Will a Smile Makeover Require Surgery?

06/20/2025 by admin in Cosmetic Dentistry

A Smile Makeover is a comprehensive approach to transforming your smile through a personalized combination of cosmetic and restorative dental treatments. Understandably, one of the most common questions patients considering treatment have is whether undergoing a Smile Makeover will require surgery. In many cases, a Smile Makeover can be accomplished with little to no surgical intervention; however, depending on the specific procedures involved in your dental plan, oral surgery may be necessary to achieve your goals. 

Non-surgical treatments form the foundation of most Smile Makeovers. Common minimally invasive or non-invasive treatment options included in the combination treatment plan include: 

• Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are a popular option for hiding gaps, chips, cracks, and severe discoloration in the teeth. These thin, ceramic shells are bonded to the front surface of your teeth, requiring only minimal preparation before placement. 
• Dental Crowns: Crowns are used to restore damaged or weakened teeth. While they involve reshaping the tooth to fit the crown, this process is non-surgical and typically completed within a couple of office visits.
• Invisalign^®: As another non-invasive component of many Smile Makeovers, Invisalign^® uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition the teeth. It can be a comfortable and discreet alternative to traditional braces, and does not involve any surgical procedures. That said, Invisalign^® realigns and repositions the jaw to improve bite health, so treatment should be conducted under the care of a qualified and experienced orthodontist. 
• Teeth Whitening: Teeth whitening is another commonly included in-office treatment that can dramatically enhance the brightness of your smile without any surgery, discomfort, or downtime.

When Is Surgery Required During a Smile Makeover?

After a personalized evaluation of your needs and concerns, a Smile Makeover may require oral surgery if:

• You’re replacing missing teeth with dental implants: Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth by surgically placing a titanium post into the jawbone, which serves as an artificial tooth root. After healing, a crown is attached to restore the appearance and function of a natural tooth.
• Gum recontouring is needed to address a “gummy” smile (can involve minor laser surgery): Gum reshaping or gum resculpting is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to recontour excess gum tissue. This is usually performed using laser-based surgery, meaning the technique is minimally invasive and doesn’t require scalpels, incisions, or direct contact with the gums. 
• You require bone grafting or periodontal surgery before restorative treatments: Depending on the state of your oral health and whether you’re affected by certain underlying conditions, more advanced procedures like bone grafting or periodontal (gum) surgery may be necessary before starting your Smile Makeover. 

However, many patients can achieve stunning results with non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments. Fortunately, you can complete a comprehensive evaluation with our in-house specialists that can evaluate your needs and outline a plan that aligns with your comfort level and overall goals.

Do I Need Full Mouth Rehabilitation Instead?

In most cases, oral surgery is more commonly performed as part of full mouth reconstruction. While a Smile Makeover is primarily focused on enhancing the aesthetic aspects of your smile, some patients may require a more comprehensive solution that addresses significant functional or structural issues. In these cases, full mouth reconstruction — also known as full mouth rehabilitation — can be a more appropriate treatment path. Although both a Smile Makeover and full mouth reconstruction aim to improve the appearance of the smile, their underlying goals, scope, and approach differ in many ways.

Full mouth reconstruction is a restorative treatment plan designed to rebuild and rehabilitate all or most of the teeth in the upper and/or lower jaws. It is typically recommended for patients with complex dental issues, such as severe tooth wear, extensive decay, multiple missing teeth, bite misalignment, or damage from trauma or advanced periodontal disease. In turn, oral procedures such as implant surgery, bone grafting surgery, or periodontal surgery may be recommended. This approach not only enhances the appearance of the smile, but also restores oral health, chewing function, and bite stability.

At our all-encompassing dental practice in La Jolla, we offer a myriad of the latest cosmetic, restorative, and family dental treatments for patients seeking complete restoration of their smile and oral health. Contact Scripps Center for Dental Care today to learn more about how a Smile Makeover from our  multispecialty dental team can help you achieve all of your goals in-house, without the need for outside referrals. 

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