Smile Makeovers at Pacific Park Family Dental
Hello there. I am Roman Zakhariya, and I'm a doctor at Pacific Park Family Dental. Today I will tell you about a smile makeover that you could possibly have.
What is a smile makeover?
When we talk about a smile makeover, we're actually discussing a full analysis of your aesthetic presentation. Some people have a longer lip, while others have a shorter lip. Some people, when they smile, show a lot of gums, while others show only their canines. We have to account for and understand how to handle these different characteristics to achieve the best result for you.
Are smile makeovers considered cosmetic or restorative dentistry?
A smile makeover term is somewhat misleading because when we are doing something over, we're addressing not only the smile portion but also the functional aspect of your teeth. We can't place something in your mouth that doesn't have a function. Every part of your mouth has a specific role. Your incisor teeth, for example, not only contribute to a nice smile but also slice through food. A weak incisor won't fulfill its function and will only be there aesthetically, which isn't sufficient. When discussing a smile makeover, we're considering both function and aesthetics. We aim to tackle both aspects simultaneously for a comfortable and perfect-looking result.
What are the goals of a smile makeover?
The primary goal is to give you a beautiful smile, but that's not the only objective. We also want to restore your confidence and ensure you speak correctly. For instance, new teeth might affect how the 'F' and 'S' sounds are produced. We need to ensure any whistling or lisp is eliminated with the new restorations.
Who would be a good candidate for a smile makeover?
An excellent candidate is someone who realizes their smile isn't what they want it to be. In some cases, a smile makeover can be as simple as teeth whitening. It's not always about getting crowns or veneers. This is where analysis is crucial. We determine exactly what you need and provide the right amount of treatment.
Overtreatment, such as giving someone with perfect teeth unnecessary crowns, is aggressive dentistry. Sometimes, all that's needed is a bit of orthodontics, like clear braces or Invisalign, and teeth whitening. However, if someone has worn-out teeth and is chewing on dentin due to a lack of enamel, multiple crowns might be necessary.
Our approach is always based on identifying and addressing the root cause.
What are the procedures involved in a smile makeover?
A smile makeover can involve multiple procedures, depending on the situation. If you have perfect teeth and want minor improvements, whitening and possibly Invisalign might suffice. However, if years of wear have left your teeth broken and unusable, we'll need to conduct a thorough diagnosis to strategically place crowns, ensuring both a beautiful smile and a functional mouth.
What are the benefits of a smile makeover?
The term "smile makeover" might suggest we're only working on your smile, but we're actually addressing everything comprehensively. In the end, you'll have a beautiful smile and a comfortable mouth that allows you to chew, speak, and enjoy improved oral health with your new teeth.
Will I need anesthesia during a smile makeover?
If the procedure is as simple as whitening, anesthesia probably won't be necessary. For more involved procedures, there are different levels of anesthetic. Some patients may only need to be numbed, while others, who are more nervous, might be given triazolam before the appointment to help them relax.
For those who prefer not to be aware of the procedure at all, we offer sedation using IV sedative drugs, allowing them to be driven home afterward without recalling the experience.
How long will it take to heal from a smile makeover?
The healing time depends on the procedures involved. If implants are needed, it can take four to eight months for full healing. For something as simple as whitening, you'll be fine within a couple of days.
Can I resume regular brushing and flossing after a smile makeover?
Absolutely. Dentistry should be 99% as good as the real thing. With your real teeth, you can bite into apples, chew nuts, and brush and floss normally. We ensure that the dentistry we provide allows you to do all of that. If a prosthetic is limiting, it's a crutch, and we're not in the business of providing crutches. Our goal is to give you brand new teeth that you can use effectively.
How can I schedule an appointment to discuss a smile makeover?
If you live in or near Vancouver, WA, and are looking for dental care, contact us at (360) 803-3546 to set an appointment. You can also email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!