Smile Makeover Candidates

A smile makeover is a treatment plan that includes more than one cosmetic dentistry procedure to improve the appearance of your smile. Ideal candidates for smile makeovers include patients that wish to enhance the appearance of smile, and whose teeth and gums are in otherwise good health. At the practice of Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate, we offer the most effective dental procedures, which can be combined to create a comprehensive smile makeover treatment plan. To find out if you are a good candidate for a smile makeover, contact our Houston, TX practice today.

Discolored Teeth

Discolored teeth are perhaps the most common cosmetic problem affecting the teeth. In the majority of cases, tooth discoloration is extrinsic, meaning that it affects the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel. These surface stains are often caused by prolonged exposure to dark-colored foods and drinks and smoking. Extrinsic tooth discoloration can be treated with professional teeth whitening.

Some cases of tooth discoloration are intrinsic, meaning the stains affect the inner structures of the tooth. These stains do not respond as well to teeth whitening, but they can be masked with porcelain veneers or the composite resin used in the cosmetic dental bonding procedure.

Gaps between Teeth

Gaps between the teeth can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• The size of the teeth is small in relation to the size of the jaw
• The frenulum, the fold of tissue that attaches the upper lip to the gums, is too large, creating a gap between the teeth
• A tongue thrusting disorder, in which the patient presses the tongue against the front teeth, instead of the roof of the mouth, when swallowing
• Sucking of the thumb

Dr. Van Slate can treat gaps between the teeth with porcelain veneers or dental bonding. These treatments add width to the teeth adjacent to the gap, closing the gaps and improving the appearance of the smile.

Misshaped Teeth

A misshaped tooth can detract from the overall appearance of your smile. To improve shape and bring the tooth into proportion with surrounding teeth, we can place a porcelain veneer. A veneer is custom fabricated in a lab, according to your design specifications and measurements. When the veneer is ready, it is placed over the misshaped tooth, adding width and length as needed.

Alternatively, we can mold composite resin directly to the tooth in the dental bonding procedure. The composite material is applied, molded, and then hardened with a special light to improve the shape of the tooth.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth are a common dental problem. Dr. Van Slate can use porcelain veneers and dental bonding to mask minor crookedness or a twisted tooth. Patients with severely crooked teeth may be better candidates for orthodontic treatment such as braces.

Excess Gum Tissue or an Uneven Gum Line

The gums contribute to the smile’s appearance just as much as the teeth. If you have a gummy smile or uneven gum line, we can perform the laser gum contouring procedure to produce a crown lengthening effect or create a more uniform frame for your teeth.

To find out which procedures can help you achieve your smile makeover goals, contact the practice of Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate today.