Cosmetic Dentistry
Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover is a coordinated treatment plan that combines two or more cosmetic procedures to address a patient's specific aesthetic concerns. Every plan begins with a health assessment, ensuring that underlying dental health is sound before any cosmetic work is considered.
Oral health comes first
All cosmetic treatment at Wildwood Dental Clinic begins with a thorough oral health assessment. Any underlying decay, gum disease, or other dental concerns are addressed before cosmetic work is planned or performed. Cosmetic procedures applied to an unhealthy foundation are unlikely to hold up well over time.
What a smile makeover involves
A smile makeover refers to planning and coordinating multiple cosmetic treatments together, rather than addressing individual concerns in isolation. By considering the teeth, gum line, and overall appearance together, the resulting treatment plan can address several concerns in a way that is cohesive and appropriate for your specific situation.
It is not a single procedure, it is a process that begins with a consultation, proceeds through any necessary health treatment, and then moves into the cosmetic phase as appropriate. The sequence and combination of treatments depend entirely on the individual patient's dental health, concerns, and goals.
What concerns may be addressed
Depending on the situation, a coordinated cosmetic plan may address concerns such as:
- Tooth discolouration or staining that has not responded adequately to routine whitening
- Chipped, worn, or fractured tooth surfaces
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that appear short, disproportionate, or uneven in size or shape
- Mild crowding or misalignment that affects appearance
- Gum line irregularities that affect the visible proportion of the teeth
In any given case, the extent to which these concerns can be addressed depends on the patient's dental health, the anatomy of their teeth and gums, their goals, and practical considerations including budget and timeline.
Common treatment combinations
Whitening and bonding
Teeth whitening can address overall discolouration, while composite bonding can repair individual chips or close small gaps. These two treatments are often coordinated so that bonding is colour-matched to the whitened shade.
Veneers with whitening of adjacent teeth
If veneers are placed on some teeth, the remaining visible teeth may be whitened so that the overall appearance is consistent. Whitening is typically completed before the veneers are fabricated, so the veneer shade can be matched to the whitened teeth.
Orthodontics followed by whitening or bonding
In some cases, orthodontic treatment to improve alignment is a useful first step before cosmetic work, particularly when crowding or spacing affects what cosmetic treatments are practical. Whitening or bonding may then follow to address any remaining concerns.
Gum contouring with restorative or cosmetic work
When the gum line affects the appearance of the teeth, contouring may be considered alongside other cosmetic treatment, though gum health must be confirmed as appropriate before any soft tissue work is done.
The consultation process
A smile makeover consultation at Wildwood Dental Clinic begins with listening to your concerns and understanding what aspects of your smile you would like to address. We then conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and bite.
From there, we discuss the options that are appropriate for your situation, including what each option involves, how long it takes, what the maintenance requirements are, how long it is likely to last, and what the costs are. We aim to give you a clear and realistic picture so you can make informed decisions.
Not every concern has a single solution, and some treatments may not be suitable depending on your dental health or tooth anatomy. We will be straightforward with you about what is feasible and what trade-offs are involved. Some patients proceed with a full plan; others choose to address one or two concerns at a time. We work around your priorities and timeline.
Ready to discuss your options?
Call 306.374.7272 or book a consultation.