Recreating Your Grin With Smile Design

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, up to 80% of Americans are not happy with their smiles. Since there are a greater number of safe cosmetic treatments today than ever before, this statistic is truly troubling. Many dentists even offer a service called smile design that can rebuild the appearance of your smile, top to bottom.

Make a List

Go ahead; make a list of everything you don't like about your smile. In all likelihood, there is a solution to each problem you point out. With all the techniques available today, there is no reason why you should remain unhappy with your teeth. Some imperfections that patients often seek to change are:


    A "gummy smile" that shows a disproportionate amount of gums to teeth
    Cracked, chipped, or worn teeth
    Missing teeth
    Slightly crooked or asymmetrical teeth
    Gaps between teeth
    Stained or discolored teeth

Building an Action Plan

Once you've decided what your initial smile goals are, your cosmetic dentist will perform a thorough examination of your teeth and gums. After it has been determined that your mouth is healthy, photos will be taken at different angles to use as a reference. Together, you and your dentist can go over every detail of your teeth and mouth, determining which features can be improved or changed for the better. The result will be a collaborative plan that you feel comfortable with.

Finally, meticulous measurements will be taken of your face to establish the best tooth size, shape, and color to complement your individual features. Your dentist will then explain the various techniques and methods that will best achieve your goals. Below are a few treatments that might be recommended:

    Dental bonding
    Gum recontouring
    Teeth whitening
    Porcelain crowns or restorations
    Orthodontic measures such as Invisalign® Clear Braces
    Dental implants or dentures
    Porcelain veneers

Concerns over Cost

Many patients shy away from the idea of cosmetic dental treatments because they are afraid of the potential costs. While few procedures such as dental implants might be covered by insurance; others are not. It's up to you decide how valuable your smile is.

Here's some food for thought: 99.7% of adults rate their smile as their most important personal asset. If this is true, wouldn't that smile deserve an investment? Since dental care can often be paid for on a payment plan, it's not much different than other investments you make to improve your future. Why not call your dental office and ask about smile design? Your new smile and confidence could improve your life in unimaginable ways.

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