Cosmetic Dentistry |9 min read

What Is a Smile Makeover?

Lips with glitter and two before and after smile makeovers.
A smile makeover is all about giving you the smile of your dreams.

A smile makeover improves your smile’s function, health, and appearance using one or more cosmetic or restorative dental procedures.

This comprehensive plan can improve smile characteristics like:

  • Color
  • Shape
  • Length
  • Alignment
  • Symmetry
  • Texture
  • Luster
  • Gaps
  • Chips or cracks
  • Replace silver fillings
  • Bite
  • And more!

And:

Your new smile will be Hollywood-worthy, so you’ll want to show it off any chance you get.

What services does a smile makeover include?

Smile makeovers could include many different types and combinations of techniques. Your goals, budget, and timeline determine what services are used.

However:

These are the commonly used services we’re going to talk about:

Let’s dive right in.

Porcelain veneers

They are thin, tooth-colored shells adhered to the front of your teeth while making them stronger.

Porcelain veneers permanently fix various issues from tooth alignment and integrity to discoloration.

Do veneers hurt?

Getting porcelain veneers isn’t painful because a numbing agent is used.

What’s the process of veneers?

On average, your porcelain veneers service is completed in two appointments.

  • You’ll consult with your cosmetic dentist and make a plan.
  • They’ll prep your teeth and place temporary veneers.
  • Your permanent veneers will be made in a professional lab after receiving all the specifications from your dentist.
  • At your second appointment, your new, permanent porcelain veneers will be placed, and the dentist will make sure they don’t interfere with your bite.
  • You’ll leave with your new Hollywood-inspired smile.

How long do porcelain veneers last?

Porcelain veneers last an average of 7-20 years by practicing good oral hygiene and habits.

What’s the cost of porcelain veneers?

The national average cost of Porcelain Veneers is between $925 and $2,500 per tooth.… This text opens a new tab to the Healthline website…

LEARN MORE ABOUT PORCELAIN VENEERS

Prepless veneers

They’re ultra-thin, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front of your tooth – without prep work or drilling and shots.

Prepless veneers achieve non permanent, stunning results without sacrificing healthy tooth structure.

What’s the process of prepless veneers?

On average, prepless veneers are completed in one appointment.

  • You’ll consult with the dentist, discuss your treatment, and get started.
  • Minimal prep is done to your teeth before your new veneers are placed.
  • Your dentist will check your bite and adjust the veneers accordingly.
  • You’re on your way to show off that fabulous new smile to everyone.

How long do prepless veneers last?

On average, your beautiful new smile will last for 5-7 years with good oral hygiene and habits.

What’s the cost of prepless veneers?

The average national cost of prepless veneers is between $800 and $2,000… This text opens a new tab to the Healthline website….

LEARN MORE ABOUT PREPLESS VENEERS

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to correct tooth and bite problems.

You’re getting a discreet treatment for a lifelong solution to improve your oral health.

What’s the process of Invisalign?

You’ll start with a consultation, which includes a preview of what your smile will look like.

Then:

You’ll change aligners every two weeks and check in regularly with your dentist.

As you switch aligners, you may feel discomfort from the pressure – but it goes away quickly.

You’ll eat, drink, and live without significant changes to your daily life until you’re done.

How long does Invisalign take?

The average Invisalign treatment takes 6-18 months.

How much does Invisalign cost?

The national average cost for Invisalign is $3,000 to $5,000.… This text opens a new tab to the Healthline website…

LEARN MORE ABOUT INVISALIGN

Orthodontics

Braces treat a wide range of tooth alignment and bite problems, from mild to severe cases.

These brackets and wires move your teeth to give you a beautiful smile that’ll last a lifetime.

What’s the process of orthodontics?

  • You’ll have an initial consultation with an orthodontist to decide your treatment plan.
  • Next, your braces are placed with any additional appliances needed. Braces come in different styles, including clear, ceramic, metal, self-ligating, etc.
  • You’ll visit your orthodontist every four to six weeks for adjustments to slowly reposition your teeth and jaw.
  • Once you achieve your desired result, the braces are removed, your teeth are polished, and you can show off your new smile.
  • You’ll wear a retainer at night to prevent your teeth from shifting back.

What about pain during treatment?

Well, discomfort after an adjustment is common but temporary.

How much does orthodontics cost?

The national average cost is between $3,000 to $10,000… This text opens a new tab to the Healthline website….

However, this is important to know:

Orthodontists typically work with your budget, maximize benefits through insurance, and help you find affordable financing options.

Dr. Griffin and images of veneers, crowns, and aligners.

Same-day crowns

Crowns restore damaged or decayed teeth.

Same-day crowns are made of high-quality, tooth-colored materials and custom-designed in a single appointment.

You’ll be back to eating pain-free and speaking normally with a natural-looking smile.

How do same-day crowns work?

  • Digital images are taken (no gag-worthy goop needed!).
  • The high-quality material is color-matched to your teeth.
  • It’s custom shaped for a precise, accurate fit in the office.
  • It’s placed over your damaged tooth.
  • You’ll walk out with your new permanent crown in one visit.

Do dental crowns hurt?

No, getting a crown doesn’t hurt. Any sensitivity following your crown procedure typically subsides in a few days.

How long do same-day crowns last?

Crowns last an average of 10-15 years and, with proper care, could last longer.

How much do same-day crowns cost?

The cost of your new crown will depend on the type, location, and dentist’s experience.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAME-DAY CROWNS

Cosmetic bonding

Dental bonding is a conservative treatment using a tooth-colored material called “resin.”

It hides:

  • Chips
  • Cracks
  • Gaps
  • Stains

The resin is color-matched, shaped directly on your tooth, and hardened with a special light – all in under an hour.

Cosmetic bonding is an affordable, long-lasting option for minor flaws.

And:

Dental bonding has minimal prep work keeping it as painless as possible.

How long does dental bonding last?

With good oral hygiene and habits, the average lifespan for the bonding material is 3-10 years.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COSMETIC BONDING

Gum contouring

We use a laser to gently mold your gums into a more appealing and permanent shape. It’s a simple way to balance your smile without scalpels or sutures.

The best part?

It’s performed in one visit with no recovery time.

How much does gum contouring cost?

The national average costs range from $50 to $350 for one tooth… This text opens a new tab to the Healthline website….

The price of gum reshaping varies, but it usually costs less than other cosmetic work. This makes it an affordable option for significantly improving your smile.

Your dream smile will be less gummy with laser gum contouring, allowing your pearly whites to shine.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GUM CONTOURING

Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is quick, safe, and cost-effective for whiter teeth in one visit.

In one-hour, professional teeth whitening gives you:

  • Whiter results
  • Longer lasting results
  • Less time treating teeth
  • A safer solution

It’s truly the most economical way to improve your smile and look your best.

Why does professional teeth whitening cost so much?

In comparison to over-the-counter products, it may seem more expensive.

But unlike the commercial products sold in stores:

Your customized, professional teeth whitening minimizes tooth sensitivity and removes deep, stubborn stains without needing additional treatments in a short period.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TEETH WHITENING

Is a smile makeover worth it?

Yes!

These cosmetic and restorative dentistry procedures offer life-changing results.

After all:

Your smile plays a vital role in your overall health, confidence, and quality of life.

And we know:

Smile makeovers are a significant investment, so we recommend choosing a dentist you can trust to deliver high-quality results.

Picture of a woman smiling with before and after smile makeover photos around her.

Are you looking for a smile makeover in Columbia, SC?

A smile makeover isn’t your average dental procedure. It requires a level of skill, expertise, and artistry that few dentists have.

At WildeWood Aesthetic Dentistry, our cosmetic dentist Dr. Justin Griffin has the advanced education and training you want in a dentist.

He’ll create a highly personalized experience while offering customized and convenient payment options.

But don’t just take our word for it:

SEE MORE SMILE TRANSFORMATIONS

Then:

Schedule your virtual consultation below.

You just have to send us a selfie and close-up of your smile and tell us what you want to change. Dr. Griffin will respond with a personalized video shortly after.

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Our office is conveniently located in Columbia, SC, and we happily welcome patients from the neighboring communities of Irmo, Lexington, Camden, Blythewood, and Elgin, SC. We also serve patients from out of state!