Cosmetic improvements these days aren’t limited to Botox or plastic surgery, but advances in dentistry have created a way to makeover your smile as well. There are new, effective, and safe ways to transform your smile into one you’ve always wanted. Healthy, straight, white teeth are possible for those with even the worst of oral appearances.
Visiting a dentist to determine what procedures might help you is easy. Ask for recommendations or do your research to find a reputable and experienced dentist. Then make an appointment to share the concerns you have about your smile, and find out ways that improvements might be possible. A smile makeover can mean a combination of procedures, especially for those with multiple dental problems.
Here are some common things that may be accomplished with a smile makeover:
- Stained or discolored teeth can be whitened through a variety of teeth whitening options. Professional methods performed by your dentist give the most dramatic and quick results.
- Teeth that don’t respond to whitening or are chipped or misaligned can be covered with porcelain veneers.
- Missing teeth can be replaced with implants, bridges, or dentures.
- Crowns can be used to cover decayed or otherwise damaged teeth.
- Orthodontic treatment is an option for those with more severe tooth crowding or jaw misalignment.
Some cosmetic dental treatments can have dramatic results, and some provide more subtle improvements. Whatever types of treatments you undergo to achieve your smile makeover goals, the point is that they make you feel better about yourself and help you get the smile you would like. If you have issues with your smile, take the initiative to see a dentist and make some changes.
Smile Makeover Dentist Toronto
Sometimes oral surgery is the best way to treat problems with your teeth, mouth, gums, or jaws. This can include any type of procedure that involves cutting into or eliminating tissue from your mouth. Dental implants, tooth extraction, gum surgery, jaw issues, cleft palate, and diseased tissue are all examples of typical oral surgeries. Usually performed by an oral surgeon and often on an outpatient basis, afterwards patients are responsible for their own care at home.
There are some common outcomes that you should expect following most oral surgeries.
Pain
It is normal to experience pain after oral surgery once the anesthesia dissipates. The majority of the pain will occur in the first two days after surgery, but discomfort may linger up to five days. Your oral surgeon might prescribe pain medication to take at home. Follow the instructions for usage carefully, and do not drink alcohol while on the medication. If you feel drowsy, do not drive or perform other hazardous tasks until you quit taking the medicine. If your pain doesn’t begin to improve two days after surgery, consult your surgeon.
Bleeding
Another common result of oral surgery is bleeding, especially for the first few hours. Oozing may occur for up to 24 hours. After about four hours, consult your surgeon if bleeding isn’t controlled by firmly pressing gauze on the area.
Swelling
Your face may swell for the first 24 hours after oral surgery, and it can last up to a week. Hold an ice pack on the swollen area for the first day, alternating 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off. On the second day, switch to a warm compress which will improve blood circulation to the area. Make sure you wait at least a day to switch to heat however, because it can increase swelling during the first day.
Bruising
Another common result of oral surgery is bruising. It doesn’t always happen, but it sometimes develops as swelling decreases. Bruising may last up to 10 days.
Improving a damaged or unattractive smile is not just for celebrities. Many people today choose to change their smile by hiding problems like discolorations, gaps, chips, cracks, or crooked teeth. Two common ways to improve the appearance of your smile is with dental veneers or lumineers. The two kinds of restorations are similar, but they do have some differences to consider.
Description
Veneers are most often made of porcelain. They look very natural, resist stains, and are strong. They serve to strengthen the exterior of a damaged tooth, hide flaws, and can lengthen teeth as desired. Lumineers are a newer restoration and function similarly to veneers, providing many of the same benefits. The main difference is that lumineers are even thinner than veneers, compared in thickness to a contact lens.
Application
The process for getting veneers and lumineers is quite similar. Both require at least two dental visits. At the first visit, any preparation work will be performed and models will be made of the teeth so that the customized restorations can be created. The second visit involves fitting and attaching the restoration, and then trimming, shaping, and adjusting as needed. The main difference between applying the two types of restorations is that veneers require reshaping the teeth and shaving off a small amount to ensure proper attachment of the veneers. Some of the natural tooth enamel is lost in the application process. However, lumineers do not require shaving tooth enamel. Lumineers are attached on top the teeth without any alterations to the original teeth.
Durability
Veneers are not usually able to be repaired if they receive damage like chipping or cracking. They must be completely replaced in that case. With usual wear, veneers should be replaced every 5 to 10 years. The durability of lumineers is very good and may last up to 20 years.
When you have a total assessment of your smile and oral health performed with the goal of achieving your best smile, it is called getting a smile makeover. One or more dentistry treatments may be necessary to help you reach your goals, but when you do you can have the smile you’ve always wanted.
A consultation with an experienced and qualified dentist will help you determine what might be done to improve your look. The dentist will consider many factors like the condition of your teeth and gums, facial features, lips, and skin tone to help you come up with a treatment plan that works best with your overall appearance.
In addition to helping you have the best dental function, smile makeovers can help you look younger and healthier. It may also give you newfound confidence.
Some of the most common oral problems that smile makeovers address include:
- Teeth discoloration – teeth that are stained from foods, drinks, smoking, age, medications, or poor dental hygiene can be improved with teeth whitening. Professional methods performed by your dentist usually have the most noticeable and fastest results.
- Gaps – teeth that have extra space between them can be covered with porcelain veneers to give you a great new look. Braces are another option to close gaps, including the latest invisible type called Invisalign.
- Chips and cracks – teeth that have flaws like chips or cracks can be covered with veneers, or bonded using composite resin material.
- Unsightly fillings – replacing dark colored fillings with tooth-colored composite resin is a great way to change your smile for the better.
- Misaligned or uneven teeth – a smile that isn’t straight can be hidden with veneers to give you a perfect new smile.
- Missing teeth – tooth loss for just about any reason can be restored using dental implants, which provide a comfortable and permanent way to regain your complete smile.
Most dentists recommend that patients replace their toothbrushes every three to four months. About this time, the bristles start to wear out or become frayed, which makes the tool less effective. You should also replace your toothbrush right away if you have been sick so that you don’t re-infect yourself.
Once you are done with the toothbrush, you don’t have to immediately toss it in the trash. These creative opportunities will allow you to put that old toothbrush to good use.
Dust the keyboard
The precision of the bristles makes it a cinch to get between the keys.
Eliminate stains
If you get spots on your carpet or upholstery, an old toothbrush will enable you to really scrub the soiled area and remove the stain.
Touch up your roots
For those who dye their own hair, an old toothbrush is the perfect tool for applying color to specific areas.
Dislodge dirt from under your nails
Gardening will help your plants grow, but will also make your manicure look less than appealing. With an old toothbrush, you can say good-bye to grimy nails.
Polish jewelry
To make your favorite pieces sparkle, use an old toothbrush and a tab of toothpaste to restore their beauty.
Clean bike chains
If you don’t want to look like a mechanic after taking grease off the chains, you can grab an old toothbrush and easily finish the job.
Remove silk strings off ears of corn
Before boiling corn, wipe the ears with an old toothbrush to eliminate the corn silk and keep it out of your teeth.
Dental Veneers: The Benefits
There’s no way around it, your teeth are subject to the signs of wear, aging, and care over the years. Some people’s smiles fare better than others, but if you are one of those who is embarrassed to smile and wish you had a different set of teeth, then dental veneers may be the answer for you.
Veneers are extremely thin shells of tooth-colored material that fit over the front surface of your teeth to improve the appearance. They hide imperfections such as discoloration, gaps, chips, uneven teeth, and teeth that are worn down. Veneers are bonded securely to your existing teeth and are a long-term solution for covering embarrassing problems, typically lasting about 6 years but sometimes up to 15 depending on the type of veneer and proper dental care.
These restorations are most often created from porcelain, ceramic, or composite materials. Porcelain veneers are the most popular, as you can expect them to remain bright and intact for the longest time.
Veneers made from porcelain offer a number of important benefits:
- Very natural looking
- Stain resistant to foods like coffee, red wine, and berries
- Color selection that allows you to match existing teeth or make your smile whiter
- Does not require extensive shaping of your natural teeth
- Well tolerated by gum tissue
- Does not require special maintenance, but instead allows your normal brushing and flossing routine
- Provides one solution to remedy a variety of aesthetic dental issues