If you have major smile issues that can’t be corrected with one or two procedures, you may be a good candidate for an extreme smile makeover in Beverly Hills. This type of custom treatment combines a targeted series of procedures to address even the most severe smile imperfections.
We’ll address the various components of an extreme smile makeover, the variety of procedures involved, and the kinds of imperfections it’s designed to treat. Ultimately, the goal of these extreme makeovers is to restore your beautiful smile and leave you turning heads.
What Is an Extreme Smile Makeover?
A standard smile makeover generally refers to a series of cosmetic dental treatments designed to transform a compromised smile. With that said, the term extreme smile makeover is sometimes used to refer to cases in which multiple cosmetic and surgical restorations are required to restore the aesthetic of your natural teeth.
Rather than relying on cosmetic dentistry procedures alone (like veneers), it may require more invasive interventions to address major health issues like gum disease and missing or malformed teeth.
This type of complete smile makeover will typically address three or more of the following issues:
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Tooth loss
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Misaligned teeth
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Misshapen teeth
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Crooked teeth
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Discolored teeth
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Broken teeth
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Periodontal disease
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Damaged teeth
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Worn teeth
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Uneven teeth
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Aged teeth
These types of smile makeovers are often performed by an experienced cosmetic dentist with a background in oral surgery. When considering this course of treatment, make sure to work with a specialist who has ample experience in both the cosmetic and restorative aspects of each procedure.
Common Extreme Dental Makeover Procedures
The following dental treatments may be required for a patient seeking an extreme smile makeover:
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Dental cleanings. As a first step, the dentist may recommend a comprehensive teeth cleaning for optimal oral hygiene, especially if there appears to be some bacterial buildup or tooth decay. For mild gum disease (gingivitis) or advanced gum disease (periodontitis), the dentist may recommend a more invasive gum disease treatment like scaling and root planing above and below the gumline. This can help to promote optimal oral health before the cosmetic work begins.
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Dental filling. Generally recommended for cavities appearing on otherwise healthy teeth. The dentist will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and insert the filling material. Fillings may also be used on teeth that are cracked or worn down. In instances where dental fillings aren’t sufficient, the dentist may recommend porcelain inlays or onlays to cover the damaged section of the tooth.
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Dental implants. Generally recommended for missing teeth, broken or malformed teeth, or severely damaged teeth that require extraction. If you lack sufficient bone density to support an implant, the dentist or surgeon may recommend a bone graft before the post, abutment, and crown can be inserted.
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Porcelain crowns and bridges. Generally recommended for teeth that are damaged but still structurally sound. A dental crown covers the natural tooth for support and is designed to match the shape and color of surrounding healthy teeth. When multiple dental crowns are constructed together, they make up a dental bridge.
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Braces or Invisalign. Generally recommended for crooked teeth or those out of alignment. Different types of aligners are available; we often recommend Invisalign removable aligners because they’re less invasive and less visible than traditional braces, and they work in less time.
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Porcelain veneers. Generally recommended for otherwise healthy teeth that are discolored, misaligned, chipped, or misshapen. Porcelain veneers are thin shells that are placed over the natural tooth using a bonding agent. They can be placed in as few as 2 to 3 appointments. The first office visit is a dental exam and consultation, followed by a tooth prepping appointment (where a very thin layer of tooth enamel is shaved from the tooth surface), and finally a veneer placement appointment.
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Lip lift. Generally recommended for aesthetic upper lip issues. If your lip starts to wrinkle or take on a drooping appearance, it may inhibit your smile and lead to tooth-grinding and TMJ issues inside the mouth. Your dentist may recommend a lip lift or therapeutic Botox procedure as part of your smile makeover.
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Teeth whitening. Generally recommended for dull, discolored, stained, or unevenly colored teeth. If you want a gorgeous smile, your teeth need to sparkle. As part of your makeover, the dentist may recommend a whitening procedure (or a series of whitening procedures) like the state-of-the-art Zoom! whitening technology.
Does an Extreme Smile Makeover Look Natural?
Professional teeth restorations have come a long way. The best dentists use high-quality porcelain restorations to match the look of authentic tooth enamel, and most labs rely on advanced CAD/CAM technology to create picture-perfect restorations that match the shape, color, and general appearance of your teeth.
As long as you work with a trusted, experienced professional who specializes in smile makeovers, your new healthy smile should look 100% natural whether you just need to fix a few teeth or your entire mouth.
How Many Visits Does an Extreme Smile Makeover Take?
The time required for one of these extreme dental makeovers can vary significantly depending on the type of procedures required. For instance, if you need dental implants, that procedure alone can take 6 months or longer when you consider the necessary healing times. If you need to straighten your teeth with Invisalign, you might be looking at 12 to 18 months for that portion of the procedure.
So while every patient is different, it’s not uncommon for an extreme smile makeover to take one to two years from start to finish—sometimes longer. It all depends on the number and type of procedures you need. Just think of it as a journey; with each procedure, you come one step closer to achieving your perfect smile.
What Does an Extreme Makeover Cost?
When you add up the cost of all of the treatments required for an extreme smile makeover, the cost can reach $30,000 to $50,000 on the low end, or more than $200,000 on the high end. On average, one dental implant can cost $3,000 to $6,000 and a porcelain veneer can cost up to $2,500.
The good news is that insurance may cover some of the cost, at least for those procedures that are necessary restorations or the result of legitimate dental emergencies. For example, while insurance usually won’t cover implants, it may require any extractions that are required before implantation. And while insurance doesn’t typically cover veneers, it may cover your crowns and bridges if they’re necessary to support weak teeth.
For those portions of dental care not covered by your insurance, cosmetic dentistry financing options may be available.
How to Choose the Right Dental Makeover Specialist
If you’d like to learn more about an extreme smile makeover, the next step is to request a consultation. When choosing a dental service for the procedure, just remember to look for the following qualities in a dental professional:
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Experience with smile makeovers (and all of the procedures required)
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A reputation for excellence (seek out third-party reviews)
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Flexible financing options
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An unwavering commitment to patient care
The perfect smile is possible. It won’t happen overnight, but if you’re willing to take that bold step, it could change your life forever.
