For Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist Victoria Veytsman, DDS there is never a wrong time for a smile makeover. The well-known smile expert is busy seeing patients from coast to coast, but notes that sometimes it takes a personal milestone to prompt them to pay closer attention to their greatest asset—their smile. “A smile makeover drastically improves confidence and self-esteem,” she explains. “I’ve really seen people who’ve had insecurities their whole life and just come out of their shell.”
While routine cleanings take care of the oral health component of a smile, many times aesthetic and cosmetic concerns take a back seat until key moments under the spotlight. “It is sometimes a way for people to move on to another phase of their lives—marriage, divorce, a new job, turning 50! We see women from ages of 17 to 70 and see how these transformations affect more than just their smiles but are often the impetus to give confidence for further change in their lives.”
Here, she takes a moment to share how she encourages her clients to pay as much attention to their smiles to get ready for a big day as their other anti-aging treatments. “As women, my team and I understand how important it is to look and feel your best.”
How can a smile makeover affect your entire look?
“People don’t realize how big of an impact your smile can have on your entire appearance. The smile makes up a good percentage of your face real estate and really provides support for the lower third of the face. As we age, our teeth can lose volume and make this lower third of your face look shorter and make the face look older. Chipped, worn and stained teeth can age the smile as well. A smile makeover can correct all these issues and take 10-15 years off a face.”
What’s the best way to start if considering a smile makeover?
“Research cosmetic dentists, read reviews, look at photos and go for several consultations. This is a big decision and an intimate process of transformation for patients. Trust is big—find a provider and team you are most comfortable with.”
Who is a good candidate and what does the treatment entail?
“Smile makeovers fall under the umbrella term of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentistry can be anything from full-mouth reconstructions with crowns, veneers, implants, and bridgework to a very conservative smile makeover with minimal preparation veneers. Everyone’s needs are different and there will be no two alike, but it’s always about improving health, function and beauty.”
Are there good alternatives for veneers?
“Whitening or Invisalign, but these options solve different issues. Whitening is best for people who are overall happy with their tooth color but have some staining. The whitening effect won’t be dramatic, but more natural. Invisalign is for people who generally like their teeth, but they are just out of position and need to be moved into their proper position.”
What are the most common smile makeover treatment combinations?
“Smile makeovers involving a full smile design can be a combination of anything from veneers, implants, crowns, and bridgework. The key is they all look natural and seamless next to each other.”
Why do you recommend a smile makeover to help celebrate a milestone?
“It’s always a good time to improve your smile, no matter what is happening in your life. However, if you can treat a concern that has been bothering you,you should take the time to do something for yourself. There is a huge emotional and mental component to what I do. When patients embark on these transformational journeys, there is always a story and deeper reason why they are doing it.”
