Cosmetic
Dentistry
“The first thing people notice about you is your smile.”
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Begin the Change
Cosmetic dentistry is one of the most common types of dentistry marketed to patients. In the 1980’s, teeth whitening and veneers became a trend in Hollywood as actors and actresses gained a competitive edge by fixing their smiles. The fad grew, and dentists began to incorporate cosmetic procedures into their practices. Today, whitening teeth is the most common cosmetic service patients seek out. More and more people realize the appearance of their smile can potentially give them a competitive edge during a job hunt, impress their tinder date or simply improve their self-esteem.
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, the patient has a desire to slightly improve or dramatically improve their smile. In some cases, the patient might be shy and or not even consider improving their smile until options are presented and discussed. There are many treatment options to improve your teeth other than just whitening or placing veneers. Each patient has a unique circumstance and idea of what they want to achieve, with variables that influence the treatment plan, such as finances, other medical conditions or time. It would be silly to place expensive wood flooring in a house that has costly underlying foundation problems or to start renovations while juggling a hectic work schedule. The same goes for your mouth.
The choice to improve the look of your smile is yours only. It doesn’t always come down to money either. There are many wealthy people with healthy but less than perfect looking smiles. Each patient is different, and we believe in listening, inform of options, discuss any medical necessities, and help guide the patient into making the right decision. Below is more information on cosmetic services we offer. Please feel free to e-mail us at [email protected] to ask any questions you have.
Dental Labs
Dental labs rarely get credit, but a quality dental lab is one of the most important elements in a creating beautiful dentistry. Dental labs have a variety of materials and standards used in creating the restorations that are permanently placed in the mouth. The better the lab, the higher the price as time and precision are incorporated into quality dental work.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin layers of porcelain made to the desired shape, color, and size. They are often glazed to protect from staining and to add anatomy and ‘character’ to the tooth. They are permanently cemented to the front facing surface of a tooth, leaving the back side of the tooth natural. They can last 10-30 years but can also cause and or worsen gum conditions. Ideal treatment outcome for successful smile design with Veneers includes the stable periodontal condition and aligned bite. In some cases, limited orthodontics (re-alignment) may be a suitable option for a proper bite, look, and function.
Pros: natural looking, minimal enamel reduction
Cons: weak, can cause gum problems
Porcelain and Zirconia layered Crowns
Dental crowns are a common dental restoration, used to replace the majority of the tooth structure of a damaged or decayed tooth. Crowns encase the entire remaining structure of a tooth- on all sides. Any tooth that has had root canal treatment needs a crown. Crowns are indicated when the patient is a heavy clencher/grinder, as the forces of the patient’s bite can be too strong and may break a veneer or filling. With today’s technology and new materials, crowns can be made to look like natural teeth with character and hold up much longer than veneers. Usually, when a patient is evaluated for cosmetic work, a crown or veneer is treatment planned. In some cases, a combination of crowns and veneers is used to achieve the desired result.
Pros: natural looking, strength
Cons: more removal of tooth structure
Light-accelerated in-office whitening with Philips Zoom
Whiten patients’ smiles safely and effectively with customizable options that address individual sensitivity and stain levels.
Clinically proven to whiten up to 8 shades in one visit. Advanced blue LED light-accelerated whitening delivers dramatic results in minimal time.
“Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed is a painless process that can remove the toughest stains and create a dazzlingly white, long-lasting smile in just one hour.” ~ Dr. Talaie
In-office whitening with Philips Zoom $600
Custom at home bleaching kit $250
Supersmile® Professional whitening toothpaste $35
All three for $500
Bonding & Enameloplasty
Cosmetic bonding is an affordable option to fix chipped or damaged teeth, without doing a crown or veneer. This option is usually for people who are happy with their smile but due to a specific trauma or habit (teeth grinding), find themselves with a chipped tooth. Many patients have woken to a chunk of tooth missing from their front tooth due to grinding their teeth at night. A friend of the practice recently drank a little too much and tripped, resulting in a broken off front tooth. Regardless of the reason, the tooth needs to be fixed and quickly. After an examination to rule out nerve damage or fracture, the dentist can quickly ‘patch’ up the break leaving your tooth as good as new.
Some patients have many chips, breaks, and unevenness they are dissatisfied with. Instead of veneers or crowns, dental bonding can achieve a subtle improvement without spending thousands of dollars.
Enameloplasty or reshaping of enamel can also be done in conjunction with dental bonding for a more harmonious result. Enameloplasty is re-contouring the tooth slightly to give the illusion of better alignment or change the shape of the tooth. A patient may have sharp squared off corners but prefer to have rounded corners and more youthful appearance without going through the process of veneers and crowns.
Gum lift
A cosmetic gum lift is done to reduce a ‘gummy smile’ or to balance out an asymmetrical gum line. At Century Smile, Dr. Talaie utilizes the soft tissue EPIC™ laser to achieve the desired result. Laser gum procedures are safe with a fast healing time and minimal discomfort. A gum lift can be done alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic dental procedures.
Invisalign™
Invisalign™ is great option to re-align crowded or crooked teeth for a healthier and youthful appearance. Malocclusion or ‘off bite’ is a common condition among adults and can be attributed to TMJ pain, periodontal conditions, and poor oral hygiene. Invisalign™ aims to correct the patient’s overall bite, and the cosmetic effect is secondary.
Patients who are interested in the cosmetic benefits of Invisalign™ should know they are also getting a re-alignment of their bite, which in the long term is something to smile about.
No Insurance?
We take all PPO dental insurance. No insurance? We’ve got you covered. Inquire about individual coverage options such as Aflac or financing options such Alphaeon® Credit and CareCredit® and even if you can’t afford to pay in full, we are willing to arrange an in-house payment plan.
Give Us A Call At 310.836.6161 Or Request An Appointment Online