Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover
Cosmetic dentistry treatments can enhance the smile, addressing issues such as tooth discoloration, misshaped teeth, and other aesthetic problems.
When multiple aesthetic issues are present, a smile makeover can address these issues and improve the overall appearance of the smile. Smile makeovers are not the only option for smile enhancement. Full mouth reconstruction can improve the appearance of the smile while restoring oral health.
Dr. Burton Gooch explains the difference between full mouth reconstructions versus smile makeovers during consultations at our Birmingham, AL practice. We welcome you to schedule a consultation to find out which is right for you.
Full Mouth Reconstruction Restores Health and Aesthetics
Full mouth reconstruction consists of multiple dental treatments to completely restore the smile's health and appearance. Each full mouth reconstruction treatment plan will be unique.
Popular Full Mouth Reconstruction Treatments
There are many restorative treatments that may be used to enhance the appearance and health of the smile. Some of the most popular treatments include:
- Dental implants: Dental implants are surgically placed titanium posts that fit within the jawbone. Dental implants may be paired with dental crowns, bridges, or dentures to replace one or more teeth.
- Root canal therapy: Untreated tooth decay can lead to painful root canal infections. Root canal therapy may be performed during a full mouth reconstruction to restore oral health.
- Inlays and onlays: Inlays and onlays are a popular full mouth reconstruction treatment. They can address decay within the molars. Inlays and onlays are tooth-colored treatments that may also be used to replace old metal fillings.
- Dental crowns: Teeth that are broken, severely decayed, weakened by large fillings or root canal therapy, or otherwise damaged may be preserved and restored with dental crowns. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped restorations that encase damaged teeth, helping to restore dental appearance and function.
- Root planing and scaling: Gum disease is a common oral health problem. Moderate to severe gum disease may be treated with root planing and scaling, a deep cleaning treatment used to remove plaque from below the gum line.
A Smile Makeover Enhances the Smile
The primary difference between a smile makeover and full mouth reconstruction is that smile makeovers are intended to enhance the appearance of the smile whereas full mouth reconstructions are used to address oral health issues.
Popular Smile Makeover Treatments
Each smile makeover is tailored to each patient based on his or her unique needs and goals. Treatments may be few or more numerous depending on the patient's desired results. Some popular smile makeover treatments include:
- Porcelain veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-shaped shells that can be bonded to the surface of the teeth to improve their size, color, shape, and overall appearance. For patients with mild alignment issues, dental veneers may be used as instant orthodontics to give the teeth a straighter appearance.
- Dental bonding: Like dental veneers, dental bonding may be used to improve the color, shape, size, and appearance of the teeth. Dental bonding involves the use of a tooth-colored resin, which is directly applied and molded on the teeth.
- Teeth whitening: Professional teeth whitening is a fast and effective treatment that can transform the appearance of the smile by removing years of discoloration.
- Gum contouring: When gum tissue is excessive, it can make the smile look gummy. If the gum line is uneven, it can make the teeth appear misshaped or crooked. Excessive gum tissue and an uneven gum line can be corrected with the gum contouring procedure.
Is a Full Mouth Reconstruction or Smile Makeover Right for You?
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile or you have multiple oral health issues, smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction may be right for you. Please call (205) 545-8001 to schedule a consultation at your earliest convenience.