There are several different areas of dentistry that focus on different things. Cosmetic, or aesthetic, dentistry focuses on making improvements to the appearance of a patient's smile. A cosmetic dentist can improve your smile by:
Cosmetic dentistry is just one of the many services we offer at Calm Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA. We are a boutique dental clinic focused on providing individualized care in a relaxing environment. We believe that dental visits should not cause anxiety and will do everything we can to keep you calm.
Our dentists at Calm Dentistry are highly-trained. We have the experience and expertise necessary to complete a variety of cosmetic dental procedures including:
A cosmetic smile assessment is the first step in cosmetic dentistry. This involves evaluating your smile and creating a treatment plan based on your needs and desires for treatment. The first thing we will do is thoroughly examine your mouth, including imaging. We'll evaluate the color and alignment of your teeth, as well as determine if any of your teeth are cracked, chipped, or broken. We will also discuss your overall medical history including any medications you're currently taking, any allergies you have, medical conditions, and anything else that may be relevant. We will take our findings and then discuss our treatment options. At Calm Dental, we are equipped to treat minor and major issues. We will listen to what you want and need and help you understand what you can realistically expect from treatment. If it is determined that several different procedures are needed, we will discuss the best way to proceed. Finally, we will discuss the cost of your personalized treatment plan as well as financing options, such as CareCredit, to help you pay for your treatments.
Dental bonding is the least expensive and most popular cosmetic dental procedure to address cracked/chipped teeth. Depending on your personal oral hygiene habits, your bite, and your eating/chewing habits, it can last up to 8 years.
There are a few reasons why dental bonding is so popular:
There are no major risks associated with dental bonding, but there are a few minor side effects, including:
Also, it's important to note that teeth treated with dental bonding are more susceptible to staining and chipping than other restorations.
Dental veneers are thin, porcelain or composite shells that fit over your natural teeth to resolve minor imperfections such as discoloration, spacing, cracks/chips, and worn-down teeth. Veneers are an ideal solution for patients who have plenty of healthy enamel, little to no history of teeth clenching/grinding, and want to fix their minor cosmetic issues. However, patients who have chronic clenching/grinding issues, severe crowding/malocclusion, poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, or tooth decay do not qualify for treatment with dental veneers. If you are interested in veneers but have these issues, we can create a plan to address them and later revisit the idea of dental veneers. The most common risks and side effects of dental veneers include tooth sensitivity and damage to the underlying dentin when the enamel is removed. Additionally, it's important to note that patients who have enamel erosion due to acid reflux or eating disorders are more likely to experience veneer failure.
Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that is thinner and less expensive than traditional dental veneers. There is little to no tooth filing required for Lumineers, which means they are easier to remove or replace. This cosmetic dental procedure is less expensive than traditional veneers.
Teeth whitening is the least invasive cosmetic dental procedure and is used to resolve discoloration. There are several different types of teeth whitening options, including OTC at-home kits, in-office treatments, and professional at-home kits. The best option depends on your stains.
There are two types of stains:
There are only a few minor, short-term side effects associated with teeth whitening: tooth sensitivity and mouth/gum irritation. This is typically due to the hydrogen peroxide used in most whitening treatments. We try to minimize these effects by protecting your gums during in-office treatments.
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, these procedures are most popular among 31 to 40-year-old patients. However, age isn't really the most relevant factor. If you have aesthetic issues with your teeth, such as gaps between teeth, cracks/chips, discoloration, or misalignment, cosmetic dental procedures can be used to fix these issues.
While the primary benefits of cosmetic dental procedures are aesthetics, there's more to it than that. These procedures have some very important benefits for your oral and overall health as well. Below are some of the most important benefits associated with cosmetic dental procedures.
If there's something about your smile that you'd like to change, these cosmetic dental procedures can help. We can use these procedures to address issues with discoloration, misalignment, cracks/chips, and more.
When your teeth are straight and uniformly-shaped, they are easier to take care of, which means your risk of common health issues such as tooth decay and gum disease are greatly reduced.
If you are self-conscious about your smile, it's hard to feel confident. You may find yourself avoiding social interactions or you may stop laughing or smiling to hide your teeth. If you correct these issues, you can feel free to socialize, laugh, smile, and live life the way you want to.
The results of cosmetic dental procedures are immediately visible- and they will last for several years or more. In fact, research shows that some will last 10+ years with proper care and maintenance.
Cosmetic dental procedures such as dental veneers and teeth whitening leave you with a brighter, whiter smile, and bonding or veneers can lengthen your teeth- all of which people associate with youth. Therefore, you can leave the clinic looking several years younger than when you entered.
If you're unhappy with your smile but aren't really sure why- it may be due to the shape of your teeth. Most people find that long, slightly rounded teeth are more attractive than short, flat, or pointy ones. Cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers can help improve the shape of your teeth.
When a tooth is chipped, not only is the shape altered, but the tooth also becomes more susceptible to decay. Cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers or dental bonding can help disguise these chips.
If you are in the Los Angeles area and are interested in cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your smile, schedule your consultation with the team at Calm Dental today. We are located on Olive Street. Our office hours are Monday through Friday 8:40 AM to 6:00 PM. We look forward to working with you to improve your smile and boost your confidence.
We understand that you have questions when it comes to cosmetic dentistry. We are more than happy to address any of your questions or concerns. Below are some of the most common questions we hear at Calm Dental.
Yes, cosmetic dentistry tends to be more expensive than general dentistry. However, the actual cost depends on the procedures that you want or need. When you visit our clinic for your consultation and we create a treatment plan, we will be able to provide you with a quote detailing what you can expect to pay for your treatment. Most of the time, unless a medical "need" can be established, dental insurance does not cover cosmetic dental procedures. However, at Calm Dentistry, we can work with your budget to allow you to get the treatment you need with a variety of financial options
Dental veneers can be used to mask crooked teeth but will not fix the issue. Patients who have crooked teeth need to have them addressed with Invisalign or tooth extraction.