Full Mouth Reconstruction vs Smile Makeover

Are you looking to restore the functionality of your teeth? Perhaps you are looking to customize and change the appearance of your smile; in either circumstance, it is important to ensure that you are receiving the treatment that you want and need. Continue reading to learn the difference between full mouth reconstruction and smile makeover services.

What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?

A full mouth reconstruction is an umbrella term used to cover multiple restorative dental treatments that are administered to improve or restore the functionality of the teeth.

Full mouth reconstruction treatment focuses on the health and function of the teeth rather than their aesthetic qualities. Treatment that is typically used to carry out a full mouth reconstruction include:

• Dental Crowns: Crowns are protective caps that are placed directly over the natural tooth structure. They are used to protect the tooth when it has sustained a considerable amount of damage or decay and are designed to mimic the size, shape, and color of the natural teeth.
• Dental Bridges: Dental bridges are multi-unit crowns that are used to fill a space in the mouth that is left by a missing tooth.
• Root Canals: A root canal is carried out when damage or decay has penetrated the central nerve of the tooth. During a root canal, the nerve is removed, the canal of the tooth is sterilized, and a large filling is placed inside the tooth. In most cases, the tooth is then covered with a protective crown.
• Dental Implants: Dental implants are titanium “screw-like” devices that are placed inside the jaw bone to replace the roots of a natural tooth. Implants help retain bone structure while providing a durable and strong base for an implant crown, which fills the space in the smile line.
• Dentures: Dentures – whether they be partial or full – are a fantastic option for replacing missing teeth. In turn, this improves the patient’s ability to chew and speak. Partial dentures also help prevent the remaining natural teeth from shifting out of place over time.
• Cleaning/Deep Cleaning: When bacteria is allowed to linger inside the mouth, it begins to break down the tooth enamel and leads to decay. Undergoing professional teeth cleanings helps maintain a strong and healthy oral environment. Deep cleanings are done to maintain gum disease.
• Bone Grafting: Dental bone grafts are used to replace missing bone structure.
• Orthodontic Treatment: Orthodontic treatment – whether it be traditional metal braces or Invisalign – is used to correct the alignment of the smile and correct any issues with bite or crowding. In turn, this makes it much easier to bite and chew for the patient.

Ultimately, a full mouth reconstruction helps patients achieve a strong and healthy oral environment, which in turn promotes ideal overall health.

The treatment that you will need during your full mouth reconstruction will depend on the current state of your teeth. An examination and consultation with your dentist will help determine which treatment will help you restore the functionality and health of your smile.

What is a Smile Makeover?

While a full mouth reconstruction focuses on the functionality and health of the teeth, a smile makeover focuses on the look and aesthetic qualities of the teeth. Below are some examples of treatment methods that are typically used to carry out a smile makeover:

• Dental Veneers: Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain or composite which are placed over the tooth enamel. Veneers are used to customize the shape, size, and color of the teeth.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening helps patients achieve a dramatically whiter smile in just one session. Whitening is used to lift stains and yellowing from the teeth to reveal a brighter and whiter smile.
• Gum Contouring: Gum contouring is done to alter the look of a “gummy” smile.
• Gum Grafting: Gum grafting is done to replenish gum tissue that has receded.
• Composite Bonding: Composite bondings are used to correct minor cosmetic issues, such as gaps, chips, or cracks.
• Orthodontic Treatment: While orthodontic treatment is used to restore the functionality of the teeth, it is also used to improve the aesthetic qualities of the smile, as well. Both traditional metal braces and Invisalign can be used to correct overlapping, crowding, or gaps that may cause a patient to feel self-conscious about the look of their smile.
• Dentures: Dentures are very useful in improving the patient’s ability to chew and speak, but they are also useful for correcting the look of the smile. When opting for full dentures, the patient has the opportunity to completely customize the shape, size, and color of their new teeth. If they are pursuing partial dentures, they will be able to ensure that the teeth on their partial denture will be fabricated to match their natural teeth, providing a seamless natural look.

Smile makeovers can help improve a patient’s self-esteem, confidence, and overall quality of life. The power of a beautiful smile is not to be underestimated!

Reza Dental Care: Best Dentist in South Gate, CA

With the information you have learned here, you will have a better understanding of the difference between a full mouth reconstruction and a smile makeover. In order to determine which method of treatment suits you best, it is always best to consult your trusted dental professional.

Here at Reza Dental Care, we are proud to help our patients achieve the smile of their dreams by offering both restorative and cosmetic dental treatment in our South Gate office. Our team of dental professionals would be glad to conduct a thorough examination to help you determine which treatment you would benefit from.

Above all, Reza Dental Care is here to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile; we are proud to provide comprehensive dental and orthodontic care in South Gate, California. Our number one goal is to help our patients achieve the healthy and beautiful smile of their dreams. Searching for the “best dentist near me”? Our team of professionals is here for you. For more information about full mouth reconstruction and smile makeover services or to schedule an appointment in our South Gate dental office, book an appointment online or give us a call at 323-547-8787.