Cosmetic Dentistry

Great advances in technology allow us to treat your cosmetic needs in ways that could not be done before. In many cases, the esthetic outcome can be achieved either non-invasively or with the minimal invasiveness. Treatment options from tooth whitening and veneers to implants and orthodontics can be considered in establishing the smile that compliments you.

Tooth Whitening

There are a variety of ways to lighten your teeth. It can be as simple as using a whitening toothpaste, or as complex as an in-office bleaching appointment combined with in-home bleaching trays and bleach gel. Only natural tooth surfaces can be bleached so you need to be aware that the fillings and crowns on your teeth will not whiten. You may choose to have your crows or fillings replaced after you and your dentist are satisfied with the whiteness of your teeth.

Before	After

Some individuals whose teeth have become darkened over the years, but are otherwise healthy, can get satisfactory whitening results with over the counter toothpastes or whitening strips. These are relatively inexpensive and can be effective if you are hoping for a modest improvement in tooth color.

Before	After

If you are hoping for a more dramatic improvement, DHA offers a wide variety of professional whitening services. They range from Professional Strength White Strips (at under $100) to our office Zoom 2 whitening system ($525). Your dentists at DHA can discuss these options in greater depth with you in order to find the treatment that best suits your individual needs.

Heavily Restored, Chipped, or Slightly Misaligned Teeth

A beautiful solution to these esthetic challenges can sometimes be achieved with minimal to no tooth preparation. The best treatment for your unique smile may range from cosmetic bonding to veneers and crown.

Cosmetic bonding is an in-office, one visit procedure in which a white synthetic material is selectively bonded to your teeth. This procedure can quickly address problems like slightly chipped teeth and unsightly open spaces between teeth. Cosmetic bonding can also be done to change the color of your teeth by masking the surface without a need to remove tooth structure.

A porcelain laminate veneer is a cosmetic tool that can create a beautiful smile from discolored, damaged, and slightly crooked teeth in just two visits. In the first appointment, your dentist will usually remove a modest amount of tooth structure and take an impression of your teeth. Laboratory technicians who shape and color the final restorations, with the guidance of your dentist, then make the porcelain veneers. The natural looking veneer, which contains no metal, are then bonded to your tooth with a strong bonded resin material at the second office visit.

For individuals who require a greater degree of modification due to misalignment, severe staining or existing large fillings, the traditional crown may be the best choice. Based on your bite and cosmetic needs, the traditional crowns are made of either all porcelain or porcelain fused to the metal. Your dentist can help you decide which will be best for you.

Missing Teeth

There are several ways to replace missing teeth, please see our sections on implants, bridges, and removable partial dentures.