Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover: What Is the Difference? By Jon Marc Van Slate DDS on February 12, 2019

Dentistry serves many purposes. It can restore your teeth and gums to optimal health, and it can also enhance the smile’s appearance. Here, our Houston, TX team discusses full mouth reconstruction vs. smile makeover.

These two terms are often used interchangeably; but there are stark differences between the two. It is important to understand each process so you can be well-informed about your treatment options.

With 30 years of experience, Dr. Jon Marc Van Slate offers a wide range of treatments, including full mouth reconstruction and smile makeovers.

About Full Mouth Reconstruction

In simple terms, full mouth reconstruction is restorative in nature. The goal of this type of treatment is to repair or replace damaged, decayed, or missing teeth.

This inclusive treatment combines two or more restorative procedures, which may include:

Dental implants
Dental crowns
Dental bridges
Inlays and onlays
Dentures
Root canal therapy
Bone grafting
Periodontal therapy

Due to the nature of these treatments, most patients enjoy some degree of aesthetic enhancement as well as improved oral health. Today’s dental materials are resilient and incredibly natural looking, offering optimal results for years to come.

When Is Full Mouth Reconstruction Recommended?

If you have sustained a significant amount of dental damage, or if you have multiple oral health issues, Dr. Van Slate may recommend full mouth reconstruction.

For example, this treatment plan can address:

Tooth decay
Dental abscesses
Cracked or fractured teeth
Jawbone atrophy
Missing teeth
Gingivitis and periodontitis

About Smile Makeovers

While full mouth reconstruction is restorative in nature, a smile makeover is purely cosmetic. This treatment is designed to enhance the appearance of your smile, delivering a boost in confidence and self-esteem.

Like full mouth reconstruction, a smile makeover combines multiple procedures. However, in this case, the treatments are focused on cosmetics rather than restoration.

A smile makeover may include:

Porcelain veneers
Dental bonding
Professional teeth whitening
Gum contouring
Invisalign®
Tooth-colored composite fillings

When Is a Smile Makeover Recommended?

Patients who are interested in overall smile enhancement can qualify for this procedure, as long as they are in good oral health. For instance, if gum disease or tooth decay is present, or if there are other serious dental issues present, they must be addressed before pursuing any type of cosmetic procedure.

This comprehensive treatment can address:

Stained or yellowed teeth
Crooked, overlapped, or gapped teeth
Old silver amalgam fillings
Excess gum tissue, or a gummy smile
Chips, cracks, and craze lines

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

Full mouth reconstruction and smile makeovers are both comprehensive treatments designed to address oral issues in a streamlined, personalized fashion. The best way to know which option is right for you is to schedule a visit with Dr. Van Slate.

During a consultation at our practice, he will perform a full evaluation of your teeth, gums, and jaws. After gathering all necessary information, he will sit down with you and discuss your treatment options in detail. Our primary goal is to help you achieve the healthy, attractive smile you desire in the most conservative way possible.