During a dental examination the dentist will use specific instruments, tooth related tests, radiographs and clinical expertise to diagnose potential or existent disease states and pathologies. The general dentist's primary focus is on the oral cavity, head and neck. An individualized treatment plan is developed to prevent or treat oral diseases. If the cocern is an aesthetic one your dentist will work with you to identify and achieve your aesthetic goals.

• Dental Fillings:
  
  Tooth decay, tooth wear and trauma are major causes of damage to a tooth. Dental fillings are used to repair damage to the structure of a tooth or teeth. After the removal of a problematic tooth structure, the tooth is restored with one of several filling materials: Amalgam and composite resin (white filling material) are the commonly used filling materials. Your dentist will advise you on which material to use and its advantages.
   

• Bonding:
  
  Chipped or cracked teeth are typically repaired through bonding. An enamel-like composite material is applied to the surface of a tooth, sculpted into shape, contoured and polished, making the crack or chip invisible.
   

• Orthodontics:
  
  Orthodontic treatment can be used to straighten crooked teeth and malocclusions which involved the teeth and jaws. Orthodontics is both a functional and cosmetic treatment, and has become an increasingly popular field of dentistry.
   

• Root Canal Therapy:
  
  Root canal therapy removes infected pulp tissue within the root chamber of the tooth. The root of the tooth is filled with an antibacterial filling, and a crown is placed over the tooth to protect it.
   

• Dental Crowns:
  
  Dental crowns provide an aesthetic and protective solution to teeth that have undergone root canal therapy and that are extensively restored due to decay or trauma. Dental crowns can be made of metal or metal fused to porcelain. Today zirconium crowns are being used for their strength and excellent aesthetics.
   

• Implants:
  
  Dental implants are an excellent long term solution to missing teeth. Implants are an excellent example of dental technology. Implants are technique sensitive and must be carried out by a specialist in the field.
   

• Periodontal Treatment:
  
  Treatment of gum disease includes include tooth scaling and polishing followed by oral hygiene instruction. Advanced gum/periodontal disease requires deep scaling and root planning which may need to be carried out under local anesthesia

A Smile Makeover, comprises cosmetic and restorative procedures that will enhance your smile and meet your esthetic goals. Procedures may include teeth whitening, bonding, veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, orthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery and periodontal surgery to re-contour the gums.

Prior to the treatment plan your oral health must be evaluated. If your evaluation reveals that you have oral conditions such as a misaligned bite (malocclusion) or gum disease, it is important for you to undergo orthodontic and periodontal treatment before your Smile Makeover.

When planning a Smile Makeover all aspects of the patient’s facial appearance are considered. These include the skin tone, hair color, teeth, gums, and lips to develop a customized smile. The resulting improvements are as follows:

Cosmetic procedures carried out for the smile makeover need to be maintained. Teeth whitening may be done after two years (depending on the patients lifestyle and habits)to maintain the color of the teeth. Porcelain veneers may chip or break off and may need to be replaced. Permanent bonding may stain and require replacement. Dental crowns may need to be replaced after10 – 15 years.

Before and after photos of other patients who have had Smile Makeovers offer samples of the results you may expect to see. The photos may also give you an idea of the quality of work performed by your cosmetic dentist.

Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and fill it with plaster to form an exact model of your teeth. The plaster can then be reshaped by trimming away excess areas or enlarging areas that require more volume. Dentists use study models to show you every aspect of the changes you can expect to see with your makeover. Dental lab technicians also use study models as guides for fabricating makeover materials like crowns or veneers.