your whitening goals, whether you want subtle whitening or dramatic whitening, and whether or not you are suffering from tooth sensitivity.
With dozens of options available, sorting through them and looking for the most suitable choice is overwhelming. Below is a comprehensive comparison for you to make an informed selection:
Laser whitening
This method uses lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in an official setup. This method offers dramatic and long-lasting results.
Teeth whitening trays
Teeth whitening trays are available at our office. They provide significant whitening because they are filled with peroxide-based whitening gel that goes on your teeth.The advantage of it is that you can sleep with them or do your normal routines while wearing the trays.You can also retouch the results once in while at any given moment.
Toothpaste and rinses
Two of the most affordable ways to whiten teeth are toothpaste and mouth rinses. They help remove visible stains from the topmost layer of your teeth and prevent future stains from forming if used regularly. The problem is most whitening toothpastes have abrasive particles and will remove a layer off of your enamel. This will lead to a more porous enamel which gets more stain.
Over-the-counter strips
Another economical way of teeth whitening is using over-the-counter whitening strips. They adhere to your teeth and provide varied whitening levels depending on your needs. This process is very time and energy consuming.
It's a good idea to consult your dentist to evaluate your oral health and determine your whitening goals first. Then you can decide on a product that can effectively and efficiently meet your whitening needs.
What is Gum Reshaping and How Does it Work?
What is gum reshaping?
Gum reshaping, also known as gum sculpting or gum contouring or gum lift, is exactly how its name reads. It reshapes your gums by sculpting them and cutting away any excess mass for a more beautiful smile and easier cleaning. If you have pits or areas in your gums where food gets trapped, and you struggle to clean, gum reshaping can counteract the problem.
How does gum reshaping work?
The procedure begins with a consultation with a highly experienced cosmetic dentist who will first evaluate your oral health and discuss your treatment goals. That would be Dr Shirvani. If you want less than two millimeters of gums removed, you will be given laser gum contouring. In laser gum contouring, you will be given local anesthesia. a high-powered and exceptionally accurate soft tissue laser will be used to reshape and reseal your gum tissues. The procedure ensures excellent results non-invasively.
PHowever, if you want more than two millimeters of gums removed, the procedure is slightly complex and involves surgical removal of excess mass. The results offered by surgical contouring are equally astounding but involve a lengthy recovery period. The patient may sometimes require up to 4 months to heal fully.
The length of the procedure depends on the extent of contouring and the amount of reshaping needed. Generally, it takes about 1 to 2 hours.
You will typically have a follow-up visit days or a week after the procedure when Dr Shirvani will check your healing progress and look for symptoms of possible infections.
Can I Get a Smile Makeover in One Visit?
Yes, it is now possible for you to get a new smile in just one day. A smile makeover brings life-changing aesthetic improvements to your smile. In today's busy world, people want aesthetically appealing changes without having to visit their healthcare provider again and again.
My Dentist San Francisco offers a smile makeover in one visit. With the right treatments being performed, people can improve their smiles in only a single visit. This treatment is not for all and varies case by case and needs the dr’s evaluation.
A denture or dental bridge fabrication may take longer due to the need to create restorations. In contrast, dental bonding and teeth whitening takes only a day. There are no needles and drillings involved in the procedure. These are totally pain-free single-visit procedures. People who want to replace missing teeth can have them in a single visit. The dental implant process can replace a single tooth in a single day. Once a patient goes through the surgical procedure of the implant insertion into their jawbone, a temporary crown can be placed over the implant instead of waiting for the implant to heal. It allows the patient to get their new teeth in just one visit.
How Long Does a Smile Makeover Take
One of the most common concerns patients have about their treatment is the timeline or length of the procedure. The timeline depends heavily on your chosen procedures — Restorative Dentistry or Cosmetic Dentistry. Several treatment procedures can be done in a single visit. In comparison, others can take more than one day. Generally speaking, most smile makeovers take a month or two at most. Below is an overview of the length of smile makeover procedures:
Teeth whitening takes almost an hour to give a brighter and more dazzling smile.
Porcelain veneers usually involve two to three visits for the complete treatment.
Invisalign patients often wear invisible aligners for about ten to twelve months. Every person has a unique rate of teeth alignment; therefore, each person will need an individualized plan. Sticking to post-procedural guidelines can positively affect the speed of the treatment.
Tooth bonding is a three-step procedure but takes a single visit.
Lumineers involve two to three visits to the dentist's office.
Dental implants take two to three trips to the dentist lasting a few weeks until the prosthetic tooth is attached to the implant.
Porcelain tooth crowns involve two visits to the dentist.
Tooth-colored fillings are just one visit long. They are mercury-free and are considered the safest option for tooth restoration.
What Are Popular Smile Makeover Options
My Dentist San Francisco offers an array of smile makeover options to improve your smile and, resultantly, your overall quality of life.
Popular smile makeover options are:
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells of porcelain intended to fit over the front surface of badly misshapen, damaged, or discolored teeth, just as a false fingernail fits over the nails.
Dental bridges
A dental bridge replaces a missing tooth with an artificial tooth. it actually 'bridges' the awkward-looking gap between your teeth. Besides, a dental bridge improves the strength, function, and durability of your existing teeth.
Dental inlays and onlays
Dental inlays and onlays, referred to as partial crowns, are two of the most effective restoration methods aiming to fill smaller and bigger cavities, respectively.
An inlay is a small filling fitting into the biting surface of a tooth, while an onlay fits onto the larger tooth area and is suitable for bigger cavities.
Dental implants
Dental implants replace a missing tooth, an arch of teeth, or a denture and provide additional support. Results reaped from dental implants are natural-looking, and patients even forget they even have lost a tooth.
Teeth whitening
teeth whitening helps you prepare for some of the most important life moments by removing the most stubborn stains from your teeth. Teeth whitening addresses the discoloration or yellowing of teeth that routine brushing can't easily counteract. Tetracycline staining, fluorosis and aging are some common reasons for people to seek teeth whitening.
Dental crowns
Dental crowns realistically and beautifully mimic the original tooth by covering the entire tooth with metal-free porcelain crowns. Besides improving the shape, alignment, and appearance of the damaged tooth, dental crowns provide additional support to it. Dr Shirvani is a biomimetic dentist who saves as much tooth structure as possible. She strongly believes tooth have to be replaced with the closest materials to the natural structure.
Conclusion
A smile is a curve that sets everything straight. A smile makeover can fix things for you if you are unhappy with how your smile looks or if it gives an off-putting impression. A smile makeover can deliver much more than just a beautiful smile by combining several procedures in a single treatment plan.
The most significant benefit of a smile makeover is it gives a renewed sense of confidence that many people lack due to an unappealing smile or teeth. A smile makeover has a holistic approach to your oral functioning. It may improve your biting, chewing, or speaking mechanism by fixing the unaligned and missing teeth. That way, a smile makeover benefits your entire body.
Before proceeding with a smile makeover, it's necessary to schedule a meeting session with Dr Shirvani to discuss your medical history, oral health, budget, and treatment goals. A smile makeover offers exceptional results that are worth the time and money. However, you can improve the longevity of the results by keeping up with your dentist's post-procedural instructions.
About My Dentist San Francisco
My Dentist San Francisco is a premier dental clinic in San Francisco, CA, United States. We offer a wide range of dentistry services at the highest standard. We provide you with state-of-the-art dental care, from preventive care to advanced restorative treatment and cosmetic smile makeover. We aim to maintain your oral health and protect your beautiful smile.
My Dentist San Francisco is a judgment-free dental healthcare zone where the entire team is committed to delivering exceptional services with attention to detail and impeccable work to people from any background.
We Treat People — Not Teeth The My Dentist San Francisco is committed to providing dentistry with excellence and integrity. Our goal is to establish and maintain a healthy and professional relationship with our patients, based on our experience and knowledge, toward providing them with the most appropriate oral health recommendations and treatments, just as we treat our own family members and want to be treated ourselves.
