Cosmetic Dentistry | Lake Forest
Smile Makeovers in Lake Forest, IL
Your smile makeover should fit your goals, your oral health, and the features you want to keep natural. At Ross & Durrett Family Dental, our doctors take time to understand what you would like to change, then help you compare focused improvements with a broader plan. Since 1968, our Lake Forest practice has helped patients make informed decisions about their dental care.
Lake Forest, Illinois Welcoming patients from across the North Shore
01 / Smile Makeovers
Begin with your goals and a health-first consultation
People consider smile makeovers for many reasons, including discoloration, chips, uneven edges, worn teeth, gaps, or a smile that feels out of balance. Your consultation starts with a conversation and examination rather than a commitment to veneers. Our doctors review tooth and gum health, your bite, existing fillings or crowns, tooth wear, clenching or grinding, and what you want to change versus preserve.
Your findings and priorities guide the discussion. If decay, gum disease, infection, significant wear, or another concern needs attention, our doctors will explain the next step before elective cosmetic care. A smile makeover may involve one service, several services, or no treatment.
- Share the features you would like to improve and the features you want to keep natural.
- Review examination findings, photographs, bite considerations, and the limits of each option.
- Ask about maintenance, timing, fees, and alternatives before deciding.
02 / Smile Makeovers
Choose the building blocks that fit your smile
Based on your examination, our doctors will recommend options such as whitening for suitable natural teeth, cosmetic bonding for selected chips or shape changes, or veneers for certain visible-surface concerns. Fillings, crowns, or bridges can be more suitable when a tooth also needs structural support. When alignment or function is the priority, our doctors will recommend restorative care or an orthodontic consultation as part of the conversation.
The order of treatment matters. Whitening does not change the color of veneers, crowns, fillings, or other restorations, so shade planning should happen before you begin. Composite bonding can be conservative and repairable, while porcelain veneers can address the appearance of appropriate front teeth; our doctors will explain the differences and whether a more limited approach could meet your goals.
- Whitening: for certain types of discoloration in natural teeth, with possible temporary sensitivity.
- Bonding: tooth-colored composite shaped and bonded for selected cosmetic changes.
- Veneers: custom coverings for the front of appropriate teeth; placement is not reversible.
- Restorative care or orthodontic consultation: alternatives when health, function, alignment, or tooth structure is the priority.
03 / Smile Makeovers
Know what to expect before treatment
At your consultation, our doctors will outline the recommended sequence, expected visits, maintenance, alternatives, and what happens if you decide to wait.
Cosmetic treatment can require follow-up and ongoing care. Our doctors will review possible sensitivity, gum irritation, bite changes, staining or wear, chips or cracks, and repair or replacement needs; veneer treatment generally involves enamel removal and is not reversible. Keep brushing with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth daily, and follow the maintenance guidance you receive.
Ready to explore what may suit your smile? Call Ross & Durrett Family Dental at (847) 234-8608 or visit 1400 N Western Avenue in Lake Forest, IL.
- Compare a focused improvement with a combination of services.
- Discuss the expected timeline, future maintenance, and alternatives.
- Ask how the plan will address your goals while preserving healthy tooth structure where possible.
Questions, answered clearly
Good questions are welcome.
Does everyone who wants a smile makeover need veneers?
No. A smile makeover may involve whitening, bonding, restorative care, an orthodontic evaluation, a combination of services, or no elective treatment. Our doctors recommend options based on your goals, examination findings, and the teeth involved.
Can whitening be part of a smile makeover?
Whitening may be appropriate for certain types of discoloration in natural teeth. It does not lighten veneers, crowns, fillings, or other restorations, so our doctors can help you plan the sequence and shade of treatment. Temporary sensitivity is possible.
What happens at a smile makeover consultation?
You will discuss what you would like to change, what you want to preserve, and your comfort with treatment. Our doctors evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, existing restorations, and overall oral health, then review suitable options, alternatives, timing, maintenance, and fees.
Keep exploring
Care, connected.
Here when you need us
A conversation is a good place to begin.
We’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you decide what comes next. Care should feel personal from the first call.
Ask about treatment-specific estimates and payment options after your individual evaluation.
Call (847) 234-8608