What Cosmetic Problems Can a Smile Makeover Treat?
Few people are completely satisfied with their smile’s appearance. Even when people put time and energy into caring for their teeth and practicing good oral hygiene habits, imperfections can mar the smile. Cosmetic dentistry treatments address aesthetic blemishes to enhance the smile’s appearance.
When multiple flaws affect the teeth, people may be ideal candidates for a smile makeover, as offered by Dr. Andrew G. Mortensen at his Fountain Valley, CA, dental practice. A smile makeover combines several cosmetic dentistry treatments to address our patient’s unique needs. Here, we discuss what cosmetic problems a smile makeover can treat and the specific procedures that may be performed to perfect the smile.
Tooth Discoloration
Tooth discoloration is one of the most common complaints among our dental patients. The teeth are routinely exposed to deeply colored foods and beverages, so they can easily become stained or darkened. Over time, the teeth may look more yellow or gray than white. Fortunately, tooth discoloration is simple to correct.
Extrinsic stains (stains that exist on a tooth’s outer layer of enamel) respond well to professional teeth whitening. Teeth whitening can brighten the teeth by up to eight shades in a single session. Intrinsic stains (stains that affect a tooth’s inner layers) can be concealed with dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or dental crowns.
Chipped and Cracked Teeth
Chips and cracks are not unusual. The teeth bite and chew on food, exposing them to significant wear and tear. Prolonged weakening or a sudden oral injury can result in tooth chipping, cracking, or fracturing. Deep-set chips, cracks, and fractures threaten oral health, while superficial blemishes detract from the smile’s beauty. Dr. Mortensen can treat chips, cracks, and fractures by including dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or a dental crown in smile makeover treatment.
Gapped Teeth
Teeth are not always evenly spaced. Unusually large spaces between the teeth create gaps that make many of our Fountain Valley patients self-conscious about their smiles. A smile makeover may include treatment to address dental gaps and give the smile a uniform appearance. Depending on the extent and the cause of gapped teeth, Dr. Mortensen may recommend dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or Invisalign.
Misalignment
Misalignment is the primary cause of gapped teeth. Misalignment can also result in crooked teeth, twisted or turned teeth, or overcrowded teeth. Misalignment issues can compromise oral functions and compromise the smile’s appearance. Smile makeover procedures to correct or conceal misalignment include Invisalign and porcelain veneers.
Missing Teeth
Tooth loss affects the smile in several ways. Tooth loss compromises oral functions, contributes to bone degeneration, and detracts from the smile’s beauty. Patients with tooth loss can include dental bridges, dentures, or dental implants as part of their smile makeover treatment to restore the smile’s functions and appearance.
Gummy Smile
Most people want their teeth to be the primary focus of their smile. However, when people have a disproportionate amount of gum tissue, the gums take the lead role. A gummy smile can make the teeth look small and unhealthy. Fortunately, our Fountain Valley patients can improve proportions between the teeth and gums by including gum reshaping in their smile makeover treatment. Gum reshaping utilizes a precise dental laser to eliminate excessive gum tissue and balance the gum line.
Contact Us
Smile makeover treatment combines cosmetic dentistry procedures to address aesthetic flaws and improve the smile’s appearance. Each smile makeover is customized to give patients the specific results they desire. If you would like to receive a personalized smile makeover consultation from Dr. Mortensen, contact our dental practice at your earliest convenience.