Smile Makeover – Rockwall, TX

How Many Treatments Can You Include in a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover can include as many or as few treatments as you’d like, depending on what your Dr. Spillman offers. Whether you’re looking to combine veneers and metal-free crowns, invisible aligners and whitening, or even add in a dental implant or two, a smile makeover allows you and Dr. Spillman to customize your treatment to your exact goals, specifications, and budget!

How Long is a Smile Makeover?

The duration of your smile makeover depends on which procedures you’re electing to have Dr. Spillman complete. For teeth whitening and dental bonding, you can typically complete these treatments in one appointment. For veneers, you will need at least two appointments about two weeks apart. For dental implants, you can expect the process to take at least six months, and orthodontics can take several years.

If you are on a tight schedule, Dr. Spillman can help recommend treatments that can be performed within a specific timeline, such as in time for a wedding or an important job interview.

Does a Smile Makeover Hurt?

Because smile makeovers can involve multiple procedures, you may be wondering if any of them will be uncomfortable or painful. Thankfully, Dr. Spillman prioritizes your comfort for even cosmetic procedures, so he will ensure that you are numb for any treatment that may be considered painful. Generally speaking, most cosmetic dental treatments are considered non-invasive. For example, dental bonding and teeth whitening are not at all painful, and don’t require even local anesthesia, however crowns and veneers can be a little uncomfortable so Dr. Spillman will numb your mouth before performing those.

Furthermore, you may experience some soreness or sensitivity after your treatment, however this is typically mild and will go away within a few days.

For those who have dental phobia or anxiety, Dr. Spillman also offers various levels of sedation dentistry. Speak to the office about your options prior to your appointment for more details.

Is a Smile Makeover Covered by Insurance?

Smile makeovers are elective procedures, and thus your dental insurance probably won’t cover some elements. However, depending on the type of procedure, it may provide partial coverage if it is considered beneficial to your oral health. For example, a crown, clear aligners, or dental implant may be partially covered, while professional whitening would not.

If a procedure is partially covered, it would typically be between 50 to 80 percent of the cost, however this depends on your individual policy. If you have any questions about what your plan includes, speak to the office team at Spillman Family Dental of Rockwall about your specific coverage.

Are Smile Makeovers Considered Safe?

It’s normal to want to ensure that your elective treatments won’t harm your dental or overall health, but thankfully, smile makeovers are considered safe when provided by a licensed professional, such as Dr. Spillman or Dr. Nguyen. Typically, the procedures involved don’t damage your teeth or gums and are intended to rebuild and restore your grin instead.

With that said, some restorations, including veneers and dental crowns, require that a small amount of enamel be removed to fit correctly. This slightly alters the structure of your teeth, but the resilient ceramic used for these treatments is strong enough to help shield the underlying teeth from potential harm.

How Long Do Cosmetic Dentistry Results Last?

Once you’ve put time and resources into remaking your smile, you’re likely going to want to do everything you can to preserve the results and protect your investment. However, the longevity of the results can vary from person to person because it depends significantly on their unique circumstances and the different procedures they underwent.

For instance, some cosmetic services, like teeth whitening, last anywhere from 6 months to a few years, whereas someone rebuilding their arch with dental implants might enjoy the benefits of their procedure for the remainder of their natural lives. In most cases, you can help maintain the outcome with a twice-daily at-home dental hygiene routine, avoiding using teeth as tools, steering clear of potentially problematic foods, and protecting your smile with a mouthguard or nightguard if you participate in close contact activities or grind your teeth while sleeping.

Is There an Age Limit to Getting a Smile Makeover?

Are you wondering whether you’re either too young to or too old to get a smile makeover? It’s normal to wonder if your age might preclude you from certain services, and in some cases, that may be true. For example, some experts recommend that teenagers wait to pursue dental implants until their jawbone has finished growing, which may not happen until their early 20s.

Otherwise, most restorative and cosmetic procedures don’t have real age limits or restrictions, except for infants or toddlers. With that said, not all patients are good candidates for every treatment, so before proceeding, you must schedule a consultation with one of our providers in Rockwall. Once our team has discussed your needs and performed an examination, we can recommend suitable services based on our findings.

Can a Smile Makeover Align Your Smile, Bite, or Jaw?

If you have a tooth, bite, or jaw misalignment detracting from your appearance and dental health, you might wonder whether the corrections can be included with your smile makeover. It might depend on your provider and their available services, but most are willing to discuss the options with you during your initial consultation.

At our practice in Rockwall, we offer Invisalign, which is often considered a more comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces. This service uses transparent plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth to shift them to their ideal positions, and can often be completed in as few as 12 to 18 months. It can sometimes also be used to correct mild bite malocclusions with the inclusion of buttons, attachments, bands, or other accessories.