Aesthetic Components of a Smile Makeover

In addition to the color, alignment and balance of your teeth in the aesthetic zone of your smile (the section of upper and lower teeth that show when you smile), there are several attributes of your teeth and smile that your cosmetic dentist will evaluate with you when planning your makeover. These include:

1) Tooth length: Long teeth lend a youthful appearance. Aging produces wear and tear that often results in shorter teeth, and a gummy smile also can make teeth appear shorter. Teeth lengthening may also impact your overall facial appearance.
For example, shapely, long, square teeth on a round-faced individual can provide a slimming effect.

2) Smile line: The smile line is an imaginary line that follows the edges of your upper teeth from side to side, which ideally should be the same as the curve of your lower lip when you smile. This standard point of reference may be used to help determine how long your new teeth should be.

3) Tooth proportions: This proportion guides the length and width of other teeth in the aesthetic zone so that the smile line appears balanced.

4) Tooth texture and Characterization: Dentist can characterize your crowns or veneers to create a more feminine or a more masculine appearance, in addition to matching the look and feel of natural teeth or those you’ve seen in photographs.

 

Preview

The dentist may create a wax model mockup of temporary teeth to accurately communicate the requirements of your procedure to the dental lab technician. Temporaries and wax mockups also offer you a preview of the expected outcome to ensure that you are comfortable with the proposed treatment plan.

Others methods include:

• Before and After Photos

• Dental Study Models:  dentist will take an impression of your teeth to show you every aspect of the changes you can expect to see with your smile makeover .

• Dental Composite Bonding Mockup: Dental composite bonding may serve as a mockup of your smile makeover. The dentist can temporarily bond composite resin material to your teeth so you can fully visualize the impact of the procedure before treatment begins.Adjustments may be made until you are comfortable with the function and appearance of your new smile.

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Maintaining Your Results

• Knowing how to modify your oral hygiene habits to best care for your restorations will help you maintain your new smile for years to come.

• Highly abrasive toothpastes and tooth brushing habits can scratch the surface of restorations, dulling their polish and luster. As such, non-abrasive fluoride toothpastes are recommended. DON'T USE IT.

• Flossing is a key factor in removing debris and plaque from the teeth, and actually increases the lifespan of restorations and helps prevent tooth decay.

• Mouthwashes containing alcohol have been shown to have a negative effect on composite fillings. What’s more, the alcohol content in mouth rinses, over time, can degrade the bond between your restorations (crowns and veneers) and your teeth. Use alcohol-free mouthwashes instead.

 

Food and Drinks to Limit or Avoid

• Avoid foods high in sugar and limit between-meal snacks to prevent cavities. Limit consumption of coffee, soda, tea, etc. to keep your smile stain free.

• Do not drink alcoholic beverages excessively.

 

Other Precautions
Refrain from biting and/or chewing hard objects such as pens, staples, metal, bottle caps, etc.
If you grind your teeth (bruxism) and were fitted with a night guard to prevent damage to your teeth and restorations, continue wearing it. 

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