Have you been dreaming of having a confident smile you’ll love to share with others?
Everyone deserves to have a smile that makes them feel confident and attractive. A smile makeover makes it possible to get the smile you’ve always dreamed of, even if your current smile is very different from what you want.
Genetics, injuries, and general wear and tear play a big role in how your smile looks naturally. You might also see the results of past years of missed dental appointments and passive oral hygiene habits show themselves in the form of tooth decay or missing teeth.
The good news is regardless of what your current smile looks like, it doesn’t have to be the smile you have forever!
With the help of Dr. Wohlers, you can completely transform your smile with a makeover consisting of these 5 popular cosmetic dentistry procedures.
1. Straighten your teeth with orthodontic care or Invisalign.
Orthodontic care can be a smile makeover all on its own or the first step in a more complex smile makeover.
If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or there are large gaps between them, straightening them is often the only option. Issues with bite alignment (i.e., overbite or underbite) can also be fixed with orthodontics.
Thanks to Invisalign you can get most teeth alignment issues taken care of without anyone knowing that you’re straightening your teeth. Even more impressive is that Invisalign treatment takes less time than traditional braces and requires no major changes to your lifestyle. Just wear your aligners for 20 to 22 hours a day, keep up a great oral hygiene routine, and you could be done in less than a year.
An added bonus of orthodontics is it isn’t just about cosmetics either. Straightening your teeth eliminates abnormal nooks and crannies in the teeth that trap food and bacteria, reducing the chances of tooth decay.
2. Replace missing teeth with dental implants or bridges.
Missing teeth affect confidence more than any other oral health issue, but there are plenty of options for filling in the gaps.
Dental implants are ideal for permanently replacing missing teeth. Although there is a longer healing period with this procedure, the end results are superior in many ways. A dental implant is the most natural solution and prevents bone loss from occurring in the jaw. It’s strong, stable, and strongly mimics how a natural tooth feels and functions.
Dental bridges are another great choice for patients missing multiple teeth. Porcelain bridges look very realistic and can last for quite a while with proper care. They aren’t permanent like implants and they only slow rather than prevent bone loss. However, many patients do prefer dental bridges over implants depending on their circumstances. Implant-supported bridges are another option you can ask Dr. Wohlers about.
Dental crowns are also used in conjunction with both of these procedures. A crown will top the abutment of a dental implant to form the fake tooth and are often placed on the anchor teeth for a bridge.
3. Revamp the look of your smile with porcelain veneers.
Porcelain veneers are the epitome of a smile makeover and can yield dramatic improvements in your smile with minimal invasiveness.
If you’re not happy with the color, size, or shape of your teeth, veneers will fix these problems. Mild to moderate gaps between the teeth and even crookedness can also be addressed. This is why in some cases patients may be able to skip orthodontic care entirely and just get porcelain veneers instead.
Similarly to orthodontic care, porcelain veneers also offer functional benefits in addition to cosmetics. You’ll prevent tooth decay by straightening your teeth with veneers and you can also permanently strengthen weakened teeth or teeth with enamel-related sensitivity issues.
Veneers are a permanent choice as Dr. Wohlers will need to remove some of your natural tooth enamel to make space for the porcelain veneer overlay. This means you’ll always need to have veneers in place, but you can replace your current veneers if they become worn or if you discover you no longer like the way they look.
4. Correct minor cosmetic flaws with dental bonding.
Dental bonding is perfect for anyone that loves the idea of porcelain veneers but is reluctant to make such a permanent decision with their smile. It’s also a wonderful choice if you’re content with your current smile and just want minor cosmetic flaws fixed.
Dental bonding is similar to porcelain veneers in that it involves an overlay on the surface of your teeth. The difference is this overlay is a tooth-colored resin that’s only semi-permanent in nature. You won’t need any enamel removed and your bonding will naturally wear off with time.
Bonding will cover small gaps, discoloration and staining, and fill in smalls chips and other flaws. It isn’t able to cover as much as veneers, but for many patients, that’s exactly why bonding is the perfect choice for them.
5. Brighten your smile with professional teeth whitening.
Professional teeth whitening can have a profound impact on how you feel about your smile. It’s also a great ‘finishing touch’ at the end of a smile makeover journey.
Whitening your teeth will remove surface stains and discoloration as well as brighten up the overall appearance of your smile, making your teeth appear healthy and radiant. Dr. Wohlers offers at-home whitening kits, but you can also get in-office whitening sessions that yield incredible results in just a couple of hours.
Getting your teeth professionally whitened after finishing with braces or Invisalign is a great way to reward yourself. It can also be done after dental implants or bridges, but keep in mind that porcelain can’t be whitened. If you know you want a whiter smile and you’re planning on getting crowns or bridges, let Dr. Wohlers know beforehand as she may recommend whitening to your desired level first. This ensures your bridge or dental implant crown won’t be too dark in color.
Start your smile makeover journey at Wohlers Family Dentistry.
The first step in your smile makeover journey is to book a consultation at Wohlers Family Dentistry.
During your consultation Dr. Wohlers will get to know you, speak with you about your smile goals, and perform a thorough examination to evaluate your current oral health. Together you’ll create a plan for your smile makeover and book your next appointment.
Dr. Wohlers can move forward with cosmetic treatment right away if your teeth and gums are healthy. If you do have a couple of underlying issues, such as a cavity that needs treatment or signs of gum disease, Dr. Wohlers will start treatment for those concerns prior to any cosmetic work.
Ready to get started? Give our office a call to book your first appointment.