Cosmetic Dentistry

Going to the dentist twice a year is a great way to keep your smile healthy and strong. Your general dentist can fill cavities, for example, or save a tooth with a root canal. But what if your healthy teeth have embarrassing cosmetic issues?

If your smile is less than perfect, you may benefit from seeing a cosmetic dentist in San Diego. 

While a general dentist can perform a wide variety of services, a cosmetic dentist can often provide better results. Why? Cosmetic dentists undergo extra training and have specialized experience in performing cosmetic dental procedures. 

Cosmetic issues can appear as soon as permanent teeth grow in, or they can develop over time. Cosmetic dentistry may be right for you if your teeth are:

• Stained
• Yellow
• Cracked
• Chipped
• Tilted
• Oversized
• Undersized
• Misshapen 

What Makes a Cosmetic Dentist Different?

A cosmetic dentist has all the basic training and education that a general dentist has, and then some. After finishing dental college, cosmetic dentists undergo optional and extra training that focuses on the aesthetic appeal of a patient’s smile. A general dentist looks for cavities, for example, while a cosmetic dentist takes a wider view of how the color, alignment, size, and position of teeth contribute to the overall appearance of a patient’s face.

Some cosmetic dentists are orthodontists, which means they focus solely on realigning teeth for a straighter and more attractive smile. Others concentrate on teeth whitening to brighten smiles. 

It is important to note that cosmetic dentists can and often do perform general dentistry, especially in cases in which a general dentistry issue affects the aesthetics of a patient’s smile. A cosmetic dentist may fill a cavity before applying a veneer to the tooth, for example, or will treat gum disease that threatens a dental implant.

Procedures Offered by San Diego Cosmetic Dentists

Each cosmetic dentist is different, so individual cosmetic dentists in San Diego may offer their own portfolio of cosmetic dentistry services. In general, though, cosmetic dentists offer: 

• Professional teeth whitening that provides substantially better results with less sensitivity and complications than from over-the-counter teeth whitening products
• Gum contouring procedures that address “gummy smiles” by lowering receded gums and removing excess tissue
• Veneers, Lumineers, and other types of overlays that cover the visible surfaces of the front teeth
• Dental implants to provide permanent replacements for missing teeth
• Partial dentures to fill in gaps left by missing teeth
• Alignment changes using ClearCorrect or other orthodontic treatments to straighten teeth
• Shaping and filling with dental bonding material for chips, cracks, and other minor forms of damage

How to Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist in San Diego

Finding the right cosmetic dentist in San Diego can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Cosmetic dentists provide high-quality care, but they do not take a “one-size-fits-all” approach to dentistry – some cosmetic dentists offer a wider range of services, for example, or have a different philosophy of care. And even though they all graduated from accredited schools, they have completed different training programs. 

What’s more, the right cosmetic dentist for one person may not be the right cosmetic dentist for you. Everyone has different needs and expectations when it comes to having a great smile, and the right cosmetic dentist will offer the services you need in a location you feel comfortable in. 

To find the right cosmetic dentist for you:

• Ask friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers for recommendations
• Check the dentist’s credentials
• Find out how much time the practice devotes to cosmetic dentistry
• Take your time during consultation, and ask a lot of questions
• Assess how you feel about the practice at every step along the way
• Find out if they offer sedation dentistry, especially if you feel anxious about dental visits

Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are like many people with an imperfect smile, you may cover your mouth when you laugh, talk or eat. You may even smile, laugh or talk less because of your imperfect teeth or gums. Cosmetic dentistry can change all that to give you the smile of your dreams. Many people find themselves acting more confidently after having a stubborn stain removed, had their teeth straightened, or underwent another cosmetic dentistry procedure. Having a great smile can also improve your prospects in your personal or professional life. 

Cosmetic dentistry can also provide some oral health benefits. Crooked teeth are tough to keep clean with regular brushing and flossing, for example, and this can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. 

Schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist in San Diego today. We’re glad to help you create a customized care plan that helps you create the best smile possible.