Virtual smile makeovers (simulating dental work digitally) –

What kinds of cases have we simulated?

We like to think that we’ve created a database of makeovers that features a full range of cosmetic dilemmas that every general dentist tends to encounter with their patients every day.

Why create the simulations?

Our goal is education. By creating a digital smile makeover for a person, we can help them understand what kind, or what level, of improvement their own dentist should be able to accomplish. And also, communicate what challenges and limitations may be encountered when that work is performed.

With that information, the person can then more intelligently discuss their case with their dentist. And subsequently, develop a treatment plan with them that is practical, realistic, acceptable, and/or satisfying. (Any one or combination of those adjectives may be what’s actually most important.)

Our other goal is this: Everyone can learn from these makeovers.

While the details of every person’s case will be unique specifically to them, dentists only have certain procedures that they use to resolve cosmetic issues. (Basically, this includes teeth whitening, orthodontic treatment, and dental bonding, veneer and/or crown placement.)

And that means, if you read through some of our makeovers that feature a problem that’s similar to the one you have, then the possible solutions that your dentist will have to offer (as outlined in the discussion that accompanies each of our simulations) will likely apply, at least fairly similarly, to your case as well.

So, our picture sets should help you in discussing your own situation with your own dentist too.

Go ahead and click on a few of our digital smile makeovers and view their before-and-after pictures. And be sure to take the time to read through and understand their discussion. That’s because, the more you know, the more likely you and your dentist will be in coming up with a plan that predictably accomplishes the cosmetic improvements you desire.

Here are different ways you can search through our database of smile makeovers.

1. In-depth pages. – These pages contain a group of makeover simulations that all share a similar chief complaint. The before-and-after picture sets that have been aggregated are then used to explain the various ways that dentists usually approach and remedy that type of condition.
2. Makeovers, by category. – So many of our cases are so similar by way of the chief complaint they address or the procedure used to remedy it that we’ve organized our database of simulations into about 15 groups.
3. Listing of all cases. – We’ve tried to give descriptive titles to each of our individual makeover pages. So by scrolling through them, you should be able to identify the types of cases you are seeking information about.

In-depth smile makeover pages.

These pages feature groupings of cases where the issue addressed, or the dental procedure that’s utilized as a remedy, are all similar.

a) Applications for veneers.

In-depth smile makeovers pages –

• General applications for veneers.
• Closing tooth gaps with veneers.
• “Straightening teeth with veneers vs. orthodontic treatment.

About Porcelain Veneers.

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of porcelain that is bonded onto the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. These veneers can be an excellent way to make a cosmetic change for a tooth. As compared to dental bonding, they usually look more natural and resist staining better.

As a disadvantage, porcelain veneers are usually more expensive and, if used in the wrong application, can be prone to breaking. Unlike dental bonding, if a porcelain veneer does break, typically the whole veneer must be replaced. They usually cannot be patched or repaired.

b) Applications for dental crowns.

In-depth smile makeovers pages –

• Closing tooth gaps using dental crowns.
• “Straightening” teeth with dental crowns vs. orthodontic treatment.
• Vertical overbite tooth damage makeovers.
• Teeth worn from tooth grinding makeovers.
• Possible potential complications associated with crown placement.

About Dental Crowns.

Dental crowns can be used to make the same type of cosmetic changes for teeth that porcelain veneers can. However, unlike veneers which only cover over the front side of teeth, crowns cup over and encase the entire tooth.

In comparison to porcelain veneers, dental crowns are stronger and more durable. But because making a crown involves trimming away a significant amount of tooth structure, they usually aren’t the best choice for making a cosmetic change unless the tooth also requires the non-cosmetic benefits that a crown can provide. Like porcelain veneers, there is typically a fair amount of cost involved when dental crowns are placed.

c) Applications for dental bonding.

In-depth smile makeovers pages –

• General applications for dental bonding.

About Dental Bonding.

The term “dental bonding” can refer to a number of different, yet related, dental techniques. In general, after a tooth’s surface has been properly prepared, dental bonding can refer to any process where a dentist attaches white-colored dental filling material to a tooth.

Dental bonding might be used to improve the appearance of an isolated defect on the surface of a tooth, to replace tooth structure that has chipped or broken off, or to repair damage caused by tooth decay. This technique can also be used to resurface the entire front side of a tooth, strictly for cosmetic purposes.

When compared with other cosmetic procedures, dental bonding can be relatively inexpensive. And placing it is completed in a single visit. One disadvantage of dental bonding is that it has a tendency to stain over time and, in general, isn’t as lasting or durable as other types of restorations. However, if dental bonding does chip or break it can usually be easily patched or repaired.

d) Applications for Teeth Whitening.

In-depth smile makeovers pages –

• Using tooth bleaching to resolve tooth staining.

About Teeth Whitening Techinques.

Using a teeth-whitening process can be one of the simplest and least expensive ways to make a substantial cosmetic improvement with a person’s smile. There are a number of different whitening techniques that might be employed, including:

• Professional/in-office whitening treatments.
• Tray-based teeth whitening.
• Whitening strips.

While most tooth-whitening techniques can usually be counted on to produce at least some color change for a person’s natural teeth, they will not (with a few exceptions) produce a lightening effect for existing dental work. Additionally, any tooth whitening that is achieved will have a tendency to fade over time.