Recontour, restore, and replace: Comprehensive services support one-of-a-kind smile makeovers in Maryville, TN

Just as an impossibly gorgeous sunset is a thing of beauty, so is a smile that features a complete set of white, evenly spaced, and regularly shaped teeth. The gums that “frame” the teeth are also in proportion; they’re not pulled back to reveal too much tooth structure. Likewise, they don’t overwhelm the teeth. Overall, an attractive smile is balanced. Proffitt Dentistry in Maryville, TN, can help you to restore or achieve that pleasing balance and harmony. 

Smile makeovers, basics

The term “smile makeover” indicates extensive dental work; however, these makeovers are very specific to you and your needs and goals. All makeovers do include a consultation with Dr. Proffitt. During that consultation, he will examine your mouth. You will talk about what you don’t like about your smile. It is also helpful to have some photos to demonstrate what you like about others’ smiles. Be informed that our dentist has considerable expertise in smile aesthetics. He will match your new teeth’ color to account for facial features, such as your skin tone and even the whites of your eyes. No two makeovers are the same. There are many nuances. We’ve outlined just a few of the conditions that can be “made over” with our tailored services. 

Wear and tear 

Teeth that are chipped or otherwise worn down can be recontoured, resized, and otherwise disguised with dental bonding and porcelain veneers. These dental materials are placed on the front surfaces of the teeth to cover up gaps and chips. The material can also be used to add length to an overly short tooth or reshape a tooth that looks out of place. Excessive wear due to teeth-grinding and jaw-clenching should be addressed with oral appliances such as nightguards to protect dental work from further costly and traumatic damage. 

Damaged teeth 

If the structural integrity is threatened by gum disease or tooth decay, we may recommend restorations such as tooth-colored composite fillings, inlays, onlays (partial crowns), or full-coverage crowns. The type of restoration suited to you depends on the extent of the damage to your tooth. These restorations replace the damaged tooth structure and are designed to mimic a healthy, natural structure perfectly.

Missing teeth 

We make every attempt to preserve natural teeth. And, if a tooth must be extracted, we discuss options to replace it from the get-go. It is essential to restore a missing tooth promptly. Bone loss causes existing problems with chewing and speech to become worse. This process can also prematurely age you. We can discuss bridges, partials, or dentures supported by dental implants placed in the jaw. 

Crooked teeth 

If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or otherwise misaligned, we may suggest clear aligner therapy. These clear aligners gradually straighten teeth by placing consistent gentle force on the teeth. Each set of aligners corresponds with a different stage of treatment. So, when worn correctly, they comfortably and discreetly reposition the teeth – without unsightly fixed metal “hardware.”

Gum correction

We recontour more than teeth. We can minimize the appearance of a “gummy” smile, or we can restore gum tissue for those patients who have gum recession and appear “long in the tooth.”