Full Mouth Reconstruction
Full mouth reconstruction, rehabilitation and restoration are terms often used interchangeably to describe the process of rebuilding or simultaneously restoring all of the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws.
Full mouth reconstruction typically involves general or restorative dentists (performing procedures like crowns, bridges and veneers), and can incorporate dental specialists like periodontists (specializing in the gums), oral surgeons, orthodontists (specializing in tooth movements and positions) and endodontists (specializing in the tooth pulp).
Full Mouth Reconstruction vs. Smile Makeover
Is full mouth reconstruction the same thing as a cosmetic smile makeover? It can be. But for a lot of people, a smile makeover is something used to address specific problems in certain teeth, whereas full mouth reconstruction is something you need for functional and dietary purposes. That being said, newly reconstructed teeth also provide a cosmetic enhancement at the same time. For example, full-arch dental implants repair your entire oral function but also improve how your smile looks.
Modern dentistry offers a wide choice of treatments to meet the diverse range of needs for all individuals – whether adults, children, or teenagers. Whether we’re replacing missing teeth because of an injury or to improve the appearance of your full mouth, your cosmetic dentist and oral surgeons tailor your care plan to meet the specific circumstances of your smile.
Fortunately, today it’s possible to treat issues like tooth decay with a tooth-colored filling material. The results are both functional as well as attractive. White fillings and ceramic dental crowns are often combined with other treatments to ensure optimal oral health. But if you like, you can also combine elective services such as teeth whitening, aligners, or veneers for an added aesthetic “twist” on things.
Many of the same techniques and treatments used for full mouth restoration are also used for smile makeovers. However, many of the clinically necessary procedures, such as the need to treat periodontal disease or bite reprogramming (orthotic adjustment) also rehabilitate your dental function and jaw muscles. It’s just that the dental materials used for restorative treatments are more likely to be applied to dental insurance coverage because they’re medically necessary for your full mouth reconstruction.
Who Requires a Full Mouth Reconstruction?
There are a number of people who have dental problems throughout their mouths that must be treated comprehensively with a vision of a final result that improves both function and esthetics. These patients may exhibit multiple missing teeth, numerous teeth with large fillings that are failing or exhibiting decay, cracked or broken teeth, or badly worn teeth due to bruxism (teeth grinding) or other habits.
There is also a group of patients who were born with conditions such as Ectodermal Dysplasia, Ameleogenesis, or Dentinogenesis Imperfecta that will need extensive restoration of their teeth. These patients may be candidates for a full mouth reconstruction.
Treatment Options for a Full Reconstruction
In general, any dental treatment that affects all teeth in the mouth is called full mouth reconstruction or full mouth rehabilitation. Some treatment options for oral cancer may require the patient to undergo a unique type of full mouth reconstruction that not only involves the replacement of missing teeth, but potentially restoration of missing structures of the oral cavity.
The treatments can include inlays, crowns, bridges, veneers, dental implants, and/or dentures that will essentially provide not only a “smile makeover”, but improved chewing efficiency for the patient. In some patients, other specialties will orthodontics may also be employed to facilitate the best possible outcome.
How long does full mouth reconstruction take?
Full mouth reconstruction uses a combination of reconstructive and cosmetic dental techniques to completely overhaul your smile.
This may include:
- Dental implants
- Non-surgical periodontal treatments
- LANAP laser treatment
- Periodontal surgery
- Extractions
- Cosmetic dentistry
Each person’s smile correction needs are unique. Therefore, your full mouth reconstruction treatment plan is custom-tailored for your smile goals.
Sometimes, the fix is relatively simple and can be completed in just a few visits. In other cases, an artistic combination of periodontal services is needed over the course of several months.
What does each of these techniques entail? We’ll cover each in more detail.
