A smile makeover is any combination of dental procedures in a treatment plan designed to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile. The best cosmetic dentists equally prioritize form, fit, and function with dental restorations, so the patient’s revised smile not only looks fantastic, but it will also work comfortably and endure the rigors of biting and chewing.
For people who’ve hidden their smile from the camera or tried not to laugh openly with friends and coworkers, a smile makeover can significantly transform everyday life. When you feel good about how your teeth look (and how your breath smells), you can smile with confidence, in front of anyone, any time. There’ll be no more grinning in photos or stifling laughs with friends.
Here’s Proof that Your Smile Has a Big Impact on Your Life
A study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that people who have an attractive smile appear to be more friendly, well educated, wealthy, and healthy. So, not only will you feel better about how you look, but a smile makeover could improve how others see you.
Another study, this one by Kelton Research, shows that when people who’ve whitened their teeth go to job interviews, they’re more likely to land a job, as well as a higher salary, than those with unwhitened teeth.
These polls reinforce the fact that your smile influences how you’re perceived in the world, for better or worse.
What’s involved in a smile makeover?
In most cases, people who want to explore a smile makeover have one or more of these symptoms:
- Darkly stained or yellowed teeth
- Crooked, widely spaced, or overlapping teeth
- Uneven teeth
- Chips and cracks on teeth
- Old, bulky and obvious dental work
- Teeth that appear too large or too small
- Uneven or overgrown gum tissue
- Missing or loose teeth
- Chronic bad breath
At Lifetime Smiles, Dr. Mallakis or Dr. McDonald may recommend one or more of these procedures in your smile makeover plan:
- Teeth whitening
- Dental bonding
- Tooth contouring
- Inlays or overlays
- Tooth colored crowns
- Tooth colored fillings
- Porcelain veneers
- Clear Aligner Therapy – Invisalign, Sure Smile, Clear Correct
- Dental implants
Treatment Planning
When you schedule a smile makeover consultation with one of our cosmetic dentists, prepare for your appointment by taking stock of what you like and dislike about your smile. Look at your teeth in the mirror and consider their color, shape, size, spacing, and overall balance with one another, as well as with your lips and face. Take notes about what you’d like to discuss with the dentist. Be sure to bring the notes to your consultation.
At your visit, Dr. Mallakis or Dr. McDonald will take a few moments to talk with you before conducting a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, head, and neck. Your oral health should be in good shape before having a smile makeover. If the dentist notes gum disease, decay, failing dental work, or signs of other potential concerns, they will need to be addressed first.
Then the dentist will talk with you about your own smile analysis. Be sure to ask questions! You will feel more educated and equipped for making decisions if your questions are answered. Once Dr. Mallakis or Dr. McDonald understands what you’d like to accomplish, they will provide you with an overview of a treatment plan. The plan will cover your goals, as well as any issues you may not have considered.
Paying for Your Smile Makeover
Dental insurance doesn’t usually pay for cosmetic procedures. Your plan may cover some of the cost of restorative procedures, like crowns, fillings, bridges, partials, or dentures. It may also cover periodontal care, to treat gum disease. Most likely, it will not cover teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, or Invisalign. But you can still afford your smile makeover!
Lifetime Smiles is happy to offer CareCredit™ and LendingUSA as financing options for cosmetic dentistry and out-of-pocket expenses, including deductibles. If you’d like more information about smile makeover financing, just ask us at your appointment.
Schedule Your Smile Makeover Consultation
Give us a call at (760) 747-1811 today and reserve your appointment with Dr. Mallakis or Dr. McDonald.
