A great smile can light up a room, and in a sunny place like St. Petersburg, it’s no surprise that most of us want to put our best face forward.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the dental care they need. A 2023 report revealed that nearly 6 million Floridians live in areas with limited dental services, making it harder to maintain a confident, healthy smile.
Fortunately, modern cosmetic dentistry is becoming increasingly accessible and widespread in Florida. Providers such as Dr. Sherberg at Bayway Dental are making sure locals have the opportunity to brighten their smiles and maintain their oral health.
Whether you want to whiten your teeth, fix gaps in your smile, deal with aging challenges like broken or worn teeth, or completely transform your smile, modern cosmetic dentistry offers solutions based on your needs.
If you’re thinking about refreshing your grin in St. Petersburg, here’s what to expect from the smile makeover process — and the results that come with it.
What Is a Smile Makeover?
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), 99.7% of adults believe a smile is an important social asset. Perhaps that’s why so many of us take great measures to remake our smiles and correct visible flaws.
A smile makeover typically combines multiple cosmetic and restorative dental procedures to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. The goal is to address issues such as:
- Discoloration and staining
- Chipped, cracked, or worn teeth
- Gaps and misalignment
- Missing teeth
- Uneven or disproportionate teeth affecting your bite
Worried about keeping your smile’s character? Don’t be! Each makeover can be customized to ensure a natural-looking result. Your smile is unique to you, and a top dentist understands how to retain your character.
Common Smile Makeover Options
A smile makeover can involve various cosmetic dentistry procedures to achieve a beautiful and healthy-looking appearance. Some of the most popular smile makeover options include the following:
Teeth Whitening:
One of the most sought-after cosmetic treatments, teeth whitening can dramatically brighten and whiten discolored teeth, giving you a radiant smile.
Porcelain Veneers:
These thin layers of porcelain are bonded to the front of your teeth to improve their shape, size, and color, offering a natural and flawless appearance.
Dental Implants:
Ideal for replacing missing teeth, dental implants provide a permanent solution that looks and functions like natural teeth.
Dental Crowns and Bridges:
Caps placed over damaged or decayed teeth, dental crowns restore their shape and function, so your teeth look and feel their best.
Orthodontic Treatment:
Whether through traditional braces or Invisalign, orthodontic treatment straightens crooked teeth and improves bite alignment, contributing to a harmonious smile.
The Cosmetic Dentistry Smile Makeover Process: Step-by-Step
A smile makeover is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and execution. While the timeline varies for each patient, the process follows a structured approach.
At Bayway Dental, our smile makeover process looks a little something like this:
1. Initial Consultation
The journey begins with a consultation with Dr. Sherberg. He will assess your oral health, discuss your goals, and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Sometimes, there may be several options available. Advanced imaging and digital smile previews will help you visualize the potential results.
2. Treatment Planning
Depending on your specific needs, your smile makeover may include a combination of the following procedures:
- Teeth Whitening
- Porcelain Veneers
- Porcelain Crowns or Bridges
- Orthodontics (Braces or Invisalign)
- Dental Implants
- Oral Surgery (Tooth Extractions, Bone Grafting)
- Periodontics (Gum Disease Treatment)
- Prosthodontics (Implant-Supported Overdentures, All-on-4 Dental Implant Prosthetics, Removable Dentures)
- Endodontics (Root Canals)
- Composite Fillings
- Dental Sedation (Oral Conscious Sedation, IV Sedation)
Dr. Sherberg will also evaluate your gum health, bite alignment, and existing dental work to determine the best approach, which may include concerns such as addressing a “gummy smile”. In some cases, gum contouring or bone grafting may be recommended to create a strong foundation for dental implants or veneers.
Every treatment is customized to address both functional and aesthetic concerns for a beautiful and long-lasting result.
3. The Procedures
Each smile makeover is unique, and the timeline depends on the complexity of the treatment plan.
Some treatments, like whitening or bonding, can be completed in a single visit, while others—such as implants or orthodontics—require multiple appointments over several months. For those with missing teeth, dental implants or bridges provide a complete, functional smile.
Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment may need 9-24 months to see full results, whereas dental veneers can often be completed in just two visits.
Throughout the process, Dr. Sherberg will monitor your progress to ensure that each stage aligns with your expectations and desired results.
For those receiving a Full Smile Makeover with Crowns or Veneers, you will receive a temporary “Trial Smile”. It’s a great time to get used to your new smile’s contours and bite with a temporary version of your smile. Over the course of a few weeks, you provide feedback to Dr. Sherberg regarding the color, shape, and feel of your teeth before the final cosmetic work is completed.
4. Recovery and Maintenance
Most of our dental surgeries and procedures require little to no downtime for recovery afterward. With advanced techniques like guided surgery, most of our patients experience minimal discomfort and recover quickly.
With Dental Sedation, even our most anxious patients are able to overcome their fears and get the dental care they want.
5. We Guarantee You Will Love Your New Smile
With the Bayway Guarantee, we know you will love your new smile. We guarantee it!
Here at Bayway Dental, Dr. Sherberg is committed to your complete satisfaction and stands behind every dental service he provides. To that end, we offer the Bayway Dental 1/3 Guarantee.
Year 1: Bayway Dental will repair or replace the covered restoration due to defects in materials or workmanship free of charge.
Years 2-3: You will be responsible for any direct laboratory, implant, or material costs associated with treatment only. Should failure or breakdown occur, requiring a different treatment option, additional fees will apply.
Proper oral hygiene and regular checkups lead to long-lasting results. Regular cleanings and wearing a night guard may be required to help preserve your new smile.
What Results Can You Expect?
A smile makeover can make you feel better from the inside out. According to the U.S. Dental Tribune, people with well-aligned teeth are often perceived as happier, healthier, and more successful.
But the benefits go beyond perception. Correcting alignment issues improves bite function, reducing uneven wear on teeth and minimizing strain on the jaw. Whitening treatments restore brightness, making teeth look healthier and more youthful.
For those with missing teeth, dental implants or bridges improve not just appearance but also the ability to chew and speak comfortably. Treatments aim to restore teeth to resemble and function like natural teeth, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking smile.
Ultimately, a smile makeover is about more than aesthetics—it’s about feeling good every time you look in the mirror. When you invest in your smile, you’re investing in yourself, and that confidence carries over into every part of your life.
Is a Smile Makeover Right for You?
If you feel self-conscious, a smile makeover could be the solution. Whether you want to fix discoloration, gaps, or alignment issues, a strong treatment plan can restore both confidence and function.
Good candidates have healthy gums and teeth or treatable conditions that won’t interfere with cosmetic work. Your dentist may recommend addressing any underlying dental issues first to create a strong foundation.
Keep in mind that commitment matters. Some procedures offer instant results, while others, like orthodontics, require time and follow-up care. Maintaining good oral hygiene and attending checkups will help ensure long-lasting results.
You Might Be a Good Candidate for Dental Implants If You…
- Want to correct cosmetic concerns like missing teeth, broken teeth, or misalignment.
- Want to improve your ability to chew the foods you like.
- Want long-term, natural-looking results that enhance your overall appearance.
Not sure if a smile makeover is right for you? A consultation with Dr. Sherberg at Bayway Dental can help you explore your options.
Discover Your Smile
At Bayway Dental, we believe every smile has the potential to shine. Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a complete transformation, we are ready to bring your vision to life. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a smile you love.
