What does a full-mouth makeover include?
No two full-mouth makeovers are exactly the same because yours is tailored specifically for your particular dental issues.
The treatment may include:
Dental crowns
If you have worn, cracked or badly damaged teeth, you may need crowns to protect what remains of your teeth. Crowns also provide the strength you need for effective chewing.
Dental crowns look like natural teeth, and they’ll cover your damaged teeth to provide a good-looking façade that people will never know is false.
Dental implants
Dental implants replace missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation for crowns and bridges. Implants consist of titanium posts that the prosthodontist inserts into your jaw. Once it’s fused with the bone, the implant does the task of the root, supporting the functional structures above.
Bridges
A dental bridge can replace one or several missing teeth. Dental implants or the neighboring teeth support the bridge.
Fillings
Where there is enough of the tooth structure left to support a filling, the dentist will use this reconstruction method to save the tooth from further damage.
Professional teeth whitening
Professional tooth whitening corrects discolored teeth. The process can leave your teeth several shades lighter. Your dentist may suggest whitening to provide you with a lighter, brighter smile.
Porcelain veneers
Sometimes, even healthy teeth need a little help. Long-lasting porcelain veneers can cover a host of problems like discolored, chipped or worn teeth, and even minor misalignments.
Gum treatment
You need healthy gums before the dentist starts any restorative or cosmetic dentistry. Your dentist will want to treat any signs of gum disease before they do any reconstructive work.
How long does a full-mouth makeover take?
The length of time required for your dental makeover will depend on how much work is needed. The timeframe can range from a few appointments to several months. Dental implants alone can take six months or more because they must integrate with the bone before the crowns are fitted.
You will receive an estimated timeline when the dentist has put together the treatment plan.
Who benefits from a full-mouth makeover?
If you have the following dental conditions, you may be a good candidate for a full dental makeover:
- Several damaged or decayed teeth
- Missing teeth
- Large fillings that have started breaking apart
- Teeth weakened by previous dental treatment
- Bite or chewing problems
- A mix of cosmetic and dental restoration problems
The full-mouth makeover process
Although the treatments may differ, a full-mouth makeover does follow a set process.
A comprehensive examination
Your dentist will start with a full oral assessment. The assessment may include digital scans and X-rays. This is an opportunity for the dentist to examine your oral condition as a basis for the treatment plan.
A frank discussion
Your dentist will want to understand what improvements you would like to see. These may include eradicating discomfort, appearance improvements, and solving any chewing problems you may have.
Developing your treatment plan
The dentist designs the treatment plan based on the information gleaned in the examination and discussion. The dentist decides which teeth they can restore and which must be replaced. Cosmetic improvements also form part of the plan.
Once the required work is known, the dentist can draw up a timeline and an estimate of cost.
Restorative treatments
Restorative treatments must take place before cosmetic improvements.
Cosmetic treatment
Once you have a full set of healthy, functional teeth, cosmetic treatments can begin.
Final adjustments and ongoing care
Before you walk out of the practice with a full set of beautifully restored teeth, the dentist will check your new teeth for any issues. Adjustments are still possible before bonding the prosthetics permanently in place.
Now it’s up to you to look after your investment, ensuring good dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist.
Enjoy the self-confidence only a beautiful smile can bring
A full-mouth makeover combines several fields of dentistry to correct complicated dental issues. Whole-mouth makeovers make sense because it’s a strategy that enables your dentist to plan treatment when considering the whole mouth rather than treating individual areas separately.
Taking the first step to a bright and healthy smile starts with a full dental assessment. Schedule a consultation to discover what modern dentistry can do to restore the brightness to your smile.
