Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover: What’s the Difference?

A beautiful and healthy smile is not only good for your well-being but also improves confidence and self-esteem. If you are looking to enhance your smile, you can choose between a full mouth reconstruction and a smile makeover, depending on your goals. However, you need to understand what each treatment entails to help you make the right choice. Read on to find out the difference between a full mouth dental reconstruction and a smile makeover.

What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?

The primary purpose of a full mouth reconstruction is to restore function. It involves repairing or fixing dental problems using multiple procedures simultaneously to improve the health, form, and function of your teeth. These issues may include tooth decay, severe gum disease, tooth loss, or damage due to trauma. Here are some of the treatments involved in a full mouth dental reconstruction.

1. Endodontic Treatments: Also known as root canal therapy, endodontic treatment removes infected tooth pulp, saving the tooth and preventing the spread of infection. It involves cleaning and filling the canals and placing a restoration such as a crown to protect the remaining tooth.

2. Extractions: An extraction is the complete removal of a tooth. Dental problems that may warrant an extraction include severe gum disease, infections, damage due to trauma, and complications of the wisdom teeth. Simple extractions are done on visible teeth, while surgical extractions require the removal of gum tissue and or bone.

3. Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are custom tooth-shaped caps that restore the size, shape, and function of your teeth. They can also protect your tooth after root canal therapy. Dental crowns repair cracked and worn-out teeth, strengthen weak teeth, and support dental bridges.

4. Bridges: Dental bridges are tooth replacement solutions consisting of a pontic, or false tooth, suspended between two or more crowns. The crowns attach to adjacent teeth to support the bridge. Dental bridges can replace one or several missing teeth and enable you to chew and speak properly.

5. Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin tooth-colored shells that fit over the front of your teeth to correct a variety of dental issues. They are ideal for chipped teeth, misaligned, and uneven teeth as well as worn-down teeth.

6. Dental Implants: Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements that consist of titanium posts surgically placed into your jaw to act as the root, topped with a dental prosthetic. Dental implants can replace one or several missing teeth and support restorations such as crowns, dentures, and bridges. They also promote bone health and function just like natural teeth.

7. Orthodontics: Realigning teeth and jaws to limit wearing and jaw pain is critical for restoring bite function. Straight teeth are easier to keep clean and reduces the risk of decay and gum disease.

What is a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover refers to the process of enhancing the appearance of your smile through cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is mainly for aesthetic purposes and enhances your smile by fixing dental flaws such as discoloration, gaps, and uneven teeth. Below are common smile makeover treatments.

• Teeth Whitening: Whitening treatments get rid of stains and brighten your teeth by several shades. You can get the treatments in-office or opt for a take-home kit that includes whitening gel and custom trays that you fit over your teeth.
• Porcelain Veneers: Since porcelain veneers fit over the front of your teeth, they can cover a wide range of dental flaws at once. These issues include permanent discoloration, gaps, misshapen teeth, and minor misalignment. Porcelain veneers are aesthetically pleasing as the material reflects light and creates a natural look.
• Crowns: Custom crowns can restore the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are especially ideal as they can easily blend with your natural teeth.
• Braces or Invisalign: Braces straighten crooked teeth to give you an even, beautiful smile. Invisalign clear aligners straighten your teeth without brackets and wires. Invisalign works well for mild to moderate alignment issues, and braces are more appropriate for moderate to severe cases.

Which Treatment is Right for Me?

The best way to find your ideal treatment is by visiting a dental professional for an evaluation. Your dentist will perform a full exam and recommend the best options for your needs and smile goals. Regardless of the type of treatment you need, it is necessary to address any gum issues before undergoing either one to prevent complications and get the best results.

Each of these methods have similar treatments, but the objective is different. Full mouth reconstruction addresses form and function, and a smile makeover is focused on cosmetics. Talk to your dentist to find out more!