According to the American Association of Orthodontists, one-third of adults in the United States are unhappy with how their teeth look.
The good news is that there's hope for everyone to finally get the look they've always wanted. Cosmetic procedures like a full smile makeover can fix problems big and small.
At Arcadia Dental Arts, Dr. John Pappas, whom Phoenix Magazine regularly recognizes as one of the city's top dentists, offers this and many other dental services.
What is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a treatment process that Dr. Pappas designs around your unique cosmetic or reconstructive needs and goals. The process may involve a combination of two or more different techniques aimed at restorating the full function and appearance of your smile. Some cases require both cosmetic and reconstructive treatments, such as teeth whitening and a dental bridge. Some focus completely on the appearance of the smile. Whatever it is that you want to bring out in your smile, Dr. Pappas can help you by listening to your goals and devising a plan around them.
What Problems Can A Smile Makeover Fix?
- Severe staining and discoloration
- Misalignment of the bite
- Spaces and gaps between teeth
- Missing teeth
- Uneven smile line
- Gummy smile
- Short or long teeth
What Procedures Can Be Included In A Smile Makeover?
When your teeth look and feel great, you can spend more time focusing on the things in life that bring you joy and happiness.
You can have the smile of your dreams
The perfect smile means something different to everyone. That’s why at Arcadia Dental Arts no two treatment plans are the same. Some of the treatment options available in a fully customized smile makeover include:
- Porcelain Veneers
- Dental Implants
- Tooth Whitening
- Dental Bonding
- Dental Crowns
- Dental Bridges
- Gum Recontouring
- And more
Dr. Pappas will help you decide exactly what you want your smile to look like. The entire process is planned in great detail and takes into consideration all of your unique characteristics.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for the Procedure?
Many people are good candidates for smile makeover treatment, even if they have a few dental issues to clear up before getting started on their cosmetic transformation. At your initial visit, Dr. Pappas will sit with you to discuss what you like about your smile and what you would like to improve upon. He will conduct a full dental examination to confirm that your gums and teeth are in good health. If needed, restorative treatment may be performed to address problems like gingivitis or gum disease. If you have tooth decay, that will be repaired as a part of your broader treatment plan. With dental problems out of the way, you can then move forward with a rewarding smile makeover!
How Many Treatments Can I Combine in My Smile Makeover?
You can combine as many treatments as needed to address the different concerns that you have regarding your appearance. A full smile makeover can involve treatments that address functional problems as well as cosmetic concerns. Many of the functional treatments that are performed today, such as dental crowns and bridges, include lifelike dental materials that repair damage in a way that is also aesthetically pleasing. In this way, you don't have to undergo additional treatments to achieve satisfying results.
What are the Recovery and Aftercare for a Smile Makeover?
Your recovery and aftercare will depend on the treatment or treatments you have done during a given appointment. Generally, there is very little recovery associated with most dental treatments. At most, you may be instructed to eat softer foods for a few days and take an over-the-counter pain reliever to manage minor soreness or tenderness. Your smile makeover may occur over a series of appointments, after which your care instructions may differ slightly from one visit to another. Our team will communicate with you clearly about each of your treatments, what to expect, and how to care for your teeth and gums along the way.
How Long Will the Results of My Smile Makeover Last?
We expect the results of smile makeover treatment to last for at least a few years. This can depend on a variety of factors. The primary factor that can influence the longevity of your smile makeover results is your daily oral care. To support cosmetic dental work like bonding, a crown, or veneers, it is necessary to strictly avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like ice or pen caps. With any dental work, it is essential that you maintain good brushing and flossing habits. Otherwise, there is an increased risk of bacteria accumulating around the margins of your restorations. With good care and regular dental checkups and cleanings, it is possible to sustain the results of your smile makeover for many years before restorations need to be replaced.
How Long Does a Full Smile Makeover Take to Complete?
The time required for a full smile makeover depends on the procedures included in your treatment plan.
Simple services like teeth whitening can be completed in a single visit. However, more complex treatments, like veneers, crowns, or orthodontics, may need several appointments spread over weeks or months.
Are the Results of a Full Smile Makeover Permanent?
A full smile makeover can deliver long-lasting results. It's essential to understand that not all elements are permanent, though.
For example, teeth whitening results may need to be touched up over time. Veneers or crowns might need replacement after 10-15 years due to normal wear.
You can maintain most of the improvements from your smile makeover for many years with proper care. Still, routine dental visits and good oral hygiene are critical for long-term success.
How Do I Maintain the Results of My Smile Makeover?
Maintaining your smile makeover results requires a diligent oral hygiene routine:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Attending regular dental checkups
Avoid habits like smoking or excessive coffee consumption as well. These habits can stain teeth and, in the case of smoking, contribute to oral health issues.
Dr. Pappas may also recommend specific products, such as whitening toothpaste or night guards. These can protect veneers, crowns, or teeth whitening results.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for a Full Smile Makeover?
There are no strict age restrictions for a full smile makeover. This is because the treatments can be customized for both younger and older patients.
Younger patients may need to wait until their teeth and jaws have fully developed. Before starting the makeover process, older patients may also need to address underlying dental health issues, such as gum disease.
How Can I Address Concerns About Tooth Sensitivity After My Smile Makeover?
Follow these steps to address and prevent tooth sensitivity after your smile makeover:
- Use Sensitivity Toothpaste: Switch to a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These contain ingredients that help block pain signals from reaching the nerves.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: After your smile makeover, avoid very hot or cold foods and beverages. They can trigger sensitivity.
- Maintain Oral Hygiene: Continue brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Consult Your Dentist: If sensitivity persists, Dr. Pappas may recommend fluoride treatments or desensitizing gels to reduce discomfort and strengthen enamel.
- Avoid Acidic Foods: Limit consumption of acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus and soda. They can wear down tooth enamel and worsen sensitivity.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the perfect remedy for deeply discolored teeth that may have been the result of taking medications such as tetracycline as a child or darkened as a reaction to a root canal or other trauma. Veneers can also correct broken or chipped teeth and can align crooked or irregularly shaped teeth. Plus, they can mask gaps between teeth.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are one of the most revolutionary parts of modern dentistry. They replace the tooth or teeth from the root up. A titanium post is placed where the root once was and a crown is secured on the top to replicate a natural-looking tooth. This permanent solution to tooth loss can be used to replace a single tooth, to stabilize a full set of dentures or even to replace an entire mouth of teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a safe, non-invasive way to see life-changing results in a short amount of time. In just one visit, years of food, coffee, and wine stains that have dulled your smile can be erased.
Dental Bonding
A chipped tooth can feel like your worst nightmare. Thanks to dental bonding, it doesn’t have to be. Dental Bonding is a non-invasive way to fix many other cosmetic concerns, as well, such as:
- Filling gaps between teeth
- Improving discolored teeth
- Changing the shape of the teeth
- Lengthening teeth
- Repairing chips and cracks
- Repairing tooth decay damage
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are essentially caps that are placed over the entire tooth in order to strengthen it and make the tooth look naturally beautiful again. Many different materials are available for crowns. Dr. Pappas takes into consideration the location, function, position, and color of the tooth when helping you decide on the best material for your unique situation.
Dental Bridges
A dental bridge is the most traditional way to replace a missing tooth. It can be a great option when the teeth surrounding the gap may need work in the future or have large fillings or the tooth has been missing for a long time which has led to bone loss, creating a less than ideal environment for an implant.
Gum Recontouring
Laser gum recontouring is a less invasive technique also allows for the healing process to begin as soon as the treatment is complete. It’s so advanced that there is usually little to no bleeding or stitches needed.
It’s Not All Cosmetic
When teeth are crooked or the bite is out of alignment it can cause problems and even be the source of pain. When the bite doesn’t line up as it should, it can lead to badly worn teeth and put undue pressure on the jaw. This can even cause symptoms of TMJ disorders that may get worse over time if not corrected.
Why Choose Arcadia Dental Arts?
Patients choose Arcadia Dental Arts because of Dr. Pappas' extensive certification and licensure. He provides expert care for various general and cosmetic dental treatments, including full smile makeovers.
What sets the Arcadia Dental Arts team apart is the professional yet friendly approach we provide during every procedure. Our dedicated dental hygienists, assistants, and staff have been selected for their expertise, kindness, and professionalism. They strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all patients.
Schedule a Consultation in Phoenix, AZ
At Arcadia Dental Arts in Phoenix, we believe a smile makeover is about more than just your teeth. A perfect smile compliments your hair color, skin tone, facial shape, lips, and eyes.
When they visit us, patients walk out the door with more confidence in their appearance than they ever thought possible.
If you're ready for life-changing results, contact our office at 602.957.9643 and schedule your smile makeover consultation appointment.