Home » Dental Services » Cosmetic Dentistry » Smile Makeovers
It’s not unusual to be unhappy with the appearance of your teeth. In fact, research shows that people regularly state their smile as one of the things that they would most like to change or improve about the way that they look. If you are self-conscious about the way your teeth look, you may find that your feelings are holding you back either personally or professionally. You may lack the confidence to put yourself forward for opportunities or to embrace offers that you receive. Fortunately, this is something that you can change thanks to a smile makeover. A smile makeover is a name given to a series of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can be combined into a single treatment plan to improve the appearance of your teeth. We are delighted to offer smile makeovers at our Rockford dental practice.
Exactly what is involved in your smile makeover will depend on what elements of your smile that you would like to change. There’s a wide range of different cosmetic dentistry treatments that can transform virtually any aspect of your teeth and our dental team will be able to advise you which will help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Some of the most common and popular smile makeover treatments include:
Over time, it’s normal for teeth to become discolored or stained. This happens because teeth are slightly porous, meaning that they absorb some of the foods and liquids that they come into contact with. Foods and drinks containing tannins, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and berries are well-known for increasing the risk of teeth becoming stained. Smoking is another common cause of tooth discoloration, not only because it increases the development of plaque and tartar on the teeth, but because the nicotine also stains the teeth. Nevertheless, a white smile is extremely desirable and teeth whitening is the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatment in the world.
Teeth whitening works by bleaching the teeth so that any discoloration and staining are removed. Whitening also lightens the overall color of the teeth, lifting them so that the teeth look brighter, lighter, and healthier than before. In-office whitening is considered to be the most effective treatment for lightening teeth, producing better and longer-lasting results much more quickly than over-the-counter alternatives.
Porcelain veneers are a popular alternative to teeth whitening and are often recommended when whitening isn’t a suitable option. This is because they sit over the outside face of the teeth, hiding imperfections beneath them. As well as covering stains and discoloration, veneers can also be successfully used to close small gaps between the teeth or to add thickness and height to your smile to make it look more uniform. Each veneer, which is created from ultra-thin porcelain, is bespoke and created for the specific tooth that it is to cover. Veneers are also glazed so that they are a healthy and attractive color, and in the case of patients who would like whiter teeth, they can be created in the shade desired to achieve this. Veneers are attached in a simple, two-step procedure and can be applied individually or across your entire smile.
Most people know of dental crowns as being a common restorative procedure, but don’t realize that they can also be an effective way of improving the appearance of your teeth too. Crowns cover teeth that are badly cracked, chipped, or decayed, restoring their strength and function. However, porcelain crowns, like veneers, can be glazed in a shade that matches your existing teeth so that the restoration looks completely natural and virtually impossible to tell apart from your natural teeth.
Many people suffer from teeth that are twisted, crooked, gapped, or overlapping. These alignment issues are often picked up and addressed in childhood, but a surprising number of patients enter adulthood still experiencing misaligned teeth that put them at greater risk of decay and gum disease, as well as affecting the overall appearance of their smile. Many people think that they have no alternative other than to have conventional metal braces, but this isn’t the case. Clear aligner solutions are a very popular alternative that can transform the position of your teeth. Unlike regular braces, these clear aligners are worn over the tops of the teeth and apply gentle, consistent pressure to them to move them into their new, improved position. Enquire with our team to find out if you are a suitable candidate for a clear aligner solution like Invisalign.
Tooth loss is extremely common. If you have one or more missing teeth, you may be eligible for dental implants. Dental implants are an innovative new way of replacing missing teeth that may have been lost due to decay or damage. Unlike bridges and dentures, dental implants don’t rely on healthy, natural teeth for support. Instead, they are secured directly to the jawbone by way of a titanium post that is surgically inserted into the bone. The visible element of the restoration is a bespoke porcelain crown, which looks and acts just like healthy, regular teeth. Dental implants are considered to be the most effective, discreet, and long-lasting of all dental restorations.
For more information about smile makeovers, or to schedule a consultation to find out how we can help you to transform the appearance of your smile, please contact our dental office in Rockford, IL today.
Alongside Dental Bonding, we offer our Rockford patients the following cosmetic dentistry services: Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Veneers, Dental Implants, Gum Sculpting, and Orthodontics.