WANT TO LOOK YEARS YOUNGER? REJUVENATE YOUR SMILE!

Research by the AACD (American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry) has shown that a new smile can make you appear more interesting, intelligent, successful and wealthy to others. Now add the fact that cosmetic dentistry enhances personal self-esteem by making people look better and feel better about themselves and it is no wonder so many people are opting for this option!

Selecting the Right Cosmetic Dentist is the Key to Your Smile Makeover

Asking about the advanced training in cosmetic dental procedures that the dentist has undergone While all dentists in the UK have undergone extensive training, very few have trained specifically in cosmetic dentistry. To become a true specialist requires constant training to remain up-to-date in the latest techniques and research, and at present the best training comes from the States. Organisations such as AACD have an accreditation programme of training.

Sustaining members of AACD have passed the first step of the process and at present there are 28 such dentists in the UK

Communication

How does the dentist make you feel? Are you being listened to or being told what to do? A subtle difference but the former is a sign of excellence. A good cosmetic dentist knows that time invested in listening to you even before providing a clinical exam is time well spent. A comprehensive exam should follow assessing all aspects of your dental health and moulds of your teeth as well as pictures taken to plan your treatment.

Before and After Photos

References

Meet the Team

How do you feel when you meet the team? Are they friendly, do they anticipate your needs? You should feel comfortable and welcome as you may be spending quite some time in their company

How much to expect to pay for the transformed smile

The cost obviously depends on what treatment is carried out. It can vary starting from £500 for teeth whitening to £40,000 for a full mouth reconstruction. The average fee for a straight forward smile makeover is in the region of £5000+

So what do you get for your money?

The expertise and artistry to see the end result even before it's begun and that takes experience and lots of continuing education as I mentioned earlier.

There should be a lengthy consultation discussing your expectations concerns and often I suggest bringing in pictures from magazines etc of attractive smiles This helps in co-discovering the type of shape and look you are after.

A full series of pictures should then be taken and moulds of the teeth with which the cosmetic dentist plans and designs the new smile.

Once agreed, the teeth are prepared to received new veneers ie excess tooth is trimmed away, teeth are polished. .

A prototype set of veneers are bonded onto the teeth to allow you to get used to the shape and colour of your new smile

Meanwhile the technician has models of your teeth and this is used to actually manufacture the veneers. The veneers are custom made, using porcelain powder and liquid that is built up in layers until a unique perfect covering is made for each tooth

My views on the psychological effects of Smilemakeover Patients

“Everytime I look in the mirror I think WOW! I now take care of not just my teeth but my whole body” I've cut back on smoking, I have started going to the gym and I have so much more confidence..just because of my new smile”.

An improved smile can boost a person's self image, making them more confident in their daily lives. In a survey conducted by the AACD, 74% of adults who responded believed an unattractive smile could hurt a person's chances for career success. This is also reflected in the UK where only one out of two people is satisfied with their smile.

Because cosmetic dentistry is more affordable than it was a decade ago, more and more people are able to have cosmetic dental work performed.

And this is great because the lower third of your face is the most ageing and whether a simple procedure such as teeth whitening to a full smilemakeover, this process restores youthfulness, increases confidence and is a win-win all round!

Below is a description in her own words from another patient about the difference a new smile to her life:

“A Smile Make-Over Changed My Life”, by Isabel Field (Manager, London);

So many people have been complimenting me on how I look recently.

“You look wonderful!, You look younger!, Have you lost weight?, You look so happy! What have you done?, You look amazing!”.

My secret? No, I have not lost weight or had plastic surgery. I had a Smile makeover. Since Childhood, I have been unhappy with the colour and shape of my teeth. Every time I smiled my chin protruded, my lips disappeared into my mouth and my teeth looked even darker than they were. I started practicing in front of a mirror to smile so that I did not look like Jimmy Hill, and made sure that I NEVER smiled in pictures. I tried everything from very abrasive toothpaste to brushing my teeth 4 – 5 times a day with no joy. Then, I whitened my teeth and that was a lovely transformation- they were whiter and brighter. But, there’s always a but! Whitening did not correct my jutting chin or my lips.

Dr Okoye has changed my life and appearance with a Smile makeover. It was so easy; 2 appointments totalling 5 hours and I now have teeth that look perfectly natural and beautiful. My lips look like I have had collagen injections and my chin looks normal. I no longer have reservations about my smile. I was a habitual smiler who couldn’t smile, now I smile all the time. I feel younger, more confident, prettier, and the response I get from strangers and friends is warmer and more responsive. I feel I can tackle anything that life throws at me with a SMILE.

Dr Uchenna Okoye
Clinical Director

London Smiling Dental Group