What is Smile Design?

WHAT IS SMILE DESIGN?

Smile design, also commonly known as the “Hollywood smile,” is a treatment method that restores a natural and aesthetic appearance to the patient’s needs and facial shape by correcting irregularities in teeth and gums that compromise their aesthetic appearance for various reasons. One of the goals of aesthetic smile design is to perfect a person’s facial features and smile.
Smile design is a treatment process used to address issues such as deformity, disproportion, and discoloration of the teeth and gums. Smile design is sometimes performed as a single cosmetic dental treatment procedure or as a multi-treatment plan. The most important factor here is creating a treatment plan that takes into account the patient’s expectations and characteristics. In this treatment method, the reasons why the person dislikes their smile and what they dislike become crucial.

HOW IS SMILE DESIGN DONE?

Treatment is generally carried out through a multidisciplinary approach, combining orthodontics, surgery, prosthetics, and periodontal procedures, either individually or in combination.
Numerous factors are considered, including gum health, interdental spaces, gum levels and balance, interdental contact points, tooth size, surface structure, and incisal alignment, to achieve the best possible outcome.
The anatomical structure of your face is determined, and the most appropriate dental form is selected. For example, men tend to have sharper and more defined features, while women tend to have rounder and softer features.
Before beginning smile design treatment, the patient is shown a mock-up of the final image, which is planned using a temporary material. The final image is then manipulated collaboratively by the patient and the doctor.
Laminate veneers, EMAX crowns, and zirconium veneers can be used during smile design. Depending on the type of veneer to be applied, the teeth are slightly abraded, and impressions are taken. Trials are completed within three to six sessions, and the final result is achieved. The timeframe can vary depending on the patient and the treatment process.
Smile design is a type of treatment in which we support not only the teeth but also the soft tissues. During the treatment, the smile line can be adjusted or supported by methods such as Botox, filler (hyaluronic acid), and PRP (platelet rich plasma).

HOW SHOULD ORAL CARE BE PROVIDED AFTER SMILE DESIGN?
Those who undergo smile design should be meticulous about their oral hygiene after treatment and should not neglect routine checkups. Oral care is crucial for tissue healing, the continuity and outcome of treatment, and post-treatment care. Patients should maintain oral hygiene as instructed by their dentist. In addition to routine oral care, using an interdental brush, dental floss, and mouthwash can provide more effective cleaning.

WHAT IS AN IMPLANT?

Implants are titanium screws placed within the jawbone to replace missing teeth. These screws perfectly mimic the root shape of the tooth. One of the biggest advantages of implant treatment is that no grinding is required on the adjacent teeth. With implant treatment, you can eat, speak, and smile as if you had your own teeth.

WHO CAN GET IMPLANTS?

Implants can be applied to any patient over the age of 18 who has completed their jaw and facial development. Implant treatment is a very comfortable type of treatment. For patients with heart conditions, diabetes, or high blood pressure, more meticulous planning is essential, and medications must be adjusted. Any existing systemic conditions the patient may have should be under control.

HOW IS IMPLANT TREATMENT DONE?

Implant treatment is a surgical procedure. The treatment process begins with planning. A detailed and meticulous plan is created by taking measurements and X-rays of the patient. Based on this plan, the implant surgery, the number of implants to be placed, and the upper prosthesis structure are determined. Thanks to the local anesthesia administered, the patient feels no pain or discomfort throughout the treatment. After anesthesia, the implants are placed, and a period of time is allowed for the implants to fuse with the jawbone. This period is approximately 3-6 months. The waiting period varies depending on the patient’s systemic condition, bone structure, and quality. After the healing and union process, the implant surgery phase is completed and the prosthetic (superstructure) phase begins. For this phase, impressions and records are taken from the patient’s mouth. After several fittings, the prosthetic phase is completed and the final restoration is achieved.

HOW SHOULD IMPLANTS BE CARED FOR?

Oral hygiene is crucial after implant treatment. In addition to routine oral care, the dentist’s prescribed brushes and implant care tools should be used, and implant care should never be neglected. Patients should have checkups every six months and continue with implant care as directed by their dentist.
Cleaning your tongue and palate, as well as your teeth, should also be a priority. Bacteria residing on the tongue and palate can damage your teeth and gums. Using mouthwash will also be very helpful in removing bacteria from your mouth.