Friends, celebrities, makeover shows, we see dental makeovers everywhere! As a dental professional, I can’t tell you how many times I hear patients say “what do I have to do to get YOUR smile?” At Dentistry by Dr. David, we have the skills, knowledge and technology to create a beautiful smile for anyone. We experience great pride, excitement and enjoyment creating even small improvements to our patients’ smiles because we see what a difference it makes in how they look and more importantly, how they feel.
Before you invest in the smile you have always dreamed of, there are some things you need to consider to make sure you are satisfied and your beautiful smile lasts.
The health of your teeth
Before doing crowns, veneers and even whitening, we recommend you have your teeth evaluated for tooth decay. Xrays and an exam are necessary to determine how much healthy tooth is left to work with and what the best option is for each individual tooth. Cavities can also make whitening very uncomfortable.
Your bite
How your teeth come together can make a big difference in how long your new smile lasts. Severely worn dentitions, deep bites and edge to edge bites can be difficult to restore. When we see worn teeth, we know that the same grinding or clenching that caused the loss of tooth structure in the first place can also cause you to damage your new teeth.
In some cases it is idea to move teeth with braces or Invisalign, even it if is just slightly, to create a healthier bite that will allow your new dental work to last. In other cases, simply wearing a nightguard can help to preserve the healthy new smile.
The color of your teeth
When doing restorative dental work like fillings, veneers and crowns, we match the materials to your teeth so that it is natural looking. If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, or plan to ever whiten your natural teeth, it is best to whiten your teeth until you are satisfied with the shade. Sometimes, whitening prior to a smile make over reduced the amount of work that needs to be done on the teeth. For example, you may find that your lower teeth don’t look so bad now that they are whiter, and may have to only work on your upper teeth.
Another good reason to whiten before a smile makeover or any dental work done on the front teeth is because Fillings, veneers and crowns DO NOT WHITEN. Once a shade is selected for your new smile, there is no going back without having to replace the restorations on your teeth. It is best to match your dental work to a shade you desire.
The health of your gums
Your gums, their attachment to your teeth and the underlying bone play a crucial role in the longevity of your teeth. Periodontal disease can cause teeth to become loose, lost, sensitive, decayed in irreparable areas, and/or difficult to restore. The gums and underlying bone have to be stable in order for your new smile to have a solid foundation. Periodontal disease has to be addressed before a beautiful smile can be made. In severe cases, loose or severely damaged teeth may need to be removed before we can proceed with building a new smile.
Your gum line
If you have a “gummy” smile or very short teeth, a gingivectomy may be needed in order to reveal more of your teeth and create a more attractive gum line. This can often be done with very minimal discomfort, bleeding and healing time with a laser.
The good news is, despite any damage from tooth decay, periodontal disease, improper bite or tooth grinding, Dentistry by Dr. David can still provide you with a beautiful new smile. Call us for a consultation to see what we can do to help you improve your smile! (978)779-2888.