1. How do I choose a cosmetic dentist?

Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is a very important question. Ask your dentist about his or her training and credentials and the level of experience they have in smile makeover dentistry. At this time, cosmetic dentistry is not recognized as a specialty like orthodontics or periodontics. However, it is a branch of dentistry that requires a thorough knowledge of science, technology and an artistic eye and much practice and experience. The terms “cosmetic dentistry” and “smile makeover” have become trendy with all the makeover and reality television shows. Many dentists are promoting themselves as cosmetic dentists. Dentists who are committed and dedicated to the art of cosmetic dentistry have had specific training, credentials, experience and affiliations in this area. Cosmetic dentists have a vast portfolio of their work and are willing to discuss them with you and show similar before and after pictures that resemble the same situation that you are trying to improve. A dentist’s skills and style can be understood by reviewing their portfolio of before and after photographs. Please visit our before and after photo gallery to understand our level of commitment and treatment results.

2. Is there a standard beautiful smile for all people?

As many people that exist, there are that many beautiful smiles- we are all unique and the beauty of our smile should and does reflect this. This is what makes cosmetic dentistry truly an art and enjoyable creative challenge! Each person is different and their case must be planned carefully. The design of a beautiful and natural smile must consider the sex of the individual s well as be in proportion with the gum line, the lips and the construction of the face of the individual.

3. How long will it take to complete my cosmetic treatment?

Each situation is unique and every client has their own particular issues that have to be addressed. However, on the average, bleaching will take about 1 ½ hours; crown and bridge will take 2 visits to complete and laminates 2 visits to complete. In cases where 2 visits are required, such as laminates, custom temporaries are fabricated that will look better than the teeth you came in with and will be designed to actually look very close to the final porcelain laminates that will be made for you.

4. How can I get an idea of how I would look with an improved smile?

By listening to what you want and taking notes we are able to mentally form a picture of what your smile can look like. To show you what we are seeing in our mind, we take a digital photograph of your face. We then use graphic artist software to generate a computerized image showing you with various smile enhancements, such as whitening, shape and length changes. Another way we can give you an idea of what you would look like with an improved smile is to fabricate a “wax-up” of your new smile. This is when we do the laminates on a duplicate model of your smile in order to see three dimensionally the changes in your smile. You can actually hold your before and after smiles in your hands to compare.

5. What can I do about my uneven teeth?

Are the teeth overlapping each other? Are there spaces between the teeth? Is the gum line too low or too high? Have the teeth worn away because of grinding? Depending on the answers to these questions and numerous others a different approach may be necessary to correct the uneven look. After a smile consultation with our office we can get a general feel of what’s the best approach. Ultimately to accurately plan for the end result we will perform a smile makeover analysis

6. How long does cosmetic dentistry last?

This is a very important question and one that is asked of us many times. There are three things that can have an impact on longevity;

• Quality of the treatment. Delivering the best outcome requires a high level of meticulous attention to detail. For instance, one of the procedures we do frequently in our office is altering the smile with porcelain veneers. There are literally 100’s of steps along the way and if one of them is overlooked it can have an impact on longevity.
•  Condition of the teeth that are considered for improvements and the level of forces that are placed on them. (i.e. grinding). We recommend custom fitted guards fabricated to help protect teeth from excessive wear. Home care and eating habits are critical in maintaining a beautiful smile. It’s important to avoid rough crunchy foods and biting on objects. Natural teeth can get just as abused in the came way if you are not careful. Generally meticulous attention to oral hygiene is very important. To estimate time frames for different procedures we recommend you come in for a consult.
•  Home care and eating habits are critical in maintaining a beautiful smile. It’s important to avoid rough crunchy foods and biting on objects. Natural teeth can get just as abused in the came way if you are not careful. Generally meticulous attention to oral hygiene is very important. To estimate time frames for different procedures we recommend you come in for a consult.

7. What can I do to change my teeth that are too small to make them bigger?

There are a number of ways to correct this problem, including porcelain veneers, crowns and bonding. Click on our Before and After photo gallery to see examples of clients with teeth that we made bigger.

8. How can I correct severely discolored teeth from tetracycline?

Tetracycline is an antibiotic used to treat a number of illnesses in adults and children. It causes severe staining in teeth if used in growing children and sometimes with prolonged use in the young adult. The teeth have a gray or dark brown appearance to them and often times dark bands run across the front of the teeth. Typically these teeth do not respond well to whitening procedures. Porcelain veneers are a truly beautiful answer to this problem. A once dark and unattractive smile can be a brilliant and beautiful white one.

9. I have a gap between my two front teeth. How can it be closed?

There are a number of ways to correct this problem, which may include one or more of the following: orthodontics, porcelain veneers, crowns and bonding. Click on our before and after photo gallery to see examples of clients with gaps in their teeth that we corrected.

10. I have buck teeth that stick out. Is there anything that can be done?

Absolutely. And sometimes the solution may be as simple as recontouring and reshaping the teeth which will take one painless visit to complete. Some situations may require braces with Invisalign to correct. Many instances of buck teeth have been corrected with porcelain laminates. In rare instances we may to do a combination of Invisalign repositioning of teeth and porcelain veneers if the shapes of the teeth are not harmonious with each other and the facial proportions. Since each situation is unique, we’ll have a better idea what is necessary after a cosmetic consult.

11. How do I know if I cosmetic dentistry will help me?

Are you happy with your smile? Could your teeth be whiter or straighter? Do you have chipped or broken teeth? Do any of your teeth appear too small or too short? Do you see black margins around your existing crowns? Do you refrain from smiling in photos? Does the thought of having to meet new people and smile make you anxious? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then cosmetic dentistry may be for you.

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