Is It Time for Your Smile Makeover?
Did you know that people have actively sought ways to improve the look of their smiles since ancient times? While ancient cultures worldwide started cleaning their teeth with sticks and other natural implements as early as 3000 B.C., true cosmetic dentistry was probably first performed by the ancient Egyptians. Archeological evidence shows that the Egyptians used gold to make dental crowns and bridges and made dentures with ivory, bone, seashells, and human and animal teeth.
The ancient Romans were also noticeably concerned about the beauty of their teeth, given that they used urine as a tooth-whitening mouthwash. Urine? Well, yeah, gross, but the ammonia in urine can effectively disrupt stains and brighten teeth. However, we suggest you don’t try this at home, as there are now much more favorable options.
Since ancient times, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, and beautifying one’s smile has never been easier. With advanced training and plenty of experience, Marco Island dentist Dr. Jonathan Van Dyke knows this firsthand. He offers his southwest Florida-area patients the full slate of today’s cosmetic dentistry options and can customize a smile makeover treatment plan to optimize your smile power.
Smile Makeover Basics
A smile makeover at Island Tower Dentistry relies on several different cosmetic treatments that are used as needed to improve the overall appearance of your smile. As a customized treatment, Dr. Van Dyke works with each patient to tailor their desired improvements and ensure that the cosmetic enhancements are functional, durable, and natural. Cosmetic treatment options that Dr. Van Dyke may use with a smile makeover include:
- Advanced Whitening
- Veneers
- Dentures
- Cosmetic Sculpting
Each of these cosmetic procedures can enhance the beauty of your smile and, when combined as needed, prove aesthetically transformative.
Advanced Whitening
Because pearly white teeth are considered a vital component of a beautiful smile, advanced whitening is typically used with most patients’ smile makeover treatment plans. Island Tower Dentistry offers patients in-office and at-home advanced teeth whitening options that can treat everything from moderate surface discoloration to stubborn deep staining. Dr. Van Dyke customizes teeth whitening options to address mouth sensitivity and help patients get the results they seek with the least discomfort possible.
Veneers
As one of the most versatile cosmetic treatments of a smile makeover, dental veneers can address several different smile imperfections and provide functional improvements, too. Porcelain veneers are custom-made to fit over the targeted defect and perfectly match the color and shade of your existing teeth. The porcelain material is incredibly strong and durable, and the veneers are attached to the existing teeth with powerful dental cement. For the purposes of a smile makeover, veneers are used to:
- Close gaps between teeth
- Hide misalignment
- Cover difficult stains
- Repair chips and cracks and worn-out enamel
- Reshape teeth for better smile symmetry
Dentures
For some patients with damaged or missing teeth, a smile makeover might require cosmetic dentures, which are prosthetic devices designed to replace and mimic the look of missing teeth. Also referred to as “false teeth,” people have tried to replace teeth with dentures since ancient times. Fortunately, today’s dentures are so realistic and natural looking that they are almost impossible to distinguish from real teeth. They are also far more comfortable and easier to maintain than the dentures commonly used three decades ago.
In considering your denture options, Dr. Van Dyke may recommend the insertion of dental implants to better stabilize the dentures and enhance their functional use. Our custom denture-to-implant options negate the need to use denture adhesives and perform related maintenance.
Cosmetic Gum Contouring
While people tend to focus on the teeth when evaluating the beauty of a smile, the gums play a crucial role in smile aesthetics because they frame the teeth. Thus, cosmetic gum contouring may be recommended as part of your smile makeover. Dr. Van Dyke relies on laser gum contouring, which provides non-traumatic sculpting of the gum line with minimal discomfort and little risk of infection. Laser gun contouring can reduce excessive gum tissue, repair receding gum tissue, improve contours around the teeth, and enhance the symmetry of your smile.
Learn More with a Smile Analysis
Your smile makeover should begin with Island Tower Dentistry’s smile analysis, which comprehensively analyzes every factor that affects your smile. Factors examined during a smile analysis include:
- Position and interaction of mouth, jaw, and teeth.
- Physical and aesthetic condition of teeth and gums.
- Color and translucency of the teeth.
- Assessment of teeth in context with facial features.
- Exposure of teeth and gums while smiling.
Based on this smile analysis, your dentist will work with you to customize a proposed “smile design” that will be used to formulate your smile makeover. To get started on your smile makeover, contact Island Tower Dentistry today at 239-394-1004.