Some patients put off dentist visits until they need multiple procedures and are ready for a full mouth reconstruction or complete smile makeover. Patients may think of these as two distinct alternatives, but a combination of treatments can be crucial to success. Both a healthy and a beautiful smile can also be achieved with the variety of reconstructive options available.
Cosmetic treatment options
A patient may want to address cosmetic issues first, starting with a brighter smile. Professional bleaching can often achieve a 5- to 7-shade improvement.
Small chips, colored spots, or permanent discoloration can be covered with veneers. However, since porcelain will not respond to treatment, whitening of the natural teeth should be done prior to placing veneers and crowns.
Restorative options
Healthy teeth and gums do more than just produce a beautiful smile. Teeth perform vital functions such as biting, chewing, aiding in speech, and giving each face its unique shape. Misaligned jaws, bite issues, chipped teeth, and large gaps can compromise your health. Full mouth reconstruction involves fixing issues with all teeth in the mouth:
Repair compromised teeth
Dental carries need to be filled, to keep small cavities from growing and large cavities from causing pain. Depending on the location of the cavity, patients may choose tooth-colored porcelain fillings rather than traditional dental amalgam. Not only do porcelain fillings blend in with the surrounding teeth, but they are also strong and stable enough to withstand decades of biting and chewing without changing their shape.
Severely infected teeth may need a root canal, which is often completed with a crown, or tooth-shaped cap. Crowns may also be in order if a cavity is too large to fill, or if a tooth is chipped, cracked, or worn down. As long as the root is strong and enough tooth tissue rises above the gumline, a crown can restore function and appearance while protecting what remains of the original tooth.
Replace damaged or missing teeth
Sometimes damage to teeth is so severe that extraction is the only reasonable option. Extracted teeth are often replaced with dental implants. An implant is basically a titanium post that is screwed into the jaw bone, then capped with a crown. Designed to be permanent, implants should last as long as natural teeth.
Patients may come into the office already missing teeth. Depending on how long a tooth has been absent, the jaw bone underneath may have deteriorated, necessitating a bone graft. Alternatively, a patient may choose a dental bridge as a less invasive option than an implant.
Correct bite and alignment problems
Many patients think of braces as cosmetic. However, severely misaligned teeth can make it difficult to bite or chew, or lead to jaw soreness, headaches, and even back pain. Depending on the malocclusion, timeline, and budget, patients may choose braces or clear aligners. If braces are needed, ceramic brackets may be more aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal ones.
Conclusion
Patients wishing to improve their smiles may think they need to choose between a smile makeover and full mouth reconstruction. Each patient’s situation is unique, but aspects of both often work together to achieve a pleasing result.
Request an appointment here: https://www.adchutto.com or call Advanced Dental Care of Hutto at (512) 846-2011 for an appointment in our Hutto office.
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Call our Hutto office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
