Smile, Bite & Facial Harmony: A Full Mouth Restoration Story That Transformed More Than Just Teeth

When most people think of a “Full Mouth Restoration,” they imagine whiter teeth and a straighter grin. But at ArtSmiles, we see your smile as much more than just teeth. It’s a critical part of your facial structure, emotional wellbeing, and personal confidence.

This is the story of a 34-year-old woman who came to our Gold Coast clinic after over a decade of struggling with worn-down teeth, jaw tension, and a sunken lower face — all due to a collapsed bite and long-term teeth grinding. She was dealing with functional, aesthetic, and emotional challenges. And she was ready for a change.

What followed was a complete transformation — not just of her smile, but of her face, confidence, and quality of life — through a non-invasive, surgical-free approach using advanced zirconia and ceramic veneers, crowns, and bridges.

The Problem: Collapsed Bite, Worn Teeth, and a Life on Hold

For over 10 years, this patient had been living with the consequences of a collapsed bite — a condition where the teeth become so worn down that the vertical dimension of occlusion (the height between the upper and lower jaws) is significantly reduced.

This collapse not only made her teeth look short and aged, but it also:

Altered her facial proportions, making the lower third of her face appear sunken
Caused jaw tension and discomfort from her bite being out of alignment
Affected her ability to chew comfortably
Contributed to depression and social withdrawal

She had stopped smiling in photos, avoided social events, and felt like her appearance no longer reflected who she was on the inside. She wasn’t looking for a Hollywood smile — she was looking for herself again.

Our Solution: A Full Mouth Restoration Without Surgery

At ArtSmiles, we focus on facial rejuvenation through dentistry — a concept that blends function, aesthetics, and harmony. After a thorough assessment, we determined that she was an ideal candidate for a non-surgical full mouth restoration using:

Zirconia and ceramic veneers
Full coverage crowns and bridges
A bite opening of approximately 4mm to restore the proper vertical dimension
Gum surgery (esthetic crown lengthening) to achieve balanced proportions
A custom occlusal splint to protect against further grinding damage

All restorations were completed in shade BL2 — a bright yet natural tone that reflected light beautifully while complementing her skin and facial structure.

No implants. No orthodontics. No plastic surgery.

Why Open the Bite?

Opening the bite (also known as increasing vertical dimension) is a powerful tool in facial aesthetic dentistry. It can:

Rejuvenate the face by restoring height to the lower third of the face
Improve facial proportions and reduce a prematurely aged appearance
Alleviate jaw tension and muscle fatigue
Create the space necessary to place long-lasting, strong restorations

In this case, the bite was increased by 4mm — a carefully calculated adjustment made possible through 3D digital planning and functional analysis. This was the foundation upon which we rebuilt her smile and face.

The Process: Step by Step

1. Comprehensive Digital Assessment

We began with full facial photography, intraoral scans, and CBCT analysis to evaluate her bite, TMJ health, and esthetic proportions.

2. Wax-Up and Mock-Up

A digital smile design and functional wax-up allowed the patient to preview her new smile. We also trialed the increased bite with temporary restorations to assess comfort and function.

3. Gum Surgery

Prior to placing the veneers and crowns, we performed esthetic gum contouring to ensure ideal length and proportions of the upper teeth.

4. Full Mouth Restoration

We placed custom-made zirconia and ceramic restorations across all teeth — tailored for beauty, durability, and biomechanical harmony. Every tooth was designed to fit perfectly into the new bite and facial framework.

5. Bite Protection

Given her history of bruxism (severe grinding), a night splint was provided to protect the investment and ensure long-term success.

The Results: More Than a Smile

The changes went far beyond the mouth:

Facial Rejuvenation: With the bite restored, her lower face was lifted, reducing the sunken look and enhancing facial symmetry. It had an effect comparable to a mini facelift — without the surgery.
Confidence Restored: She began smiling again, reconnecting with friends, and even taking more pride in her appearance. “It’s still me, just the best version of me,” she said.
Aesthetic Balance: The restorations brought harmony to her facial features, creating a younger, softer, more vibrant look — without changing her identity.

The Emotional Impact: “I feel freedom”

For this patient, the journey wasn’t just dental. It was deeply emotional. Living for years with worn teeth and a collapsed bite had taken a toll on her self-esteem, mental health, and relationships.

After the treatment, she described feeling liberated — like her outer appearance finally reflected the vitality she still had inside. She smiled more, dressed up more, and re-entered her social world with a newfound sense of ease.

Why Not Plastic Surgery?

This transformation is a powerful example of how cosmetic dentistry can serve as a non-surgical alternative to plastic surgery. By restoring bite, vertical dimension, and smile proportions, we can:

Lift facial features without a scalpel
Soften lines and restore volume around the mouth
Achieve harmony between smile and face
Avoid the risks and downtime of surgical procedures

Most importantly, you still look like you — just healthier, more vibrant, and naturally rejuvenated.

Why Choose ArtSmiles?

ArtSmiles is a premium cosmetic dental clinic in Gold Coast, dedicated to providing life-changing transformations through precision, passion, and patient-centred care. Our team is renowned for:

Expertise in full mouth restorations and facial aesthetic dentistry
Using the highest-quality zirconia and ceramic veneers
3D digital planning and custom smile design
A gentle, supportive approach for anxious patients
Exceptional outcomes without the need for invasive surgery

We believe that every smile has the power to transform a life — and we’re here to make that transformation possible.

Ready for Your Own Smile & Facial Rejuvenation?

If you’ve been living with worn teeth, jaw discomfort, or a collapsed smile, know that there is a solution — and it doesn’t require plastic surgery. A full mouth restoration can:

✔ Rejuvenate your appearance

✔ Restore your bite and comfort

✔ Bring confidence and joy back into your life

Book your free smile evaluation at ArtSmiles today and discover how a custom treatment plan can unlock the best version of you.

👉 Call us or book online to take the first step.