What is Smile Makeover?
Smile Makeover is the evaluation, enhancements of the appearance of the teeth, gum and face in relation to the bite, joints, muscles and airway.
This cosmetic dentistry procedure aims to attain a better appearance, which can improve self-esteem and self-confidence for those who are concerned by the appearance of their smile.
Example of a Smile Makeover done by Dr. Cheng involving Invisalign and Veneers
Levels of Smile Makeover
- Teeth
- Gum and Teeth
- Gum, Teeth and Face (Bone Structure – Skeletal).
In the past, the majority of the smile makeover was done at the teeth level. Reshaping and recontouring is the least involved procedure but also the least flexible to achieve the result. Bonding can be conservative, but color may not be stable in 5 to 10 years. Porcelain veneer is the most color stable and extremely strong and can last beyond 15 years. Dental Crowns will be the better choice if the bite needs to be changed. Whitening can be done at home or in-office.
Cosmetic Problems with Teeth
- Shape
- Size
- Color
- Yellow teeth
- Dark teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Chipped tooth
Solutions for Teeth Cosmetic Issues
- Whitening
- Bonding
- Porcelain veneers
- Crowns
- Recontouring
- Clear aligners such as Invisalign
Cosmetic Problems with Gum
- Gummy smile
- Uneven gum
For gummy smiles or too much gum showing, we need to address the tooth, gum, and the jaw bone. Gummy smiles can be due to short upper lips, hypermobile lips or due to too much of the upper jaw in the downward direction. Uneven gum can be from the lack of normal eruption of the teeth. Cosmetic gum plastic surgery will be needed to correct those issues.
Solution for Gum Cosmetic Issues
- Crown lengthening
- Lip repositioning
- Orthodontics intrusion
Cosmetic Problems with Bone Structure
The dark buccal corridor behind the eyetooth creates unpleasant esthetics, usually from the narrow arches (narrow arches may indicate airway sleep apnea issue)
- Narrow smile
- Uneven smile
- Uneven upper and lower jaw.
Solution for Bone Structure Cosmetic Issues
- Aligners such as Invisalign to expand if there is sufficient bone. Otherwise, SFOT will help in growing the bone.
- Porcelain veneers, but will not correct narrow arches
- Crowns, but will not correct narrow arches.
- Uneven upper and lower jaws may need MMA (Maxillary Mandibular Advancement) surgery.
Cost of Smile Makeover
As you can see above, there are numerous procedures and methods to achieve a more beautiful smile. Therefore, the pricing for a smile makeover can vary drastically. It can cost from a minimum of $300 all the way to $20,000 or even more!
