Smile Makeover or Smile Reconstruction: Which is Best for You?

What is a smile makeover?

A smile makeover is a term used for patients that need several procedures to enhance the appearance of their teeth. Smile makeovers are for patients who have good functionality with their teeth but might not like the way they look. Smile makeovers are primarily sought after by people with minor imperfections or a few aesthetic concerns but overall good dental health. Patients might not like like the shape, colour or look of their teeth and want a nicer looking smile. A smile makeover can fix: 

• Misaligned teeth 
• Missing teeth 
• Stained or yellowed teeth 
• Misshapen teeth 

What kind of treatments are used in a smile makeover? 

Teeth Whitening: Teeth come in a wide variety of shades, from white to light shades of yellow. If you don’t like the natural shade of your teeth or have stains and discoloration, teeth whitening can help you achieve a brighter smile. 

Dental Veneers: These are thin porcelain shells placed on the front surface of teeth to cover cracks, chips, or gaps. If you don’t like the shape or size of a certain tooth veneers are one way to enhance its appearance. 

Dental Crowns: These are custom-made caps designed to restore the shape and strength of damaged or weakened teeth. Dental crowns give the appearance of a natural tooth and can enhance your smile if you have a dead or weak tooth. 

Invisalign or Clear Aligners: Orthodontic treatments can correct misalignments and help achieve a straighter smile. Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are a great option for adults who don’t want traditional metal braces.  

Gum Contouring: Gum contouring involves reshaping the gum line to improve the overall appearance of the teeth. This can be a good option if you feel like your smile is ‘gummy’ or your teeth appear small. 

What are the benefits of a smile makeover? 

The main benefit of a smile makeover is improved confidence. When you don’t like the way your teeth look, you’re less likely to smile. You might even develop a habit of covering your mouth when you laugh or smile. 

Poor oral health, dental development or injuries can result in problems with your teeth that affect the way they look. Cosmetic dentistry can improve your confidence and self-esteem. Straight teeth are also easier to clean and floss between. 

What is a smile reconstruction? 

A Smile reconstruction goes beyond cosmetic treatments and instead restores the functionality as well as the health of your teeth. If you have extensive dental problems such as severe decay, gum disease, missing teeth, or structural damage to your teeth that affects your bite, a smile reconstruction can restore the functionality of your teeth. It can include: 

Dental Implants: These are artificial teeth placed into the jawbone and supported with a crown. Dental implants are a great option to restore your smile if you have missing teeth.  

Full Mouth Reconstruction: This is a combination of treatments that fix multiple dental problems, including crowns, bridges, and dental implants within a short timeframe. 

Periodontal Treatment: Treatment for gum disease helps to restore gum health and prevent tooth loss. It might include tooth scaling or root planing. 

Orthognathic Surgery: Corrective jaw surgery to address skeletal issues affecting the bite and facial structure. In many cases, you will be referred to a surgeon for this type of treatment as the procedure and recovery time are quite long. 

What are the benefits of a smile restoration? 

The main benefit of a smile restoration is to restore the functionality or health of your teeth. Missing teeth aren’t just an aesthetic problem. Gaps in your smile can make your neighbouring teeth unstable and cause them to shift over time.  

Poor oral health can also lead to tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and ultimately tooth loss. Smile restoration is about restoring the health of your teeth. Often your teeth will look more aesthetically pleasing after a smile restoration.    

How do I know if I should get a smile makeover or smile restoration? 

In both cases, you might not like the look of your smile. The main difference between treatments is that one fixes aesthetic problems and the other restores the health and functionality of your teeth. 

If you don’t like the look of your smile but your teeth and gums are healthy, you’re probably a good fit for a smile makeover. If you have problems with the health of your teeth and require restorative dental work, you could be a good candidate for a smile restoration. 

Book your smile makeover or restoration at Gentle Dental

At Gentle Dental we offer a range of cosmetic and restorative procedures to give you a brighter, healthier smile. Book a consultation now at one of our four locations across Wellington, Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. Our gentle staff can talk you through any of your smile concerns.