(412) 854-2310Smile Makeover – Pittsburgh, PA
A Treatment Plan to Deliver a Dream Smile
When you hear the word “makeover,” you may think of dramatic transformations in the way a person or place looks. The same principle applies to smile makeovers. Dr. Dan Rairigh is a cosmetic dentistry expert in Pittsburgh who understands both the art and science behind how to craft a smile that is as beautiful as it is functional. If you are ready to say goodbye to the flaws in your grin and hello to a head-turning set of teeth, a smile makeover service may be perfect for you.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is not a specific treatment. Rather, it is a treatment plan that addresses all of the things you don’t like about the way your smile looks. The process begins with a cosmetic consultation, wherein Dr. Rairigh will talk to you about your goals and expectations, evaluate your candidacy for certain cosmetic treatments, and take some images of your mouth so he can get started on plotting out your course to your dream look.
Dr. Rairigh will do more than just use vague concepts to make your teeth look better. He’ll specifically consider all aspects of your smile, including the length of your teeth, your smile line, and the appearance of the soft tissues around your teeth.
What Treatments Are Involved in a Smile Makeover?
There are a number of cosmetic treatments that Dr. Rairigh might include in your smile makeover plan:
- Professional teeth whitening to remove years of stains from coffee, red wine, and other discoloring factors.
- Porcelain veneers to reshape the teeth and disguise minor misalignment.
- Wrinkle treatment to give your entire face a more youthful glow.
- Metal-free restorations to fortify damaged teeth without marring their appearance.
What Benefits Come from a Smile Makeover?
Research has shown that people with healthy-looking, attractive smiles are perceived as being younger and more successful than individuals with obvious dental health issues. The confidence you gain from your smile makeover might help you land that well-deserved promotion, ask that special someone out on a date, or feel like a star at your next high school reunion.
A smile makeover might even improve your dental health. The steps it takes to maintain the results of a cosmetic treatment (for example, excellent oral hygiene is key to prevent new stains on teeth) can help you prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Who Is a Candidate for a Smile Makeover?
You might be a perfect candidate for a smile makeover if:
- You have serious aesthetic flaws in your teeth, such as severe discoloration, chipped teeth, or small gaps between the teeth.
- You are in fair oral and overall health.
- You understand that since most of the treatments involved in a smile makeover are elective, dental insurance does not cover them. You may have to pay for your entire makeover out of pocket. However, affordable financing is available through CareCredit.
Dr. Dan Rairigh is proud to provide smile makeovers to residents of Pittsburgh, Bridgeville, and Upper St. Clair. He wants to help you look and feel your best! Contact our office today to schedule your cosmetic consultation.
Smile Makeover FAQs
How Many Treatments Can You Include in a Smile Makeover?
Your smile makeover can include as many treatments as are necessary to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. If need be, you can even have multiple procedures performed to address the same issue. For example, if you’re bothered by discolored teeth, veneers and teeth whitening can both be used to brighten the appearance of your smile.
During your cosmetic consultation, our team will work closely with you to determine how many services should be included in your smile makeover plan. We’ll carefully consider the current state of your smile as well as your budget before we make any recommendations.
How Long is a Smile Makeover?
The timeline for a smile makeover in Pittsburgh can vary significantly from patient to patient. Some procedures, such as direct bonding and teeth whitening, can be completed in just one visit. Other services, such as veneers, may require at least two separate appointments.
The type and number of treatments involved will help determine how long the smile makeover process may take. Rest assured that our team will give you a reliable estimate of the timeline and will put together your treatment plan with your schedule in mind.
Does a Smile Makeover Hurt?
Noninvasive cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening tend to cause little discomfort. For more invasive treatments (such as reshaping the teeth to make room for veneers), a local anesthetic may be administered to ensure that you don’t feel pain during the process. If you’re feeling particularly nervous, we also offer different forms of sedation dentistry that can help you stay calm and comfortable while you’re in the dental chair.
After certain procedures, your mouth may be somewhat sore or sensitive for a while. Fortunately, the discomfort is usually mild, and it will eventually go away on its own.
Is a Smile Makeover Covered by Insurance?
Dental insurance usually does not provide coverage for purely elective procedures, which is what most cosmetic dental treatments are classified as. Consequently, you typically shouldn’t expect your insurance company to help pay for the services that make up your smile makeover plan. That being said, treatments that also provide oral health benefits may be eligible for coverage; a common example would be a metal-free restoration for a damaged tooth.
Before you begin your smile makeover, you should review your insurance plan and make sure that you understand your benefits. Our team will be more than happy to answer any insurance-related questions you might have, and we’ll file the necessary claims for you.
How Do You Maintain Smile Makeover Results?
In order to keep your teeth looking their best for as long as possible after your smile makeover, you should make a point of taking good care of them by:
- Maintaining good oral hygiene habits like brushing at least two times a day, flossing daily, and regularly rinsing with mouthwash.
- Visiting your dentist every six months for a checkup and cleaning.
- Breaking bad habits that can damage dental restorations, such as biting your fingernails.
- Staying away from coffee and other dark-colored beverages that can stain teeth.