Deciding to see a dental cosmetic specialist is one of the best decisions a patient can make in order to improve their appearance and their quality of life. But which procedures are needed in order to achieve that goal? There can be a lot of confusion regarding the difference between having a smile makeover or a full mouth reconstruction. Which one is right for you? In this post, Dr. Robert Milner discusses the goals of both treatments and the procedures used in each. Read on to learn more.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a multiple-step treatment that addresses cosmetic issues in order to improve the appearance of one’s smile and dentition. A smile makeover can improve any of the following conditions:
- Stained/discolored teeth
- Minor chips or cracks in the teeth
- Crooked/uneven teeth
- Small gaps/spaces between teeth
- Other cosmetic issues
Performed over the course of several visits, a smile makeover can include any combination of the following treatments:
- Teeth whitening
- Orthodontics
- Teeth bonding
- Installing porcelain veneers, crowns, implants or bridges
- Replacing metal fillings with tooth-colored fillings.
Because every patient has unique smile-related issues, an in-depth examination and discussion is necessary to determine which treatments would be the most effective.
What Is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
A full mouth reconstruction is performed to repair, replace or reconstruct multiple teeth for optimal oral health and function. While there may be some cosmetic benefits to a full mouth reconstruction (i.e., a full set of natural-looking teeth), the purpose is to enable the patient to eat, speak and live normally.
You may need a full mouth reconstruction if you are missing teeth, have broken teeth, if your teeth have significantly eroded/decayed, or if you have jaw pain or your gums have significantly receded. Common causes for these issues are trauma/injury, chronic teeth grinding and poor oral hygiene habits.
Many of the treatment options listed in the smile makeover section — such as the placement of crowns, implants and bridges, and the use of orthodontics — may be used in a full mouth reconstruction. Partial or full dentures may also be recommended, depending on the specific dental issues.
Contact the Office of Dr. Robert Milner
Determining whether a patient needs a full mouth reconstruction or simply a cosmetic smile makeover is the first step toward achieving a better smile and a better quality of life. A thorough examination by an experienced dental specialist is required. To schedule a consultation, please call (949) 859-8899.
