A smile makeover is a custom procedure designed by our Erie, PA cosmetic dentist to meet your smile goals. It will include multiple cosmetic dentistry procedures. How many procedures are needed and the exact selection of procedures depends on your goals, the current state of your teeth, and overall oral health.

Smile Makeover Process

A smile makeover begins with a consultation. In the consultation, Dr. Tucker will listen to your cosmetic goals. He will also look at any pictures or videos you brought to help him understand what you’re looking for. Then, he will ask questions to ensure he understands what you hope to achieve. Make sure to mention any limitations you might have: timetable, budget, or procedures you want to avoid, for example.

If you’re a current Tucker Dental Excellence patient, we will review your records. If you are a patient at another dental practice, we might want to perform a dental exam during the consultation or as part of a separate appointment. We will want to see your records from your current dentist, but it might not be enough to help us understand your current state of oral health. We may want to use our RAYFace facial scanner to help us design a smile makeover that best compliments your overall facial appearance.

Next, Dr. Tucker will design your smile makeover. He will explain what he’s planning and may show you visualizations of your new smile, such as computer imagery. If there are multiple choices for achieving your goals, he will present them with the benefits and limitations of each.

You’ll get a comprehensive estimate of the cost of your smile makeover. If it seems reasonable, Dr. Tucker will start scheduling treatment appointments.

What Treatments Can Be Part of a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is completely customized based on your goals, which means no two treatment plans look the same. Below are the most common treatments used in a smile makeover, explained in a clear, patient-focused way using updated descriptive subheadings.

Creating a Brighter, More Balanced Smile

Porcelain veneers are often the foundation of a smile makeover because they can change the appearance of your smile quickly and dramatically. Treatment typically spans two to three visits. After your consultation and smile design, your teeth are prepared and impressions are taken so your veneers can be crafted by the dental lab. You’ll wear temporary veneers during this time, which gives you a preview of your new smile. Once your custom veneers return, they are adjusted, fitted, and bonded permanently. Most patients complete the entire process in less than a month.

Restoring Your Smile After Tooth Loss

If your smile makeover involves replacing missing teeth, dental implants may be recommended. Some patients qualify for a streamlined approach where extractions, implant placement, and temporary restorations are completed in a single visit. Others may need additional steps such as extractions, gum therapy, or bone grafting to establish a strong foundation. These treatments can extend the timeline by weeks or months. After the implant is placed, the bone needs time to integrate before final restorations are attached. We’ll outline your expected timeline during your consultation, and your implant surgeon will tailor the schedule to your unique needs.

Immediate Cosmetic Improvements

Dental bonding is a fast and effective way to correct small cosmetic concerns such as chips, worn edges, or minor discoloration. If only one or a few teeth are being treated, bonding can often be completed in a single appointment. More extensive reshaping may require multiple visits. Bonding is frequently used as a conservative option in a smile makeover or as a finishing touch to complement other treatments.

Refreshing the Color of Your Smile

Professional take-home whitening is an easy and comfortable way to lift stains and brighten your smile. Most patients see improvement within a few days, with full whitening results developing over several weeks. Whitening can be used on its own or as a first step before placing veneers or bonding to ensure your final smile is bright and evenly matched.

Straightening Teeth for Better Aesthetics and Function

If alignment issues are affecting the appearance of your smile, clear aligner therapy may be included in your makeover plan. Aligners gradually reposition teeth, often taking several months to a year depending on your needs. This step can create a more uniform look and may also improve the final outcome of veneers, bonding, or other cosmetic work by establishing a better foundation.

Shaping the Gumline for Improved Proportion

For patients with uneven gumlines or excess gum tissue, gum contouring can dramatically improve the balance of the smile. This treatment is usually completed in a single visit, though healing time varies. Gum reshaping is often combined with veneers or whitening to create a more harmonious final appearance.

Updating Older Restorations for a Fresher Look

If your smile makeover includes refreshing older crowns, outdated fillings, or stained dental work, these restorations can often be replaced over one or two appointments. The timeline depends on how many teeth require new restorations and whether custom ceramics are being created to match your smile design.

The cost of a smile makeover depends on the changes you want and the treatments needed to achieve them. Some patients only need whitening and a veneer or two, while others want a full transformation involving multiple restorations. Because every smile is unique, prices vary.

At your consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, examine your teeth, and create a personalized plan with a clear estimate before beginning treatment. Financing options are available to help make your makeover fit comfortably within your budget. A smile makeover is an investment in your confidence, and we’ll help you choose an approach that feels right for you.

Smile makeover results can last many years, depending on the treatments involved and how well you care for your teeth. Porcelain veneers, crowns, and implants are designed to be long-lasting, while whitening and bonding may need occasional touch-ups. Good oral hygiene, routine dental visits, and avoiding habits like grinding or chewing hard objects all help extend the life of your results. During your consultation, we’ll discuss what you can expect based on the treatments in your personalized plan.

Schedule Your Cosmetic Dental Procedures Today

Many dentists perform cosmetic dentistry with little or no training in the discipline. However, Dr. Tucker has taken many continuing education courses dedicated to cosmetic dentistry. He has received a Certificate of Proficiency in Esthetic Dentistry from the University of Buffalo and a Fellowship in the International Academy for Dental Facial Esthetics. In addition, he has maintained a private practice in Erie, Pennsylvania, since 1982, giving him more than 40 years of practical experience in helping people achieve and maintain a beautiful smile.

Please call (814) 836-7777 to trust your smile to Tucker Dental Excellence.