3 Secrets for a Successful Smile Makeover Even Without Digital Design

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Digital smile makeovers are becoming increasingly popular. It’s exciting to see a digital version of your current smile as it’s progressively becoming exactly what you’ve envisioned. But what if your dentist doesn’t offer digital smile makeovers? How do you know what to expect?

Advanced cosmetic dentists have created beautiful smiles for decades—even without digital smile technology. Did you know? –  Even if a dentist uses digital technology, there are specific steps advanced cosmetic dentists take to achieve a predictable outcome and a smile makeover you’ll gladly show off.

Secrets of a Success Smile Makeover

Your feedback, the opportunity to wear a temporary version of your new smile, and a final try-in are crucial factors to being confident about your smile makeover. Here’s why.

1. Your Feedback

An advanced cosmetic dentist isn’t simply concerned about giving you a beautiful smile makeover. He or she personalizes your smile so well that it looks like it’s always belonged to you. Throughout the process, your cosmetic dentist will carefully listen as you describe your ideal smile, and he or she will ensure the details are there.

2. Trial Smile Makeover

Skilled cosmetic dentists make a wax model of your new smile design.

  • You’ll snap it in over your teeth as a preview of your smile makeover.
  • You’ll be able to examine it closely and let friends and family see it.
  • If you want changes to the way it looks or feels, your dentist will make the changes to align with the smile you envisioned.

This phase is not complete without your approval. When you give your dentist the okay, your permanent smile makeover will be crafted by a master ceramist.

3. It’s Final When You Say So

Your dentist will temporarily attach your final smile makeover to your teeth. This is another opportunity for you to smile with approval or to explain any hesitation you have. If you’ve chosen a dentist who is an artist, the smile design is only acceptable to your dentist if you also love it.

Smile Makeover Satisfaction with or without a Virtual Model

Even if your dentist offers virtual or digital smile makeovers, your feedback, the trial smile, and a final try-in are phases that must be included to ensure you get the smile you love. If you’re left out of the process, you’ll likely end up with a smile that you’ll want to leave behind in the office. And that’s a waste of time and money.

Before-and-after smile makeover patient photos from Dentistry by Brooksher in Baton Rouge, LA.

Dr. Brooksher gave this patient a smile makeover that is healthy and natural-looking

Accredited cosmetic dentists consistently provide stunning smile makeovers. Are there accredited cosmetic dentists in your area or within driving distance?

  • Visit their websites
  • Check their credentials and accomplishments
  • Look at their smile gallery of actual patient photos

Select your dentist carefully—digital design or not—and you’ll get a smile makeover you love.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

4 Gummy-Smile Makeover Options that Get Stunning Results

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Have your gums taken over your teeth and your smile? A smile makeover can make a life-changing difference that boosts your confidence. But the options for beautifully transforming your smile require the skill and talent of an artistic cosmetic dentist.

Treatment Options for Your Smile Makeover

Gum Contouring

Expert cosmetic dentists use gingivectomy, or a gum lift, to remove excess gum tissue around your teeth. Removing the tissue will make your teeth look longer.

  • No needles or scalpels are involved.
  • Your cosmetic dentist provides painless treatment with a laser that gently removes excess gum tissue.
  • Sometimes additional cosmetic work is needed to lengthen tooth structure and complete your smile makeover.

Porcelain Veneers

Your cosmetic dentist may need to prepare your teeth before giving you a smile makeover with porcelain veneers, by removing a small amount of enamel (0.05 mm or less) from each tooth. Your dentist may also remove some of the bone beneath the gums. He or she will position porcelain veneers over the fronts of your teeth to make them look longer but natural.

Dental Crowns

Dr. Brooksher used gum contouring and dental crowns for this smile makeover.

Depending on your case, your cosmetic dentist might recommend crowns to lengthen your teeth. He or she must taper the entire tooth for a crown to fit over it properly without affecting your bite. Your dentist will explain what you can expect with crowns versus veneers.

Orthodontics

In some cases, your cosmetic dentist will recommend orthodontic treatment to level your teeth and provide a smile makeover that highlights your teeth—not your gums. What can you expect?

  • Your dentist or orthodontist will provide a treatment plan to move your teeth upward, which will also move your gums upward.
  • The vertical position of your teeth will allow your upper lips to hide your gums.
  • Less gum tissue will show when you smile.

Which Option Is Right for You?

You should entrust your smile makeover only to an advanced cosmetic dentist. Look for a nearby accredited cosmetic dentist and schedule a consultation. He or she will examine your teeth and gums and explain your options for saying goodbye to your gummy smile.

Steven Brooksher, DDS, an accredited cosmetic dentist in Baton Rouge, LA, sponsors this post.

5 Facts About Porcelain Veneers and Teeth Grinding

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Bruxism (teeth grinding) can wear down and fracture natural teeth. So if you’re thinking about getting porcelain veneers, there is reason for concern because teeth grinding can fracture veneers.

It’s understandable that you’re interested in porcelain veneers. They are the most natural-looking way to restore teeth that are chipped, discolored, or misaligned. Porcelain mimics the characteristics of natural teeth. But porcelain veneers are costly, and you need to protect your investment in them. So before you ask a dentist for them, there are a few facts to know about veneers and teeth grinding.

1. The Stats

A 2017 study published on the U.S. National Library of Medicine – National Institutes of Health website reveals the following about porcelain veneers and patients with bruxism:

  • Fractures – Fractures in porcelain veneers are more common in patients with bruxism.
  • Debonding – There is a higher incidence in the debonding (loosening or falling off) of porcelain veneers for patients who grind their teeth.
  • Splints/mouthguards – Mouthguards increase the success of porcelain veneers for patients with bruxism. If you grind your teeth but do not wear a mouthguard, your veneers will be eight times more likely to fracture.

2. What’s Causing Your Teeth Grinding?

Before you receive porcelain veneers, your cosmetic dentist will try to determine the cause of your teeth grinding. Treatment can include a custom mouthguard to wear at night or relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Some causes of bruxism include:

  • Stress or anxiety
  • Sleep apnea
  • Misalignment (malocclusion)
  • Certain medical conditions or prescription medications

3. The Exam

Before you receive porcelain veneers, an examination is required. Why?

  • Your teeth and gums will first be examined to determine if they are healthy enough for you to receive porcelain veneers.
  • Teeth that are already damaged by bruxism need to be restored.
  • Your dentist will need to determine if you need treatment for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder.
  • Exercises might be needed to help you restore proper TMJ function and relieve pain or discomfort from the disorder.
  • A custom mouthguard will be recommended to protect your investment in porcelain veneers and prevent fractures.

4. High-Strength Materials Can Help

There are different brands and strengths of porcelain veneers. And a highly skilled cosmetic dentist can determine if high-strength porcelain is right for your case and will achieve the results you desire.

5. Alternatives

Depending on the condition of your teeth and the results you want to achieve, your dentist might recommend alternatives, such as ceramic crowns. If you select an experienced cosmetic dentist, he or she will let you know what to expect with each option.

What’s Next?

We suggest that you schedule consultations for porcelain veneers with at least two different cosmetic dentists. Look for accredited cosmetic dentists in your area, or choose dentists with advanced training and experience in cosmetic dentistry. Check each dentist’s website to learn about his or her training.

Although you grind your teeth, your cosmetic dentist will help you determine if porcelain veneers are the right solution for enhancing your smile. If an alternative treatment is needed, a cosmetic dentist will still provide great results.

Below are photos of one of Dr. Brooksher’s patients. They show how porcelain veneers can beautifully transform your smile.

  • Before porcelain veneers photo of a female patient's smile. Teeth are uneven and the center teeth have a triangle between them.
    BEFORE
  • After porcelain veneers photo of a female patient's smile. Her teeth have been whitened, lengthened, and spaces between them were removed.
    AFTER

This post is sponsored by Baton Rouge award-winning cosmetic dentist Dr. Steven Brooksher.