A bright, healthy smile is a thing of beauty. If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth, don’t hide them away! Embrace your best smile with the help of Smile Design at Old Town Smiles.
Smile Design combines a variety of dental services to help patients achieve the symmetrical, flattering smile of their dreams.
Dr. Ahmed improves both the aesthetics and function of her patients’ teeth with targeted, customized Smile Makeovers. If you are unsure if Smile Design is right for you, she is here to help. Below is a list of some of Old Town Smile’s most frequently-asked Smile Makeover questions:
WHAT DOES SMILE DESIGN DO?
Smile Design can correct a wide variety of cosmetic and practical dental issues. The steps and desired results of a Smile Makeover will reflect the unique needs and personal goals of each patient. Dr. Ahmed takes each patient’s age, sex, and unique facial features into account when customizing their Makeover plan. No two smile design plans are the same!
Smile Design can:
• Whiten and brighten teeth
• Balance the alignment of the teeth
• Make the front teeth the same height and width
• Achieve a better gum-to-teeth ratio
• Strengthen teeth & dental function
• Help patients’ smile match the curve of their lips
• Reduce risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and infection
• Dramatically boost patient confidence
• Make the entire face look younger and healthier
WHAT ARE MY SMILE DESIGN OPTIONS?
A custom-tailored Smile Design plan can include but is not limited to: Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Porcelain Veneers, Composite Veneers, Dental Implants, Gum Contouring, and Cosmetic Bonding. Dr. Seema will take time to assess your case, discuss your goals, and recommend treatment options that are most appropriate for you.
WHAT IS INVISALIGN?
Do you have crowded, crooked, or oddly-spaced teeth, but don’t want to walk around with a mouth full of metal braces? Invisalign will straighten your smile with convenient, clear straightening trays. A series of undetectable custom-fit trays gradually shift the position of the teeth over time. Invisalign is a popular choice for busy adults who want to straighten their teeth and don’t want to sacrifice their appearance along the way.
WHAT IS TEETH WHITENING?
Professional teeth whitening is the safest, most effective way to accomplish dramatically brighter, whiter teeth. Old Town Smiles is proud to offer teeth whitening with ZOOM 2. ZOOM 2’s power laser light whitens teeth in under an hour. Teeth become up to ten shades brighter. Patients have the option of in-office professional teeth whitening or at-home whitening trays. Many patients see their best, whitest results from following their in-office whitening with take- home trays ten days later. Over-the-counter teeth whitening can leave the gums overly sensitive and deliver short-lived or inconsistent results. Store-bought teeth whitening treatments cannot accomplish these results!
WHAT ARE DENTAL CROWNS?
Dental Crowns are a tooth prosthetic used to improve both the function and appearance of a tooth. The crown is custom-shaped and matched to the color of patients’ existing teeth. Dental crowns can address cracks, tooth decay, damaged fillings, or the aftermath of a root canal. Dental crowns can also add additional length or conceal a dental implant.
WHAT ARE PORCELAIN VENEERS?
Porcelain veneers are an excellent way to create beautiful symmetry for anyone’s smile. Porcelain veneers cover the front of the teeth to achieve the ideal tooth shape and color. Each porcelain shell is custom-shaped to achieve the patient’s desired look. Porcelain veneers are made of a strong ceramic and bonded to the teeth for a long-lasting improvement. Porcelain veneers can correct cracked, chipped, crooked, discolored, overly-spaced, or oddly-shaped teeth. Porcelain veneers require a two-step implementation process.
WHAT ARE COMPOSITE VENEERS?
Similar to porcelain veneers, composite veneers are applied to the front of the teeth, but are less durable than porcelain veneers. Composite veneers are matched to the existing tooth color. The teeth will not need to be reshaped prior to the application of composite veneers, enabling patients to receive their composite veneers in a single session.
WHAT ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS?
Don’t put up with the gaps left by missing teeth! Dental implants are permanent additions that restore patient’s ability to smile and chew comfortably. Dental implants adhere to thin metal rods inserted into the gums. They are matched to the color of the natural teeth. If patients have a grouping of discolored or misshapen teeth, a dental bridge helps connect the implant to dental crowns that will cover the teeth in question.
WHAT IS GUM CONTOURING?
Excess gum tissue is a frustration for many patients. Gum tissue can conceal healthy teeth and create a stunted smile. The gums additionally may be uneven. Gum contouring with a dental professional like Dr. Ahmed is a safe, effective way to address excess gum tissue and achieve a more balanced, bright smile.
WHAT IS COSMETIC BONDING?
Cosmetic bonding is performed using a tooth-colored resin. Cosmetic aka dental bonding addresses minor tooth imperfections, including chips, cracks, gaps, or stains. If patient’s dental issues are not to the extent that further dental intervention will be required, dental bonding is an effective, lasting cosmetic solution.
CAN YOU FIX BROKEN TEETH?
Yes! Broken teeth can be addressed with dental crowns, cosmetic bonding, or veneers. The solution that is most appropriate for you depends on the state of your tooth, your personal preferences, and your dentist’s professional opinion.
HOW SHOULD I FIX MY GAPPED TEETH?
Gapped teeth can be addressed with veneers, cosmetic bonding, or Invisalign. Patients can address gaps due to missing teeth with dental implants for long-lasting, natural-looking results.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR SMILE DESIGN?
If you have discolored, chipped, or cracked teeth, you are a good candidate for a Smile Makeover at Old Town Smile. Men and women who have a few missing teeth are also good Smile Design candidates. Candidates for smile design should have all their adult teeth. Whether you are seeking an improvement of a few teeth or of your entire mouth, Dr. Ahmed has the expertise and range of quality dental solutions you deserve.
WHAT SMILE DESIGN OPTIONS ARE RIGHT FOR ME?
Dr. Ahmed will determine your candidacy for a Smile Makeover during an initial consultation at Old Town Smiles. Your dentist will assess your dental history and discuss your present concerns. Your dentist and the Old Town Smiles team will run a series of tests and screenings including digital x-rays, diagnostic photos, oral cancer screenings, a cavity check, and a bite evaluation. We always welcome photos of example smiles that patients would like to emulate to help shape the details of their Smile Design plan.
HOW LONG DOES A SMILE MAKEOVER TAKE?
The length of a smile design procedure will range based on the chosen procedures. In-office teeth whitening or imprints for Invisalign can be completed in under an hour. Patients also have the option of combining a hygiene cleaning or a gum disease exam with their Smile Design treatment plan. Smile Design procedures may be performed over multiple appointments for the sake of patient convenience or they can be combined into a longer, comprehensive procedure.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING SMILE DESIGN?
Smile Makeovers are often broken into two stages. Patients will attend a first appointment where impressions for any molds will be taken. If veneers or crowns will be placed, a temporary veneer or crown will be introduced to give patients a sense of what their results will look like. The majority of dental work is usually performed during a second appointment. Dental implants, veneers, bonding, crowns and all other work is often combined into a single session. Patients who pursue a larger-scale Smile Makeover may have their work performed over a second and third appointment for the sake of comfort. Patients will be kept 100% pain-free during these procedures with their preferred comfort method.
WHEN WILL I SEE RESULTS OF MY SMILE MAKEOVER?
You will see the improvements in your smile immediately after your Smile Makeover! Patients who received gum contouring, veneers, or implants may have sore gums. You dentist will discuss pain medication with you if necessary. All patients will receive personalized recovery instructions following their Smile Makeover, such as when they will be able to eat following their procedure and if dietary restrictions are required. In order to see the healthiest, longest-lasting results from smile design, regular at-home dental hygiene habits are a MUST. Patients who are dedicated to at-home oral care and regular dental check-ups will enjoy their whitest, brightest smile life-long!
HOW MUCH DOES SMILE DESIGN COST?
Smile Design treatments are custom-tailored to address the unique needs of every patient. Smile Design pricing will depend on the procedures patients decide to incorporate into their treatment. Once you and your dentist have determined the procedures that will best achieve your desired outcome, you will receive your personalized pricing breakdown.
IS SMILE DESIGN COVERED BY INSURANCE?
Most insurance providers will not cover Smile Design procedures that address cosmetic concerns, such as veneers to address a chipped front tooth. Some insurance providers may cover the aspects of Smile Design that improve the function of the teeth, such as dental crowns, implants, and dental bonding. Patients are invited to contact their insurance provider to learn more.