When it comes to oral care, issues like tooth pain, bad breath, and tooth loss often come to mind. However, in today’s world, the aesthetics of a smile, related to teeth and gums, holds significant importance. Aesthetic problems caused by decayed teeth, gum diseases, misaligned teeth, abnormal discoloration, or tooth loss can negatively impact a person’s social life. Additionally, these issues may lead to a lack of self-confidence, causing individuals to feel hesitant to smile in public.
Even when a person has healthy teeth, they may seek to improve the aesthetic appearance of disproportionate teeth or gums, or correct shape or structural irregularities. A beautiful smile not only boosts psychological confidence but also creates a positive impression on others.
With advancements in technology and scientific research, various methods now enable the creation of more beautiful smiles, and the concept of “aesthetic dentistry” has become increasingly prominent in our lives.
What is Smile Design?
One of the first concepts that comes to mind in aesthetic dentistry is “smile design.” Smile design is the process of restoring the appearance of teeth and gums that have been aesthetically compromised due to various reasons, tailored to the patient’s facial features and needs, to achieve a natural and beautiful look. As a multidisciplinary approach, smile design involves the application of multiple procedures together.
What Procedures Does Smile Design Include?
Since each patient’s aesthetic needs differ, the procedures are customized. Factors such as facial features, gender, age, and expectations are considered when determining the treatments.
First, any existing tooth decay or gum diseases are treated, and dental cleaning procedures are performed. Subsequent treatments are chosen based on the patient’s needs. These typically include gingivectomy (gum contouring for aesthetic purposes), teeth whitening (bleaching), addressing tooth loss with implants or prostheses, porcelain veneers or crowns, zirconium crowns, and orthodontic treatments (braces).
How is Smile Design Performed?
The first step in smile design is accurately understanding the patient’s aesthetic expectations and identifying their needs. Problems are assessed, and planning is done using models created from impressions of the patient’s mouth. Measurements are then taken using specialized software, incorporating intraoral and facial photographs to calculate compatibility with the patient’s facial shape. The anticipated post-treatment appearance is presented to the patient through software simulations and temporary restorations that closely mimic the final result, allowing for patient feedback.
Once planning is complete, if orthodontic treatment is not required, any gum level irregularities are corrected first. In cases of tooth loss, planned implant procedures and other necessary surgical interventions are performed. After the healing period for surgical procedures is complete, teeth whitening is applied if needed. At this stage, visual or structural irregularities in the teeth may be addressed with aesthetic composite fillings.
When composite fillings are insufficient, porcelain veneers, crowns, or zirconium crowns are used. For porcelain veneer applications, either no tooth reduction or minimal reduction is required. If porcelain or zirconium crowns are chosen, patient feedback is gathered during try-in stages, allowing for adjustments. Throughout the gum and tooth procedures, as well as during try-ins, the shape and contour of the lips are considered to finalize the targeted design.
In some cases, smile design may incorporate medical aesthetic procedures. Applications like dermal fillers to the lips or facial areas can enhance the prominence of the smile.
