Smile Makeovers – Jacksonville, FL

Do Smile Makeovers Have an Age Limit?

Unless you’re a toddler, smile makeovers don’t have a minimum (or maximum) age limit. Patients of any age can undergo the treatment.

You see, qualifying for a smile makeover has more to do with your oral health. How young (or old) you are isn’t much of a factor. So, you’ll be a fine candidate if you’re free of tooth decay, gum disease, etc. Even if you aren’t, a dentist could easily treat those issues beforehand.

All that said, teeth whitening is a minor exception. A patient should be 14 or older before getting this service. Young teens and pre-teens haven’t lost all their baby teeth, so whitening could harm their smiles.

Does a Smile Makeover Hurt?

Smile makeovers involve several procedures, so you may wonder if they’re painful. Well, you can rest assured: Dentists work to make them smooth and comfy. The makeover process shouldn’t hurt your teeth, gums, or other mouth tissues.

For starters, most cosmetic dental work is non-invasive. It often doesn’t try to alter your tooth structure or remove enamel. Key examples are teeth whitening and dental bonding, which apply gel or resin to your teeth. These services don’t even require a local anesthetic.

As for invasive cosmetic work, dentists take precautions. They’ll numb your mouth before a veneer or crown treatment. That way, you won’t feel any pain from their efforts. (Many dentists also offer sedation that helps with discomfort.)

How Long Does a Smile Makeover Take?

Generally, a smile makeover’s duration varies. How long it takes will depend on the number and type of procedures included.

For instance, some makeovers only need a single visit. That timeline is likely when the procedures done are in-office teeth whitening, dental bonding, or gum recontouring. After all, the shortest of these options can wrap up in just one hour.

In contrast, some makeovers take multiple weeks or months. These tend to be treatments that include veneer and crown procedures. For the latter services, a patient must attend several visits to ensure good results.

How Can a Smile Makeover Change Your Life?

Yes, changing a smile’s look may seem frivolous. Even so, the process can greatly improve your quality of life. It often leads to perks like:

• Better Oral Hygiene – If your smile seems clean and healthy, you’ll probably take better care of it. That means you’ll stick to daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups.
• Fewer Bad Habits – When you have a pretty smile, you might be inspired to quit bad oral habits. These may include smoking, nail-biting, etc.
• A Positive Mood – A beautiful smile is one you’ll show off a lot. In doing so, your body will produce endorphins that reduce your stress levels.

How Many Treatments Can You Include in a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover can include a variety of treatments tailored to your specific needs. Veneers are often used to improve the appearance of teeth by covering imperfections like chips or stains. All-ceramic dental crowns offer a natural-looking solution for restoring damaged teeth, while teeth whitening brightens the overall smile. Invisalign clear braces are a discreet way to straighten teeth, enhancing both function and aesthetics.

Tooth-colored fillings provide a seamless option for treating cavities without noticeable metal. For missing teeth, dental implants are a permanent solution, while dentures and dental bridges offer alternatives for restoring multiple teeth. The combination of these treatments creates a customized approach to achieving your ideal smile.

Is a Smile Makeover Safe?

Yes, a smile makeover is generally safe when performed by a qualified and experienced dentist or cosmetic dental specialist. Each procedure involved—whether veneers, crowns, teeth whitening, Invisalign, dental implants, or other treatments—has been tested for safety and effectiveness. However, like any medical or dental procedure, there are potential risks. For example, teeth whitening may cause temporary sensitivity, and dental implants involve a surgical procedure with potential for infection if not cared for properly.

We will assess your oral health before starting, addressing any existing issues like cavities or gum disease to ensure you’re a good candidate. Personalized treatment plans help minimize risks, making the procedures both safe and effective.

• Just like any other cosmetic procedure, smile makeovers are harmless and won’t damage your teeth or gums.
• Neither teeth whitening nor dental bonding use toxic chemicals. Their gels and resin, respectively, don’t damage enamel or gum tissue.
• Veneers and crowns do remove some enamel, but the prosthetics compensate by protecting your otherwise-exposed tooth (or teeth).
• Of course, not every patient is suited for every kind of cosmetic dental work. Those with pre-existing oral conditions – tooth decay, gum disease, etc. – might not benefit from a given treatment. In such cases, it’s best to have a dentist fix such issues first.
• It’s unwise, for instance, to get a veneer for a decayed tooth — doing so would make the decay harder to fix.

How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?

The longevity of cosmetic dentistry depends on the type of treatment and how well you care for your teeth. Here's an estimate of how long common cosmetic procedures typically last:

• Veneers: 10 to 15 years with proper care, although they may last longer with excellent oral hygiene.
• All-ceramic dental crowns: Typically last 10 to 15 years, though some can last even longer.
• Teeth whitening: Results can last from several months up to 3 years, depending on lifestyle factors like diet and oral care.
• Invisalign: Once your teeth are aligned, they should remain straight as long as you wear retainers as prescribed.
• Dental implants: Can last a lifetime with good care, although the crowns may need replacement after 15-20 years.

Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene can help prolong the results for as long as possible.

Can A Smile Makeover Align Your Smile, Bite, or Jaw?

Yes, a smile makeover can address alignment issues with your smile, bite, or jaw, depending on the treatments involved. Invisalign clear braces are commonly used to straighten teeth and improve bite alignment, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional braces. This treatment can correct overcrowding, gaps, and mild bite issues, leading to improved function and appearance.

For more complex bite or jaw alignment problems, a combination of orthodontics and restorative procedures, like dental implants, crowns, or bridges, may be used. Dental implants can help restore the bite by replacing missing teeth, while crowns or bridges can improve the shape and alignment of existing teeth. In some cases, more advanced orthodontic treatment or jaw surgery might be recommended for severe misalignment issues.