Do you have a bunch of teeth that are missing, broken, or just not looking great? Well, full mouth reconstruction is like a super makeover for your not-so-happy smile. It doesn’t just make your teeth look better; it also helps your mouth be healthier overall.
When deciding to go to the dentist for full mouth reconstruction, you might think, “What does a full mouth reconstruction involve?” When you visit a cosmetic or restorative dentist, they look at your whole smile and fix everything that needs fixing, from your real teeth to your gums. It’s like giving your entire mouth a makeover!
And the best part is, when you work with a dentist who’s good at making teeth look awesome, you can feel like a brand-new person. It means you can eat better, smile more confidently, and feel better about yourself.
So, if you’re tired of hiding your smile, full mouth reconstruction is just the thing to help you shine!
So What is a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Okay, let’s break it down.
Full mouth reconstruction is when dentists do a big makeover on your smile to ensure your mouth is healthy. They might fix damaged or decaying teeth or replace missing ones to make sure your bite works well.
This makeover isn’t just about looks; it’s also about keeping you healthy. The dental experts use a mix of cosmetic techniques to make your smile look great and restorative treatments to solve oral health problems that can affect your overall well-being.
Usually, the whole process involves a combination of different dental procedures. The dentist might use porcelain veneers, oral surgery, dental implants, ceramic crowns, or soft tissue grafting to get your smile in tip-top shape.
Do You Need a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Some people have a lot of dental problems all over their mouths, which might require a comprehensive treatment plan. The goal is to make their teeth work better and look nicer. These folks might have issues like missing teeth, big fillings that are falling apart, teeth that are cracked or broken or are worn down because of constant grinding or chewing on hard objects.
Other groups of people born with conditions that affect their teeth, like Ectodermal Dysplasia, Amelogenesis, or Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, might also need a lot of work on their teeth and could be candidates for full mouth reconstruction.
What’s the Difference Between a Full Mouth Restoration and a Smile Makeover?
Aspect |
Full Mouth Reconstruction |
Smile Makeover |
Definition | Focuses on oral health and function | Primarily addresses cosmetic issues with specific teeth |
Goal | Improve mouth function and aesthetics | Enhance the appearance of teeth and smile |
Scope | Comprehensive, involving the entire mouth | Targeted, addressing specific dental concerns |
Procedures | Includes restorative and functional treatments | Mainly cosmetic procedures |
Resulting Aesthetics | Aesthetic improvement is a byproduct | The main focus is on enhancing aesthetics |
Dentist Involvement | It may require various dental specialists | Typically handled by cosmetic dentists |
Treatments Offered | Addresses both functional and cosmetic issues | Primarily offers cosmetic enhancements |
Materials Used | Focus on medically necessary materials often covered by insurance | Cosmetic materials used for aesthetics |
Patient Needs | Suitable for those with oral health issues and aesthetic concerns | Appropriate for individuals seeking cosmetic changes |
Examples of Procedures | Dental implants, gum disease treatment, bite adjustment | Veneers, teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding |
Procedures Used in a Full Mouth Reconstruction
A full mouth reconstruction can involve any (or a combination) of the following:
- Dental Implants are like artificial teeth replacing missing or badly damaged ones. The dentist puts a metal root in your jawbone and a toothcap on top. It looks and works just like a natural tooth and keeps your jawbone healthy.
- Crowns: A crown is like a tiny cap for your damaged tooth. They keep the tooth root but make the tooth smaller. The crown fits over it and stays put. It makes the tooth look and work better.
- Bridges are like artificial teeth that hold onto your existing teeth or implants. They fill gaps and help you smile.
- Composite Fillings: If you have a small hole or a cracked tooth, dentists use a special material to fill it in, matching your tooth color. It fixes the problem and allows your smile to look natural.
- Veneers: These are like covers for teeth that are discolored or don’t look right. Dentists shave off a bit of the front of your tooth and stick on the veneer, making your teeth look great.
- Dentures: When lots of teeth are damaged, they can make a complete set of removable teeth. They’re cheaper than implants and can replace many teeth at once.
- Root Canal: If a tooth has bad decay, they remove the inside part and fill it to stop infection. It saves the tooth.
- Orthodontics: Braces and Invisalign are ways to straighten teeth and fix how your bite fits together.
- Corrective Jaw Surgery: If your jaw doesn’t line up right, it can mess up your teeth and appearance. Surgery can fix that as part of your mouth makeover.
- Dental Extractions: Sometimes, if a tooth is too damaged, dentists might need to extract and replace it with an implant, denture, bridge, etc.
- Bone and Soft Tissue Grafting: If your jawbone isn’t strong enough for an implant, they can strengthen it with a graft. They can also fix your gums to support your teeth and make them look better.
Conclusion
Full mouth reconstruction includes a variety of procedures to improve how your teeth work, their health, and how they look. After these treatments, you can smile with confidence!
Ready to get started? Schedule an appointment with Periodontal Specialists today!
FAQs
How Much Time Will a Full Mouth Reconstruction Take?
The time it takes for a full reconstruction varies from person to person because everyone’s dental issues are unique. It could take several months to even a year or longer to complete. Check with your dentist for a more exact timeframe when you first meet them.
How Much Does a Full Mouth Reconstruction Cost?
The American Academy of Implant Dentistry says that fixing your whole mouth can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 or even more. But the final cost will depend on the plan that the dental team will finalize for you.
Can Full Mouth Reconstruction help me with TMJ disorder?
Believe it or not, full mouth restoration can sometimes help with TMJ. When your bite is not aligned properly, it can put uneven pressure on your mouth, leading to strain and even TMJ problems. Full mouth restoration can fix your bite, distributing pressure evenly and easing TMJ symptoms.