Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile Makeovers

The field of dentistry has seen an explosion in the demand for improvements to smiles. Here at the University Dental & Implant Centre we offer the entire range of treatments available for these procedures. Treatments to improve appearance of teeth can range from very simple to complex.

A Case Study

This patient had short yellowish teeth that had many discolored fillings, and too much gum display when she smiled (a “gummy smile”). Also, the upper teeth were positioned forward giving her a “buck-tooth appearance” and had gaps. In addition, she was missing two lower back teeth that often showed when she smiled (only one is partially visible in these photos). The biggest problem of all was that for years she was self conscious when she smiled and would often try to hide her teeth when she smiled or laughed. Her case was complex required many aspects of cosmetic and implant dentistry including gum surgery, tooth whitening, dental implants, porcelain veneers and crowns. In future bleaching of the lower teeth and replacing the yellow molar crown would complete this make-over nicely. In the meantime she was very pleased with her new-found smile.

Teeth; before and after a smile makeover

Whatever the type of cosmetic dentistry is required, the most important step is to have a proper assessment. At the University Dental & Implant Centre, we ensure you have a detailed assessment and are aware of all your options. Not all types of cosmetic dentistry suit everyone, and it is therefore important that we discuss the options available to you and choose the right option for you.

What does a proper assessment for cosmetic dentistry involve?

“Smile Makeover” is a term that is frequently used for improving the appearance of teeth. But an assessment of the patient involves more than just looking at teeth. For a successful treatment outcome we need to look at the whole face.

Face; before and after a smile makeover

Some of the things we need to look at are:

• Symmetry of the face
• Position of the midline of the teeth
• Amount of tooth visible during a smile
• Amount of gum displayed
• Shade of the teeth
• All of this in addition to the general health of your teeth and gums

We also need to consider some of these things about you:

• What you are trying to achieve and can we offer you a realsitic result?
• How much treatment are you comfortable in undergoing?
• Can we offer you a result within your budget?
• Are you working to a tight time schedule?

One of the most important things to realise about this sort of treatment is that every case will have several options. It is our job to advise you of the options that are available their risks, benefits and costs so that together we can select the option that is right for you.

We offer the following types of treatments:

• Veneers
• Crowns
• Tooth Whitening
• Invisalign
• Corrective Gum Surgery

What is the next step?

If these treatments interest you, please call us to arrange for an appointment with one of our trained dentists for an assessment and advice.