A smile makeover; what is it?

Dr. Bobby Chhoker

In the Western world, many of the problems surrounding general dental care have been resolved. The majority of patients now use electric toothbrushes to better remove plaque, are aware of the issues related to sugar and know how flossing can be beneficial. There has also been an increase in people attending their six-monthly check-ups.

This has led to a preponderance of patients wanting to improve their dental aesthetics rather than having concerns about general issues, which is why cosmetic dental care has boomed in popularity during the last few years.

At Dr Bobby Chhoker’s dental practice, we can provide this care. The majority of our patients come to us looking to undergo a smile makeover. In essence, this is a makeover of your smile using cosmetic dental treatments to provide a personalised finish to help you get the smile you’ve always wanted.

So, what exactly goes into an average smile makeover? Here, our team discusses the treatments that are commonly used and how they can be tailored to match your needs.

Whitening

Most dental patients wish their teeth were whiter, so having professional whitening performed is often a key element of a smile makeover. We can tailor the strength of the hydrogen peroxide in the whitening gel to remove the stains that you have on your teeth. This will allow you to control the shade that the teeth are whitened to. If you have deeper set staining, we may need to use abrasion-based whitening techniques.

Veneers

Similar to whitening, veneers allow your teeth to be altered by shade and can make your smile 18 shades lighter in a single sitting, based on what your aesthetic goals are. Veneers can also be used to conceal cracks and minor gaps in your smile, making them a versatile option for an oral makeover. They can also be used to reduce oral sensitivity.

White fillings

Composite or white fillings are now commonplace and merge the restorative with the aesthetic. The fitting of a composite filling will usually involve an instrument that is similar to a glue gun. Our team will be able to shape the composite with precision, allowing for a better aesthetic finish overall. Once again, the shade of the composite will be matched to the surrounding teeth, so onlookers will be none the wiser about the fact that you have had a filling.

Orthodontics

There are many adult orthodontic options including invisible aligners like Invisalign, all the way to the standard fitted brace. Orthodontics in adults has also spiked in popularity in recent years due to myths surrounding suitability and age being debunked. You can undertake orthodontics at any stage in your life assuming that your oral health is good.

Oral implants

And finally, if you have a missing tooth or teeth, you may wish to discuss dental implants with our team. These are surgically implanted restoratives, which fuse to your jaw over a period of 3 to 6 months, after which we attach a prosthetic tooth or teeth. The prosthetic is matched to the surrounding natural teeth. This resolves the aesthetic issue whilst also allowing better functionality than would be obtained with a removable restorative.

DISCLAIMER

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.