Sometimes, the path to improving your smile through cosmetic dentistry is straightforward. If you’re concerned about discoloration, you’ll likely look into teeth whitening. If you have a mild chip or crack, dental bonding may be the answer.
However, if you want to improve several aspects of your smile, you might not know where to begin or how to accomplish all of your goals.
That’s where a smile makeover comes in. A smile makeover is more than a single cosmetic treatment. It’s a completely customized combination of procedures tailored to address all your needs. When planning your treatment, Dr. Michael Chung’s goal is to create a stunning smile that will help you look and feel your best.
Call 703-319-6990 to discuss cosmetic dentistry in Oakton, VA, at Softouch Dental Care. As an experienced, LVI-trained dentist, Dr. Chung happily welcomes patients from Oakton, Vienna, McLean, and the surrounding areas of Northern Virginia.
What is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a combination of treatments to enhance the health and appearance of your smile. During this process, Dr. Chung works to ensure that your smile compliments your facial structure and looks aesthetically pleasing to you.
The nature of your smile makeover depends on your unique situation. It may involve several simple cosmetic services, or it may be more extensive.
People pursue smile makeovers to address concerns such as:
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Worn teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Missing teeth
- Gummy smiles
- Unsightly metal fillings
Smile makeovers have numerous benefits. Patients often report boosted self-confidence, enhanced comfort in social situations, and even career success.
How To Plan Your Customized Smile Makeover in Oakton With Dr. Michael Chung
A smile makeover is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Everything about you is unique, from your smile to your aesthetic goals. For that reason, your smile makeover is entirely customized.
Creating your dream smile is a collaborative process between you and Dr. Chung. If you are interested, you can look at before and after smile makeover photos while Dr. Chung explains how each one was done.
At your initial visit, Dr. Chung will perform a thorough examination of your teeth, gums, and bite. He will spend time listening to your concerns and goals and answering all of your questions. During this time, you will also discuss the timeframe for your smile makeover and the order of your procedures.
Your individualized smile makeover may include:
- Porcelain veneers to give new shape, color, and front surface to front teeth.
- Tooth whitening to brighten the entire smile.
- Dental bonding to make any small repairs like gaps, chips, or stains.
- Tooth-colored fillings to replace old gray metal fillings.
- Gum recontouring to reveal more of your pearly-white smile and even out your gum line.
- Dental implants to support a crown or bridge and replace missing teeth.
- Porcelain crowns to protect damaged or decayed teeth and improve their appearance.
- Teeth in one day to support a full mouth of teeth with just four implants.
How Much Does a Smile Makeover in Oakton, VA, Cost?
Since a smile makeover is a unique combination of procedures, the cost varies by patient. You can receive an estimated cost during your consultation.
Your smile makeover can include many procedures, so we will work with you to fit it all into your budget. We offer financing options because cost should never interfere with the beauty of your smile. For those who qualify, there are no-interest or low-interest loans, no down payment, and long loan periods.
Questions to Ask Your Dentist About a Smile Makeover
When planning your smile transformation in Oakton, VA, it is important to work with a skilled expert who has a proven track record of successful procedures. This could be dental implants and full mouth reconstruction, Invisalign treatment, veneers, or dental bonding. Try to find a professional who clearly states they offer the services you are looking for, or someone who has trained extensively in dentistry and understands the nuances of cosmetic treatments.
When you meet with Dr. Chung — or any other cosmetic dentist — it is important to ask questions that will help guide you toward the right decision for your smile. These questions can include:
- What procedures would you recommend for my smile goals?
- What are the drawbacks of [treatment]?
- How do I prepare for [treatment]?
- What is the process like from start to finish?
- How many cases of this treatment have you performed?
- What should I expect from recovery?
- Will I need to maintain my new smile with follow-up treatments?
- Is [treatment] better for my smile goals than [treatment]? Why or why not?
Please do not hesitate to ask “hard” questions. Your dentist should be your ally and advocate for oral health and self-confidence. They will welcome your curiosity and appreciate the consideration you are investing in making the best choice for your smile transformation.
Dr. Chung has performed thousands of procedures over the course of his career. Trained at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, he has the expertise to bring a deeper level of care and a refined perspective to every patient’s case.
When you meet with him for a consultation, he will gladly answer any of your questions and delight in collaborating with you to achieve truly magnificent results.
Do You Offer Dental Implants?
Yes, our office is happy to help patients with missing teeth restore their smiles with dental implants. Dr. Chung studied Comprehensive Aesthetic Reconstruction at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies, meaning he is among the most qualified dentists in the country to provide comprehensive dental implant support.
Whether you are missing one tooth, several, or an entire arch, our team is happy to help you explore your options. Dr. Chung personally places your implants, so you will not have to be referred to another dentist or oral surgeon. During the recovery period, you will periodically meet with Dr. Chung to assess your progress and prepare for the final stage of implants: placing the artificial crown.
Dental implants are often included in full mouth reconstruction for several reasons:
- They are more functional than dentures.
- They are permanent.
- Dental implants can be customized for a wide range of cases.
- They offer protection against jawbone deterioration and future tooth loss.
Click here to learn more about dental implants in Oakton, VA.
Frequently Asked Questions About Smile Makeovers
Yes. Dr. Chung offers Invisalign® as a convenient way for adults to straighten their teeth. With this innovative treatment, you do not need to wear metal or wire in your mouth.
Invisalign uses clear plastic trays called aligners. These apply the gentle, selective pressure needed to gradually move your teeth into better alignment. Best of all, they can be removed as needed to eat or attend social events.
It is less extensive and focuses more on cosmetic enhancement. A full mouth rejuvenation could include many of the same procedures, such as porcelain crowns or inlays and onlays. But the rejuvenation procedure could also include treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which is a disorder of the bite.
At Softouch Dental Care, Dr. Chung provides transformative care thanks to his extensive experience and expertise. Dr. Chung is a graduate of the Las Vegas Institute of Advanced Dental Studies (LVI), where he received intensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of TMD. When the jaw joint is out of alignment, the teeth are often out of alignment, too. Aligning your bite and prioritizing healthy oral function is a fundamental element of any successful smile makeover. We want you to not only feel your best but have a bite that prevents pain and reduces wear on your teeth.
Dental crowns can be a more suitable option for smile restoration depending on the location of the teeth and the extent of damage. Veneers are applied to the surface of the front-facing teeth. They are a straightforward way to improve your smile’s appearance and symmetry.
Dental crowns are more suited for teeth with failed fillings, extensive decay, or moderate to severe chips or cracks. They are also used to restore back teeth, such as molars, since they can withstand the force of chewing.
Rather than seeing dental crowns or veneers as better or worse than one another, a skilled cosmetic dentist recognizes that each has its own benefit and unique purpose. You should work with a professional who clearly understands this and explains their recommendations for your smile makeover.
Yes, Dr. Chung can customize veneers to match the color, shape, and general appearance of your existing teeth. He will work with you to choose the right shade and design veneers that complement your smile.
Advanced materials like porcelain or composite resin mimic the translucency and texture of real teeth. This makes them essentially indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Yes, professional teeth whitening is generally more effective and safer than over-the-counter (OTC) products. Here's why:
- Stronger Whitening Agents: Professional treatments use higher concentrations of bleaching agents. Compared to OTC options, they provide faster and more noticeable results.
- Customization: Dr. Chung tailors the treatment to your specific needs. He ensures even whitening and addresses any concerns about sensitivity.
- Supervised Process: Dr. Chung supervises the professional whitening process. This reduces your chances of gum irritation or uneven outcomes.
- Long-Lasting Results: Professional procedures often include follow-up care or maintenance kits to help extend the effects.
- Targeted Solutions: Dr. Chung knows how to treat stubborn stains that OTC products may not address.
OTC products can be convenient and affordable. However, they usually work more slowly and may not achieve the same brightness level as professional whitening.
Dental bonding can fix gaps, chips, and discoloration in your teeth. Here's how it works:
- Gaps: Dental bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to close small gaps between the teeth. This creates a seamless, natural look.
- Chips: If you have minor chips in your teeth, bonding can restore their shape by sculpting the resin to match the rest of your tooth.
- Discoloration: Bonding can cover discoloration or stains that don't respond to teeth whitening.
The procedure is quick, painless, and minimally invasive, often completed in a single visit. It's also an affordable alternative to more extensive treatments like veneers or crowns.
Gum recontouring can transform a "gummy" smile by reshaping the gum line for a more balanced and proportionate appearance. Here's how it helps:
- Exposes More Tooth Structure: By removing excess gum tissue, gum recontouring reveals more of your teeth. This makes them seem longer and more aligned with your facial proportions.
- Creates Symmetry: The procedure ensures the gum line is even and symmetrical. It enhances the general aesthetics of your smile.
- Improves Tooth-to-Gum Ratio: A more balanced ratio between teeth and gums can make your smile look more natural and appealing.
- Corrects Irregular Gum Lines: It smooths out uneven or jagged gum lines that can distract from the beauty of your teeth.
Why Choose Softouch Dental Care?
Choose Softouch Dental Care for your smile makeover and experience the expertise of Dr. Michael Chung, who brings over 20 years of experience to every procedure.
Dr. Chung takes a holistic approach to dental health, ensuring your smile is beautiful and healthy. He combines state-of-the-art cosmetic techniques with careful attention to your overall dental well-being.
Relax in a spa-like environment featuring Plasma TVs, BOSE Noise-Canceling™ headphones, and more, designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible. At Softouch Dental Care, you'll enjoy unparalleled support every step of the way.
Top Cosmetic Dentist in Oakton, VA
Schedule an appointment with LVI-trained Dr. Michael Chung at Softouch Dental Care. You can also reach out to our office anytime by phone at 703-319-6990
