“You have a nice smile” may be the best compliment a person can receive. That smile represents who you are. Smile makeovers in times past were unknown. You were pretty much stuck with the smile you had. Not so today. That’s all changed with the advent of modern cosmetic dentistry that can give you the smile makeover you want and deserve.
Teeth Whitening
Maybe your teeth are intact but, over time, have discolored. You’ve tried whitening at home, but the results are, at best, limited. There’s no point in kidding yourself—a professional dental whitening far outperforms the home variety.
Beaching vs. Whitening
According to the FDA, the term “bleaching” is permitted only when the teeth can be whitened beyond their natural color. This applies strictly to products that contain bleach — typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Most dental smile makeovers include bleaching, which mostly produces the “white” teeth people want in a smile makeover. Whitening, on the other hand, can be achieved at home by removing dirt and debris from teeth. It’s a good practice but will not give you the Hollywood smile you want.
Gum Recontouring
Maybe your teeth are fine, but your gums are too large, making your teeth look small. When you smile, you are “all gums.” A procedure known as gum recontouring gets rid of excess gum and reveals more tooth surfaces.
Implants
Dental implants are all you hear about today and for a good reason. Nothing says smile makeover like a front line of perfect teeth. If your smile is ruined by bad or damaged teeth, implants may be the way to go – if you’ve got the cash. Implants, as we know, are notoriously expensive – around $2000 or more per tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are the easiest and most cost-effective way to go if front teeth are damaged, chipped, broken, or just plain yellow.
- Porcelain. Dentists agree. When it comes to veneers, porcelain is the best. Thinner and more transparent than other materials, porcelain veneers are not only stronger but give your smile the appearance of natural, original teeth. A set of four costs around $5000.
- An engineered resin material, composite is generally placed on top of existing teeth to shape them into a more attractive appearance. They are used to fix small chips or cracks. Dentists suggest veneers over the entire tooth, which offers a more naturally perfect look and does not chip off or yellow over time.
How much you want to spend on your smile makeover is up to you. Cosmetic dentistry costs can be substantial; the decision as to whether it’s worth it depends on how much you want that perfect smile. For instance, professional teeth-whitening treatments at between $500 and $1000 are more affordable than a complete smile makeover involving, say, gum reconstruction, implants, or other procedures. The best way to know precisely how much flipping that dull or damaged smile into a movie star smile is to book a consultation with a cosmetic dentist consultation.
The Douglas Family Dentistry Experience
If you live in Phoenix, Scottsdale, or the surrounding communities, Douglas Family Dentistry offers a friendly, professional environment for patients from kids to adults and seniors. Thinking about a smile makeover? Let’s talk. Call us at 480-948-3680 or go to our website to schedule an appointment.
