Cosmetic Dentistry & Smile Makeovers in Penrith
A smile makeover is an individualised approach to improving aspects of your smile that concern you.
At Best Western Dental Centre in Cambridge Park, Penrith, cosmetic dental treatment may involve one treatment or a combination of treatments, depending on your teeth, gums, bite and individual goals.
Options may include teeth whitening, composite bonding, porcelain veneers, orthodontic treatment, crowns, replacement of missing teeth and selected gum treatments.
Our approach is to first assess your dental health and understand what you would like to change before discussing suitable treatment options.
Where appropriate, we also discuss more conservative alternatives so that you can understand the advantages, limitations and likely maintenance requirements of each option before deciding whether to proceed.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
“Smile makeover” is a general term used to describe cosmetic dental treatment planned around an individual’s smile.
There is no standard smile makeover procedure.
Some patients may only want their teeth whitened. Others may be concerned about tooth shape, spacing, alignment, worn teeth, old restorations or missing teeth.
Depending on the situation, treatment may involve one procedure or several different types of dental treatment.
The aim is to develop a treatment plan appropriate for the individual rather than applying the same cosmetic treatment to every patient.
What Can Cosmetic Dentistry Address?
Patients commonly ask us about cosmetic treatment for concerns such as:
- Tooth colour or staining
- Chipped or worn teeth
- Uneven tooth shape or size
- Spaces between teeth
- Crowded or misaligned teeth
- Old or discoloured fillings
- Damaged teeth
- Missing teeth
- Uneven gum levels
- Excessive gum display
- A combination of several concerns
The appropriate treatment depends on the cause of the concern and the condition of the teeth, gums and bite.
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening may be an appropriate option for patients who are mainly concerned about tooth colour.
Whitening can lighten many types of natural tooth discolouration, but the response varies between individuals.
Existing crowns, veneers and fillings do not whiten in the same way as natural teeth. This needs to be considered when planning treatment, particularly where restorations are visible when smiling.
Temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation can occur with whitening treatment.
Composite Bonding
Composite resin can be bonded directly to teeth to change aspects of tooth shape, repair small chips or close selected spaces.
One advantage of composite bonding is that it can sometimes be performed with little or no removal of natural tooth structure.
However, composite resin can stain, chip or wear over time and may require maintenance, repair or replacement.
Whether bonding is appropriate depends on factors including the amount of tooth structure present, the patient’s bite and the size and position of the proposed restoration.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin restorations bonded to the front surface of selected teeth.
They may be considered for certain concerns involving tooth shape, colour, proportions, wear or spacing.
Veneers are not appropriate for every patient. The amount of natural tooth preparation required varies, and some cases may be better managed with whitening, bonding, orthodontics or another treatment.
Because veneers are restorations, they should not be regarded as a permanent treatment that will never require maintenance or replacement.
We discuss these considerations before treatment.
Orthodontics as Part of a Smile Makeover
Sometimes the concern is primarily the position of the teeth rather than their shape or colour.
Orthodontic treatment can move natural teeth and may reduce or avoid the need to significantly alter otherwise healthy teeth with restorative treatment.
Depending on the individual case, options may include braces or clear aligners.
For some patients, orthodontic treatment may also be combined with whitening, bonding or other restorative treatment after the teeth have been repositioned.
Dental Crowns and Bridges
Dental crowns may be appropriate where teeth have been substantially weakened, heavily restored, fractured or otherwise require greater structural restoration.
A bridge can sometimes be used to replace one or more missing teeth by using neighbouring teeth for support.
Crowns should not automatically be used simply to change the appearance of otherwise healthy teeth when a more conservative treatment may achieve an appropriate result.
We consider the condition of the tooth, bite and alternative treatments before recommending a crown or bridge.
Replacing Missing Teeth
Missing teeth can affect both appearance and dental function.
Depending on the individual situation, replacement options may include:
- Dental implants
- Fixed dental bridges
- Removable dentures
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may also be considered to manage or redistribute spaces.
Each option has different advantages, limitations, treatment requirements and costs.
Gum Contouring and the Appearance of Your Smile
The gums form an important part of the appearance and proportions of the smile.
Some patients have uneven gum levels or feel that they show excessive gum when smiling.
Where excess or uneven gum tissue is the primary issue, laser gum contouring may be appropriate in selected cases.
However, excessive gum display can have several causes, including tooth proportions, tooth position, lip movement and underlying jaw relationships. Laser gum treatment is therefore not appropriate for every “gummy smile.”
Assessment is required before recommending treatment.
Planning Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Before cosmetic dental treatment, we assess the health of your teeth and gums and consider your bite.
Depending on the proposed treatment, planning may include:
- Dental examination
- Photographs
- Dental X-rays where indicated
- Digital scans
- Assessment of the teeth and gums
- Bite assessment
- Discussion of your concerns and priorities
More complex cases may require additional records or staged treatment planning.
Any active dental disease should generally be addressed before elective cosmetic treatment.
A Conservative Approach to Cosmetic Dentistry
When several treatments could address the same concern, we believe it is important to consider the effect each option may have on natural tooth structure.
For example, a patient concerned about tooth colour and alignment may have options ranging from whitening and orthodontics to bonding or veneers.
These treatments are not interchangeable. They differ in invasiveness, maintenance, longevity, cost and what they can realistically achieve.
Where appropriate, we discuss options that preserve natural tooth structure as well as restorative alternatives.
The final treatment decision is made after discussing the benefits, limitations, risks and expected maintenance of the available options.
How Long Does a Smile Makeover Last?
There is no single lifespan for a smile makeover because it may involve several different types of treatment.
Natural teeth continue to change over time, and dental restorations are subject to wear and may eventually require maintenance, repair or replacement.
Longevity can be affected by factors including:
- The type of treatment
- Oral hygiene
- Gum health
- The patient’s bite
- Tooth grinding or clenching
- Diet and habits
- Regular dental maintenance
We explain the expected maintenance requirements of the proposed treatment before you proceed.
One Free Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
Best Western Dental Centre offers one free initial cosmetic dentistry consultation per person to discuss your concerns and the treatment options that may be suitable.
An OPG (panoramic dental X-ray) is required for the consultation so that we can assess your teeth and supporting structures as part of treatment planning.
If you already have a suitable recent OPG, please let our team know when booking your consultation. If an OPG is required, our team can explain the imaging arrangements and associated cost before your appointment.
The initial consultation allows us to discuss possible treatment options. Depending on the treatment being considered, further examination, photographs, scans, X-rays or other records may be required before a definitive treatment plan can be provided.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Penrith Best Western Dental Centre is located in Cambridge Park and provides cosmetic and restorative dental treatment for patients from Penrith and surrounding Western Sydney communities.
If there are aspects of your smile you would like to change, the first step is an assessment to determine what treatment options may be suitable.
Best Western Dental Centre
95 Oxford Street, Cambridge Park NSW 2747
Phone: (02) 4731 4655
Frequently Asked Questions About Smile Makeovers
What treatments can be included in a smile makeover?
A smile makeover may involve teeth whitening, composite bonding, veneers, orthodontics, crowns, replacement of missing teeth or selected gum treatments. The appropriate combination depends on the individual patient.
Do I need veneers for a smile makeover?
No. Veneers are only one cosmetic treatment option. Depending on the concern, whitening, bonding, orthodontics or another treatment may be more appropriate.
Can crooked teeth be improved without veneers?
Often, yes. Braces or clear aligners may be used to reposition natural teeth. Whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate depends on the individual case.
[INTERNAL LINK: Orthodontics in Penrith]
Can cosmetic dentistry damage healthy teeth?
Some restorative cosmetic treatments require alteration of natural tooth structure, while others may require little or no tooth preparation. This is one reason we discuss conservative alternatives where appropriate before treatment.
How much does a smile makeover cost?
The cost varies considerably because a smile makeover is not a single procedure. After assessment and treatment planning, we can explain the recommended options and associated costs before treatment proceeds.
How long does cosmetic dental treatment last?
This depends on the treatment performed and individual factors. Whitening may require future maintenance, while bonding, veneers, crowns and other restorations can wear, chip or require replacement over time. Regular dental care remains important.
Can I see what my smile may look like before treatment?
For selected cases, photographs, digital scans or other planning methods may help with treatment discussions. The appropriate planning process depends on the treatment being considered.
Do you offer a free cosmetic dentistry consultation?
Yes. Best Western Dental Centre offers one free initial cosmetic dentistry consultation per person.
An OPG is required for the consultation. If you already have a suitable recent OPG, please let our team know when booking. Additional records, imaging or assessment may be required depending on the treatment being considered.