Smiles are one of the first things that we notice about each other. Many patients seek improvements to their smile, especially if they suffer chronic dental issues. With smile design dentistry, we can help design a smile that best suit your needs.
Understanding the Smile Design Process
As experienced smile dentists in Geelong, we understand the various factors that affect the suitability of a smile design, as well as the steps needed for the treatment. Smile designs and treatments are customised to everyone’s circumstances. As such, it is important to first understand what you hope to achieve from this treatment. Many patients seeking smile design treatment are already aware of some dental concerns they would like to address, such as having teeth that are:
- Crowded
- Gappy
- Discoloured
- Worn
- Misshapen
- Missing
A consultation with a smile design dentist is necessary for patients to understand the full picture of their dental health, the treatment options that may be most effective for them, and what to anticipate if they proceed. For instance, a patient may only be looking to improve their discoloured teeth, but further examination may reveal issues such as misalignment and irregular tooth shape that can also be corrected by smile design dentistry.
During the consultation, the dentist will seek to understand your dental concerns and conduct a thorough initial examination of your dentition. This may include assessing your dental health and facial structure. The dentist may collect more information such as dental radiographs and digital scans for a more detailed smile design treatment planning.
Using cutting-edge smile design technology, the dentist will then use the gathered insights to create a bespoke smile design for you. This can even be digitally mapped onto your face for your approval. Once you are satisfied with the proposed treatment plan, the process can begin.
Types of Smile Design
The process of smile design can comprise various types of treatments, which are incorporated to improve a person’s smile. Based on the assessment of your teeth, the dentist will recommend treatment plans suitable to your needs.
The suggested treatments may include:
Teeth Whitening
This procedure whitens teeth by improving discolouration caused by factors like aging, diet, and lifestyle habits. It can be performed in-office or with take-home kits prescribed by a dentist.
Invisalign and Braces
These orthodontic treatments can be effective in correcting misaligned teeth. Invisalign offers a discreet alternative to conventional braces as clear aligners that simply fit onto existing teeth. Braces, on the other hand, have metal brackets affixed directly onto the teeth, holding wires that are used to straighten the teeth over time.
Veneers and Crowns
Veneers are thin porcelain or composite resin shells that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance by masking chips, cracks, or discolouration. Crowns, also known as caps, cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength, particularly for severely damaged or decayed teeth.
Dental Implants
A permanent and natural-looking solution for tooth loss, dental implants are titanium posts that are surgically inserted into the jawbone to replace missing tooth roots. Once integrated with the bone, they provide a stable foundation for attaching artificial teeth via solutions such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is an option for repairing minor gaps, chips, or irregularities on a tooth. It involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin material that is sculpted and bonded to the tooth, resulting in an improved appearance and restored tooth structure.
Dentures
Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth. They come in various types, including full dentures for replacing all teeth and partial dentures for replacing some teeth, and can even be supported by dental implants in the mouth. Dentures restore chewing function, improve speech and facial aesthetics.
Expectations
It is also important for us to manage patient expectations. The advancement of smile design dentistry can offer great improvements to your smile, but there are still limitations as to what it can do. It is best to communicate openly with your dentist throughout the smile design journey to understand what your options are and what you should expect.
Start Your Smile Design Journey at Geelong West Dental
In conclusion, selecting the right smile design entails a meticulous approach with an experienced smile design dentist, who will conduct thorough assessments and help create a customised treatment plan that meets your needs.
If you are looking for a new smile, look no further than Geelong West Dental. Our smile design dentists in Geelong are experts in guiding you towards a positive smile design experience. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation with our dental professionals to see how we can help you.