Cosmetic Dentistry Overview

The term "cosmetic dentistry" encompasses any dental procedure that has the effect of improving the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry is a rapidly expanding field, and new techniques and technologies are being developed continually. While the effects of cosmetic dentistry may be most obvious when you smile, it is important to remember the functional benefits these procedures offer. Cosmetic dentistry has the potential to improve the functionality of a patient's mouth, which can be at least as important as any cosmetic improvements a patient achieves.

The technologies available today in the field of cosmetic dentistry encompass everything from convenient whitening to permanent tooth reshaping and replacement. We offer the following cosmetic options:
Smile Design & Smile Makeovers

The most important aspect of enhancing your smile is for us to know exactly what you want your smile to look like. This objective can be achieved in a number of ways. First we will take digital photographs of your smile from different perspectives and impressions of your teeth for diagnostic models so we know exactly what the starting point is. Then the fun begins and creativity is the name of the game. We can take the photographs of your smile and digitally morph it into the most beautiful smile imaginable. We can take the models of your teeth and send them to the dental lab where highly skilled and artistic technicians will do a waxup so we can see exactly what your final result can be. Once we know where you are starting and what the ideal final result will be then we outline the steps to achieve that. It might simply be accomplished with some bonding material in a single visit or possibly with porcelain veneers in a couple of visits. It might be more complicated and involve orthodontic treatment over several months or reshaping the gum tissue with the latest laser technology to meet your expectation. The key point is to plan for a successful result. The worst case scenario is to start down the wrong treatment path and have your dentist make excuses of why you should be satisfied with the compromising result. Not every smile makeover can match the perfect ideal look but by planning in advance, we can certainly achieve the best results for you!

Dental Whitening

Dental whitening is an incredibly popular procedure because of its convenience and the dramatic aesthetic improvements experienced by our patients. The procedure takes about an hour, and the results are amazing! Whitening is one of the least invasive, safest, cheapest, and most effective cosmetic options we offer. In addition to a quick in-office whitening procedure, we have home whitening kits available for purchase. The results are more gradual, but no less dramatic, and you can perform the simple procedure at your own convenience. Once your teeth are at their whitest and brightest, maintaining them is as easy as brushing regularly with a high quality whitening toothpaste. We can recommend one that's right for you.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a great way to address misshapen, chipped, broken, and otherwise damaged teeth in a generally healthy mouth. First, the existing tooth is slightly reshaped and resized to accommodate the veneer. Next, we create a color-matched and custom-shaped veneer that is slipped over the tooth and bonded in place. The procedure is generally painless and non-invasive. Veneers are extremely durable, making them an excellent choice for the long-term health and beauty of your smile.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a great way to address minor chips, decay, and coloration problems in the teeth. A thin layer of sculptable material is applied to the tooth, allowing us to address a wide variety of minor problems with extreme ease and no pain. Once the sculpting process is done, the bonded material is safely cured in place by exposure to a special light. This procedure is a good option for patients whose case does not require the use of full veneers, but who could use some minor cosmetic repairs.

Porcelain Fillings

Traditional metal fillings are conspicuous and associated with a variety of potential health risks. As with our veneers, we use porcelain in our fillings because it offers the safest and most natural looking results. Porcelain fillings for cavities are virtually indistinguishable from the original tooth structure, and they are extremely durable. We can even swap out existing metal fillings for more advanced porcelain replacements.

Porcelain Crowns

The state of the art with the latest, high strength porcelain crowns has come a long way. These beautiful restorations are indicated when a larger portion of the tooth is broke, missing, or has a large, old and broken down filling where a conservative filling would not be adequate. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth and can be made metal free to duplicate the look of a natural tooth which renders it undetectable even upon close examination. It will truly look and feel just like your original tooth. The technology has advanced so far that many of our crowns can be made by scanning the exact shape of your tooth from the model and milling the precise shape of the crown controlled by computers along a robotic assembly line. Welcome to the future! The fit of the crowns are often perfect and you never have to worry about discoloration or the black line of metal shining through. Porcelain to gold crowns are also available and actually may be a better alternative in certain situations that we will discuss with you. We take great pride in making a crown look like a natural tooth so you never have to think or worry about it again.

Orthodontics

The aesthetic effects of orthodontics are undeniable. With some simple correction in adolescence, any child can grow up with a perfect smile. Better yet, adults who missed out on orthodontics when they were children can correct alignment problems now with ease and convenience. We offer Invisalign® retainers for patients who want to improve the alignment of their teeth without the appearance of conventional braces. The Invisalign® system is nearly invisible, and it can achieve dramatic results. Refer to our orthodontics page for more information.