A full mouth rehabilitation is a series of procedures to restore health, function, and beauty to your smile. If you have complex dental problems such as missing teeth, crooked teeth, extensive wear, and/or TMJ disorders, Dr. Alexander may recommend a full mouth rehabilitation.
Combining the artistry of cosmetic dentistry with the science of restorative dentistry, Dr. Alexander can create a beautiful, functional, and comfortable smile. With cutting-edge technology, we can capture images of the mouth, jaw, and muscles in both relaxed and active positions so we can determine the best course of treatment for you.
Dr. Alexander will listen carefully to your goals and concerns to create a customized treatment plan that will deliver you optimal results. Since multiple procedures are usually needed in a full mouth rehabilitation, we will spread out your treatment to fit in your schedule and budget.
Some of the procedures may be covered by dental insurance, we can check with your insurance carrier to check your benefits and submit claims on your behalf.
Considerations for Full Mouth Rehabilitation
Teeth – We inspect all of your teeth to look for signs of decay, wear, and damage. We will also consider the aesthetics of your teeth. Are they too long/short? Discolored? There are many procedures we can perform to improve the health and beauty of teeth including:
Gums – The health of your gums is very important to the health of teeth and of the mouth overall. We will look for signs of gum disease and perform a thorough dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar from around the gums.
TMJ and Occlusion (bite) – An unbalanced bite can cause teeth to wear, lead to headaches, and more. We will examine how the teeth come together to determine if we should make any changes. Using Invisalign, we can reposition the teeth so that they are straighter. Mouthguards or splints may also be used as TMJ therapy to prevent teeth grinding.
Am I A Full Mouth Reconstruction Candidate?
For some people, they can improve their smiles with one or two procedures. However, others may have serious concerns and multiple problems with the health and appearance of their smiles. Fortunately, if you do suffer from serious complications and disorders related to your oral health, we can often help with a full mouth reconstruction.
How Do I Start?
First, schedule a visit with your doctor. Even if you assume your smile is too far gone, remember that’s what the reconstruction is for. We will perform a thorough examination of your smile. Using digital X-rays, we will gather detailed images of your teeth and the jaws beneath the gum line. The doctor will also conduct a visual exam to look for indicators of common oral health concerns.
We will take impressions so our team can obtain further details about your smile. From there, we can decide which procedures will best address your smile issues.
What If I Have Gum Disease?
Often, before we can begin treatment we need to assess certain problems. For example, we can’t fix a tooth until we repair a cavity or a dental infection. Likewise, if you have untreated gum disease we will need to offer treatments to manage the disease and prevent periodontitis, an advanced stage often responsible for tooth loss.
How Extensive Will the Reconstruction Be?
That will depend on each case. Some reconstructions are very extensive and others are more conservative. We tailor each one specifically for the individual patient. If you have any questions about our full mouth reconstructions, then please contact our office today.
Full Mouth Rehabilitation FAQs
A full mouth reconstruction completely overhauls the look and function of your smile. Learn more.
How is full mouth rehabilitation different from a smile makeover?
A smile makeover primarily focuses on aesthetics and may include treatments like whitening, veneers, or bonding. Full mouth rehabilitation is more comprehensive and functional, addressing appearance and how the teeth, gums, and jaw work together. It may involve crowns, bridges, implants, orthodontics, and jaw surgery. Rehabilitation is often medically necessary, while a smile makeover is typically elective.
How long does full mouth rehabilitation take?
The timeline depends on the complexity of the case and the number of procedures involved. It can take several months to over a year to complete, especially if surgeries or orthodontics are part of the plan. Dr. Alexander will create a personalized schedule and keep you informed. Some phases may be done simultaneously to save time.
Will insurance cover full mouth rehabilitation?
Some aspects of full mouth rehabilitation, like crowns, extractions, or gum treatments, may be covered if they are medically necessary. Cosmetic procedures, such as veneers, are usually not covered. Every insurance plan is different, so it is important to review your benefits with the dental office. We also offer financing plans.
Can full mouth rehabilitation fix my bite?
One of the main goals is to restore proper bite alignment, especially in worn-down teeth or TMJ disorders. A balanced bite reduces strain on the jaw joints and muscles and helps prevent future dental problems. Dr. Alexander will evaluate your bite and may use digital imaging to plan changes. Bite correction can improve both comfort and function.
Will full mouth rehabilitation improve the appearance of my smile?
Even though the primary goal is functional, many patients also enjoy dramatically improving their smile. Damaged, discolored, or missing teeth are replaced or restored with natural-looking materials. Gum reshaping and orthodontics can also enhance your overall appearance. The result is often a healthier and more confident smile.
What are the long-term benefits of full mouth rehabilitation?
The benefits include improved oral function, a more attractive smile, reduced pain, and better overall health. You’ll also lower your risk of future dental problems and may even experience better digestion from improved chewing. For many, the emotional and psychological impact is just as significant as the physical changes. A healthier mouth leads to a better quality of life.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have complex dental problems, contact our dentists in Jacksonville FL to schedule a consultation. After an initial exam, Dr. Alexander can determine if you are a good candidate for full-mouth rehabilitation.