Smile Makeovers: Combining Treatments for a Dramatic Transformation

Name: The Implant and Cosmetic Smiles Clinic
Address: 27 Bedford Square, Houghton Regis, Bedfordshire, LU5 5ES, England
Telephone: 01582 518 100
Price range: $

The prominent rise of stars like Aimee Lou Wood and Georgia May Jagger have pushed imperfect smiles into the spotlight. While stars may have once believed they needed to have a perfectly straight smile to be successful, these celebrities are showing that a few minor imperfections can actually be quite distinct.

If all the talk of teeth and what makes a perfect smile has got you thinking about your own teeth, you’re not alone. Every day, hundreds of people head to the dentist with pressing questions about what they can do to improve their appearance.

While minor imperfections might be more accepted in the mainstream, what’s more important is that you are happy and confident with your smile. The celebrities with imperfect smiles are simply confident with their imperfections, and that is the thing that radiates beauty.

If there are issues with your smile that are damaging your confidence, you might consider a smile makeover. This is a combination of treatments designed to address whatever it is about your smile that might be impacting your confidence.

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is unique to every patient. The treatment plan is all about getting to the heart of your insecurities and recommending treatments that will help to alleviate your anxiety.

For one patient, this could be as simple as a dental hygienist deep clean and teeth whitening. For others, it could be more extensive and include orthodontics, gum contouring and composite bonding.

The treatment could include treatment options like:

Orthodontics, including fixed braces or removable aligners. Orthodontic treatment is used to address the alignment of the teeth and can make the smile appear more symmetrical while also addressing spacing in the mouth.
Teeth whitening is a popular treatment for improving your smile. It is a chemical treatment that flushes out stains that are trapped deep in the teeth. It can help your smile to appear brighter and whiter, which often makes patients look much younger.
Composite bonding allows us to achieve results similar to a veneer, but for a fraction of the cost. The treatment is also fast and can be completed in just one visit. We apply a resin directly to the tooth and then shape it before using UV light to set the material. It can help to change the colour, shape and appearance of single teeth.
Gum contouring can help to address a gummy smile, which is when your gums appear very prominent when you smile. We can change the shape of the gum line so the teeth appear longer, and this can drastically transform how you look when you smile.
Veneers and crowns are porcelain restorations that are placed on top of existing teeth. These are perfect for protecting teeth damaged by decay, while also restoring your smile by changing the colour, shape or alignment of teeth.

How long does a smile makeover take?

The duration of your treatment will all depend on the treatments you choose. For example, teeth whitening can be completed in a matter of weeks, whereas orthodontics could take up to 2 years to complete.

If you are on a deadline, make sure you let your dentist know about this during your consultation. This will help them to recommend treatments that are better aligned with your goals. For example, if you’re getting married in a month, you might want to boost your confidence with teeth whitening before the big day. If you’re not in a rush to see results, you might want to start with orthodontic treatment before deciding on further enhancements.

Your dentist will be able to provide an overview of how long you can expect the different treatments to take.

Who is a good candidate for a smile makeover?

Before we address the aesthetics of your smile, it’s vital to make sure that your teeth and gums are healthy. Before starting a smile makeover, your dentist will want to check your oral health and make sure there are no signs of gum disease or decay before moving forward.

We recommend dealing with these issues before addressing any aesthetic issues. For treatments like orthodontics, it’s essential that your teeth and gums are healthy before we start, as the supporting structures are essential for the success of this treatment.

It’s also important to have realistic expectations about what we can achieve with each treatment. If you have body dysmorphia, for example, you might have a warped view of your appearance. You might believe that having a perfect smile will boost your confidence, but it’s often the case that your body dysmorphia will prevent you from feeling confident.

How long will a smile makeover last?

This all depends on the treatments you choose. For example, orthodontics will only last for as long as you continue to wear your retainer at night time. Without this support, your teeth will eventually migrate back to their usual position.

Teeth whitening will usually last for around 1-2 years, but the stains will return if you continue the same habits that caused the staining. Composite bonding is designed to last for around 5 years, after which time you would need to replace it with further composite bonding or choose a more permanent treatment like veneers.

At the start of your treatment plan, ask your dentist about the long-term care requirements for your chosen smile makeover plan. This can help you to plan for the future, so you’ll know when these treatments need to be renewed or replaced.