DULUTH DENTAL SERVICES
Cosmetic Dentistry
What is cosmetic dentistry?
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. If you feel self-conscious about stained, chipped, or crooked teeth, you might be less likely to show your full smile.
We’ve helped many patients feel great about their teeth through cosmetic dentistry. Our goal is to maintain the health of your teeth while allowing you to smile without hesitation.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. However, many cosmetic treatments also provide functional benefits. Clear aligners that straighten your teeth can also improve your bite. Repairing chipped teeth helps prevent future damage.
Cosmetic procedures can change the color, shape, size, or alignment of your teeth, which can make you feel more confident about your smile and restore parts of your smile that improve overall oral health.
Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments
-
Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening removes years of stains from coffee, tea, wine, or aging. We offer both in-office treatments that brighten your smile in one visit and take-home kits for gradual whitening. Many of our patients are getting ready for an upcoming event or milestone, and professional whitening can provide that added confidence boost.
-
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of your teeth. They can fix multiple cosmetic issues at once, including discoloration, chips, gaps, or slightly crooked teeth. Veneers are custom-made to match your desired color and shape. They’re durable and stain-resistant, often lasting 10-15 years with proper care.
-
Composite Bonding
We use tooth-colored resin to repair chips, close small gaps, or reshape teeth. It’s a conservative treatment that requires little to no removal of your existing tooth enamel. We can complete bonding in a single visit, giving you a natural look and an affordable option for repairing your smile.
-
Cosmetic Contouring
Contouring reshapes your natural teeth by removing small amounts of enamel. We can round off pointed canines, even out irregular edges, or adjust tooth length. This quick procedure often takes just one appointment, and can make subtle refinements to the appearance of your smile.
-
Gum Recontouring
Have you ever heard someone say they have a “gummy smile?” Gum recontouring is an approach that carefully reshapes your gum tissue to expose more of your teeth or create better symmetry. This can make your teeth appear longer and your smile more balanced. The procedure uses local anesthesia, and healing is usually quick.
-
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners can straighten your teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. Treatment typically takes several months to a year, depending on how much movement is needed. Many of our patients choose clear aligners if their teeth have shifted since childhood orthodontics, or if they’re looking for a straighter smile.
The Cosmetic Dentistry Process
We first examine your teeth and discuss your concerns to determine the best course of action. We’ll walk you through various treatments and explain which might be a good fit for you. Cosmetic dentistry is all about what you want to achieve. We aren’t pushy and we won’t rush you; this is a time for you to get answers and guidance, and we’re here to help.
STEP 1
Planning Your Treatment
We start by listening to your goals. Based on the treatment, we’ll discuss the timeline, number of appointments, and cost. We can also look at what to expect from the treatment and answer any questions you have.
STEP 2
Cosmetic Dental Treatment
Some treatments, such as bonding or contouring, can be completed in a single visit. Others, such as veneers or clear aligners, require multiple appointments over several weeks or months. We’ll explain exactly what will happen at each step so you know what to expect.
STEP 3
Aftercare & Maintenance
Proper oral hygiene is so important after any dental treatment, and this is especially true after cosmetic procedures. You can help your results last longer by brushing, flossing, and coming back for regular dental visits. You might also want to avoid habits that can stain or damage your smile. Before you leave, we’ll provide care instructions. We’re always available to answer your questions.
Why choose Chester Creek Dental for cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is about so much more than just aesthetics. At Chester Creek Dental, we care for you as a patient, not just the concerns you want addressed. That means our guidance and treatment will address your overall health needs. When you share your concerns, we really listen. And when it’s time for treatment, we walk you through everything and make sure you understand the process.
Experienced Dental Team
Our practice has been around for four decades. We have the experience and expertise to provide the cosmetic dental care you’re seeking.
Warm & Welcoming
Thoughtful touches around our office and welcoming staff make you feel at home right away. We take our time and never rush you.
Advanced Technology
We’re always updating our tools and techniques to deliver the most advanced dental care possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover purely cosmetic procedures since they’re elective rather than medically necessary. However, if a treatment has both cosmetic and functional benefits, your insurance might cover part of it. We’ll work with you and your insurance company to help you understand costs and payments.
Will cosmetic dental work look natural?
Yes. Our goal for all cosmetic dentistry procedures is to enhance your existing smile. We use high-quality materials that mimic the translucency and texture of natural teeth, and we carefully match colors to your existing teeth or find a shade that looks authentic. The focus should be on your smile, not your dental work.
How long do cosmetic dentistry results last?
This depends on the treatment, but you can generally expect:
Professional whitening lasts one to three years before touch-ups may be needed.
Compsite bonding typically lasts three to ten years.
Veneers and crowns can last 10 to 15 years or longer.
For any cosmetic treatment, proper care and maintenance extend the life of your dental work.
Do cosmetic procedures damage my natural teeth?
Our goal is always to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible when doing cosmetic work. Fortunately, most cosmetic procedures are conservative, such as teeth whitening or bonding. However, it’s important to discuss the risks and outcomes with your dentist so you understand what is changing.
Can cosmetic dentistry fix my specific concern?
The great thing about modern cosmetic dentistry is that it can address specific needs you have regarding your teeth, such as discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, misalignment, tooth shape, and gum appearance. In some cases, we might recommend combining procedures for optimal results.
How do I choose which cosmetic treatment is right for me?
That’s why we’re here. We’ll examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and explain which treatments can achieve them. We’ll consider factors like your budget, timeline, and how much change you want. Together, we’ll find the right approach that will have you excited to show off your smile again.
Will cosmetic procedures hurt?
Most cosmetic procedures cause little to no discomfort. Teeth whitening might cause temporary sensitivity. Procedures like bonding and contouring typically don’t require anesthesia. For treatments that do, such as preparing teeth for veneers, we use local anesthesia to make the experience as painless as possible. Any post-treatment discomfort is usually mild and brief, and can be helped with over-the-counter pain medication.
How quickly can I see results?
Some treatments provide instant results, such as bonding and contouring. In-office professional whitening means you’ll leave with a sparkling smile that same day. Veneers typically take a few weeks. We’ll let you know the expected timeline for your specific treatment plan.
Ready to love your smile?
If you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation, and we can discuss your goals and help you discover what’s possible. Everyone deserves to love their smile.
Our Dental Office
1324 E 1st Street
Duluth, MN 55805
Hours
Monday–Friday
8am–5pm
Phone
(218) 724-1332