It’s not uncommon to hear people use the terms “Smile Makeover” and “Full Mouth Reconstruction” interchangeably. While they both seek to improve the aesthetics of your smile, there are several fundamental differences between the two procedures. Below, we’ll outline what sets these two dental procedures apart and how to determine which one is best for you.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a customized cosmetic dentistry plan that pairs different treatments together to enhance the overall look of your smile. Here are some of the most common smile makeover procedures:
Teeth Whitening: This is perhaps one of the most popular smile makeover procedures around. Teeth whitening, as the name suggests, focuses on brightening up your smile by removing any teeth discoloration.
Composite Bonding: Composite bonding involves filling in gaps between teeth or restoring broken or chipped edges with a white composite material that matches your natural tooth shade.
Laser Gum Reshaping: Laser gum reshaping is another popular treatment included in many smile makeovers. This involves removing excess tissue from around the gums, which helps create a more even gum line and enhances your overall facial structure by exposing more of your beautiful healthy teeth.
There are a variety of other procedures that could be included in a smile makeover are Invisalign and porcelain veneers
When Should You Consider a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover may be right for you if:
You have stained or discolored teeth
You have unevenly spaced or crooked teeth
You have cracked or chipped teeth
You have an overly gummy smile
What Is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Full mouth reconstruction is a term used to describe any combination of dental treatments that aim to restore the function of your mouth or jaws. Generally speaking, full mouth reconstruction is more concerned with restoring your teeth and oral function rather than aesthetics. Here are some common full-mouth reconstruction procedures:
Dentures: Dentures are removable prosthetic devices that are used to replace missing teeth. They come in two varieties – partial dentures for those who still have some natural teeth remaining and complete dentures for those who have lost all their natural teeth.
Crowns: Crowns are placed over existing teeth to restore their shape and strength. Crowns can be made from porcelain, metal, or composite materials and can last for up to 15 years with proper care.
Root Canals: Root canals are done when there is an infection in the root of the tooth, which requires the removal of the infected pulp tissue inside the tooth before it can be restored with either a crown or filling material.
More related procedures that could be included in a full mouth reconstruction include: Hybrid implant restorations, bridges and
teeth extractions.
When Should You Consider a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
If you find yourself in any of these four situations, it might be time to consider getting a full mouth reconstruction:
If you have missing teeth due to trauma, disease, or decay
If you experience persistent jaw pain due to an abnormal bite
If you have difficulty chewing or speaking due to misaligned teeth
If you want an aesthetically pleasing smile but need more than basic cosmetic work done
So there you have it – an overview of the differences between a Smile Makeover and Full Mouth Reconstruction! If you have questions about which option is best for you, contact the Escondido cosmetic dentist at Douglas G. Hope DDS, FAGD—we can help!
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