If you would like to address several aspects of your smile, treatment may involve a combination of cosmetic or restorative procedures. At Advanced Dental Concepts, a smile makeover begins with an evaluation of your oral health, existing dental work, and the changes you would like to consider. These findings help determine which treatments, if any, are appropriate and how to coordinate them.
When May a Smile Makeover Be Considered?
A smile makeover is not a single dental procedure. It is an individualized treatment plan that may combine different treatments when several aspects of the smile are being addressed. For example, one patient may be concerned about tooth discoloration and a chipped tooth, while another may want to address gaps, uneven tooth shape, or alignment.
These concerns do not necessarily indicate an oral health problem or require treatment. Cosmetic care is elective in many cases, so whether to proceed depends on your goals and clinical findings. Existing fillings, crowns, or other dental work may also influence the options available.
Before elective cosmetic treatment is considered, the teeth and gums should be healthy enough for the planned procedures. Active tooth decay or other oral health concerns may need to be addressed first.
What Can a Smile Makeover Include?
The procedures included in a smile makeover rely on the concerns being addressed. Teeth whitening may be considered for certain types of discoloration, while bonding or veneers may address selected concerns involving chips, tooth shape, small gaps, or color.
When tooth position is the primary concern, Invisalign may be considered for suitable cases. Gum contouring can address certain concerns involving the gumline. If a tooth also requires structural restoration, a crown may be appropriate depending on its condition.
How We Plan a Smile Makeover
When several procedures are being considered, careful sequencing helps coordinate the different stages of treatment. For example, tooth alignment may need to be completed before certain final restorations are planned. Whitening may also be performed before some tooth-colored restorations so their shade can be selected in relation to the surrounding natural teeth. Whitening changes the color of natural teeth but does not lighten existing tooth-colored restorations.
Before proceeding, we explain how the proposed treatments fit together, what each procedure is intended to address, and what can reasonably be expected. We also discuss relevant limitations, maintenance requirements, and alternative approaches so you can make an informed decision about treatment.
Maintaining Your Smile After Treatment
Post-treatment care depends on the procedures in your treatment plan. Regular brushing, interdental cleaning, and dental visits remain important for maintaining the natural teeth, gums, and restorations.
Excessive biting forces can affect bonding, veneers, crowns, and natural teeth. Avoid biting objects such as ice or pens, and discuss grinding or clenching with your dental team if these habits concern you. Whitening results may also change over time with exposure to foods, beverages, tobacco, and other sources of staining.
Ongoing dental visits allow the condition of the teeth, gums, bite, and restorations to be evaluated over time.
Smile Makeover Care in Laguna Beach
A range of cosmetic and restorative services provided in a single location enables the team to collaborate on various treatment components when suitable. Digital and 3-D dental technology is accessible to enhance evaluation and treatment planning.
Patient comfort is prioritized throughout appointments. Massage dental chairs, noise-canceling headphones, and personal tablets are offered to patients seeking extra comfort or distraction during their visits.
Our Laguna Beach office welcomes patients from Laguna Village, Woods Cove, North Laguna, and Arch Beach Heights.
Discuss Your Smile Goals With Our Team
If you are considering changes to your smile, schedule an evaluation at our Laguna Beach office. We can discuss your concerns, evaluate your oral health, and explain which treatment options may be appropriate for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The number of procedures depends on the concerns being addressed and the condition of the teeth and gums.
Yes. Different procedures may address concerns involving tooth color and shape, depending on the clinical findings and treatment goals.
Yes. Existing fillings, crowns, veneers, and other restorations may influence the available options, treatment sequence, and shade planning.
There is no standard timeline. Treatment length depends on the procedures involved, their sequence, and individual clinical needs.
