Smile Makeovers
Smiles can have a profound effect on daily interactions and overall confidence, and our experienced dentists believe each of our patients deserve to make a great first impression. Whether requiring a subtle enhancement through a cosmetic dentistry procedure, or a more comprehensive restorative dental procedure looking at the teeth, gums, alignment, and bite, Dr. Cathy Santone and Dr. Megan Dietz specialize in smile makeovers in Encinitas, CA.
- What is a Smile Makeover?
- Choosing a Smile Makeover Dentist
- Smile Makeover Options
- Digital Smile Design
What is a Smile Makeover?
The term “smile makeover” refers to the combination of two or more restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatments in order to comprehensively rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of a patient’s smile. Using a range of advanced techniques, Dr. Santone, Dr. Dietz, and our team are able to create the smiles our patients have always wanted while also improving overall health and oral function. Using the latest in dental technology, including digital photography and the iTero digital scanner, our dentist works with each patient to create a custom smile that enhances their beauty with natural results. Whether you are in need of a direct composite restoration to conceal chips or cracks, porcelain veneers for more significant changes, or dental implants for missing tooth replacements, Dr. Santone and Dr. Dietz have the experience and expertise to provide a complete smile makeover that is as unique as the patient they are working with.
Why Choose Encinitas Cosmetic Dentistry For Your Smile Makeover?
Dr. Cathy Santone became an Accredited Member of the prestigious American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry in February 2004. At the time, she was 1 of 10 in San Diego County and the only female in San Diego County, and 1 of 302 in the United States. Dr. Cathy and Dr. Megan will review and take notes on your cosmetic concerns. They will use digital photographs and the iTero scanner to educate you on any additional concerns they see and provide treatment options to help you achieve your goals. These options may include Invisalign treatment to straighten the teeth or a gum lift to even out the pink tissue levels before restoring the teeth. When your teeth are straightened and your bite is corrected with Invisalign, it helps to prevent you from chipping your new restorations.
What Are My Smile Makeover Options?
A smile makeover is a completely customizable procedure, and it can involve a number of different treatments based on your unique needs. Common dental solutions incorporated into a smile makeover include:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin coverings that can be applied to the fronts of your teeth to provide cosmetic enhancement and structural support. They can effectively conceal a range of tooth imperfections, including chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration, and even minor cases of misalignment. They are custom-designed for each patient, and your dentist will work closely with you to ensure that the veneers look and feel as natural as possible. Whether you wish to enhance the appearance of a single tooth or completely transform your smile, veneers are a versatile and aesthetically pleasing option that can work for virtually any patient.
Invisalign®
For patients with mild-to-moderate misalignments, the Invisalign® clear aligner system can be an excellent way to straighten teeth without the need for traditional braces. The removable aligners are made of a translucent plastic material that is nearly imperceptible when worn. This allows for a more comfortable treatment process that won’t disrupt the aesthetics of your smile. In addition to Invisalign®, we also offer Six Month Smiles® and ClearCorrect™ for patients seeking discreet orthodontic care. Our dentists can help determine the ideal option for your needs during a consultation.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are often used to protect teeth that have been damaged by decay or trauma for restorative purposes, but they can also provide a cosmetic solution for patients seeking smile makeovers. Functioning as a sort of tooth “cap,” they can provide structural support for damaged or worn teeth while also concealing chips, stains, cracks, and discoloration.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective method of treating staining and discoloration for patients who desire a brighter, whiter smile. Our dentists offer both in-office Zoom!® teeth whitening and take-home bleaching trays. During your consultation, we can determine which option is best suited to your cosmetic dentistry goals.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is an innovative and conservative treatment designed to address a range of dental concerns, including chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. During the procedure, one of our dentists will apply a composite resin to the affected teeth, which is then carefully shaped and smoothed over the tooth surface. The high-quality resin is meticulously shade-matched to blend in with the surrounding natural teeth for seamless smile rejuvenation. This is an ideal procedure for young patients after orthodontic treatment to correct spaces caused by small teeth, which are also known as Peg Laterals.
Gum Lift
A cosmetic gum lift is used to treat uneven gum tissue over your front teeth. Sometimes the gum tissue does not look the same because it is covering the tooth’s enamel, the teeth are worn, or they are in the wrong position. Our doctors can determine the cause of the uneven gums and provide treatment options to correct “pink” gum tissue that helps to better frame the white teeth in your smile.
What is Digital Smile Design?
Using advanced dental technology, our dentists—with the help of their dental laboratory team—can create a mock-up of your new smile so that you can preview what it will look like before starting treatment. Our iTero® digital scanning software allows us to take 3D impressions of your teeth, which can then be uploaded to our smile simulation software to correct crowded teeth. Our dentists can show you examples of patients with similar before conditions and their smile makeover results based on your cosmetic goals. Being able to preview their results before committing to treatment often helps patients feel more confident and empowered as they start their journey towards obtaining their dream smile.
Contact us to schedule a consultation for a smile makeover at our Encinitas and North County, San Diego area practice, or visit our smile gallery for more information.