Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry offers solutions to improve the look of teeth that are stained, discolored, chipped, worn down, misshapen, a little gapped, or misaligned. It combines the art and science of dentistry to transform a less-than-perfect smile into one that looks naturally beautiful while at the same time enhancing overall facial aesthetics.

The great thing about cosmetic dentistry is that it offers multiple solutions to quickly improve the look of one’s smile. It all depends on your specific dental needs and cosmetic smile goals. While procedures such as teeth-whitening, tooth-colored fillings, and dental bonding typically provide dramatic improvements in just a single visit, others such as dental veneers only take a couple of visits.

A teeth whitening procedure as provided by our office is often the simplest, quickest, and most effective way to significantly lighten and brighten your smile.

Porcelain veneers are capable of concealing a range of imperfections, dramatically improving the look of teeth that are misshapen, have minor chips, enamel defects, or stains. They also provide an excellent solution for closing small gaps as well as addressing other minor alignment issues. While teeth whitening procedures can effectively treat many cases of dental stains or discolorations to produce cosmetically pleasing results, darker stains, as well as specific issues involving the size, shape, and alignment of the teeth, are better addressed with porcelain veneers.

How a back tooth is repaired and restored depends on the extent of the cavity or damage it has sustained. In many cases, a tooth-colored filling is often sufficient to restore the form and function of a back tooth. However, when a significant amount of tooth structure is damaged, or the tooth has had a root canal, it’s often necessary to fabricate a full coverage crown. In this way, the remaining tooth structure is protected from further damage while full function and a natural-looking smile is restored.

Whether or not a chipped or fractured tooth requires a dental crown depends on the extent of the damage. Some minor chips can be addressed with a dental bonding procedure or a veneer. When a significant amount of tooth structure is lost, rebuilding the form and function of the involved tooth may require a full coverage crown.

While conventional dental bridges and dentures offer effective and satisfying ways to rebuild a complete and attractive smile, dental implants represent the most advanced solutions for replacing missing teeth. With dental implants, our office can replace a single tooth or multiple ones to give you a smile that feels, looks, and functions like a natural one. Dental implants behave in much the same way as the root of an actual tooth, providing stable, secure, and long-lasting results of care.

How long your teeth whitening lasts depends on your lifestyle. Eating, drinking, and smoking habits can have a big impact on maintaining your result. Our office will inform you which food, beverages, or habits can stain your newly whitened smile. As needed, we’ll also help you maintain a white and vibrant smile with a periodic, safe, and effective touch-up whitening procedure.

At the office of Summit Family Dentistry, we want every patient to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile. We strive to make dental care affordable and accessible. Improving the look of your smile is a worthwhile investment, and we always try to optimize any dental insurance benefits to cover your work. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that cosmetic dental procedures may not be covered by your plan. You can count on our office to explain every cosmetic option available to address your needs and the fees involved. To help you begin care without any additional stress or delay, we can discuss different payment options and financing plans.

Although achieving aesthetically pleasing and long-lasting results of care requires knowledge, experience, and technical proficiency, it also calls for a professional with an artistic eye and awareness of facial aesthetics. At the office of Summit Family Dentistry, we successfully combine the art and science of dentistry to create smiles that are as beautiful as they are healthy. From performing professional teeth whitening procedures, fabricating custom dental veneers or crowns to rebuilding complete and beautiful smiles with dental implants and much more, we’re well equipped to transform less-than-perfect smiles into ones that look good and feel great.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums and the overall smile while general dentistry emphasizes oral health, disease prevention and function. Cosmetic procedures are designed to address concerns such as discoloration, chips, shape irregularities and minor alignment issues that affect how a smile looks. Both disciplines share common techniques and materials, but cosmetic care prioritizes esthetic outcomes in addition to clinical health.

A dentist trained in cosmetic procedures evaluates both form and function to ensure aesthetic improvements do not compromise oral health. Treatment planning typically includes an assessment of bite dynamics, tooth structure and periodontal health so that cosmetic choices are durable and compatible with long-term function. The best cosmetic outcomes arise from integrating esthetic goals with sound restorative principles.

Professional teeth whitening performed in-office or with dentist-supervised take-home systems is often the first-line option for extrinsic and some intrinsic stains because it lightens natural tooth enamel in a controlled way. Whitening is predictable for many types of discoloration but may not be effective for certain intrinsic stains or restorations that do not bleach. In those cases, restorative options such as porcelain veneers or tooth-colored restorations can mask discoloration and provide a uniform appearance.

When recommending whitening, clinicians evaluate enamel thickness, existing restorations and sensitivity risk to select an approach that minimizes discomfort and maximizes evenness. A combined strategy may be advised—whitening natural teeth first, then matching or replacing restorations to achieve a consistent shade across the smile. Follow-up maintenance and professional monitoring help preserve results over time.

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made ceramic shells bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to change color, shape and minor alignment; they are prized for their stain resistance, lifelike translucency and long-term stability. Composite bonding uses tooth-colored resin applied and shaped directly on the tooth in a single visit to repair chips, close small gaps or reshape teeth, and it preserves more natural enamel in many cases. Veneers typically require more laboratory work and a greater initial investment of time, while bonding is faster and more conservative.

The choice between veneers and bonding depends on the extent of change desired, the condition of the tooth structure and patient priorities for longevity and esthetics. Veneers are often recommended for extensive color correction or when a more dramatic, highly polished result is desired, whereas bonding is suited for minor contouring or as a provisional solution. A comprehensive exam and discussion of goals guide the selection of the most appropriate, tooth-preserving option.

Yes. Many cosmetic treatments are designed to restore form and function in addition to improving appearance, particularly when teeth have been worn, fractured or previously treated. Full-coverage crowns, onlays and implant-supported restorations can rebuild tooth structure, reestablish proper chewing surfaces and protect underlying teeth while delivering natural-looking esthetics. Effective restoration requires attention to occlusion, material choice and precise fit to ensure the bite remains comfortable and stable.

When replacing missing teeth, implant-based restorations provide support that mimics natural tooth roots and helps preserve jawbone health, which contributes to long-term function and facial balance. Bridges and dentures also restore appearance and chewing efficiency when designed with appropriate support and occlusal planning. A multidisciplinary approach that considers periodontal health, bite mechanics and restorative sequencing leads to durable, functional cosmetic solutions.

Contemporary cosmetic planning uses a combination of diagnostic tools such as intraoral photography, digital radiographs, three-dimensional imaging and smile-design software to evaluate anatomy and visualize outcomes. Digital mockups and simulations allow patients and clinicians to preview potential changes and make informed decisions before any irreversible treatment begins. These technologies enhance communication, improve predictability and reduce uncertainty during treatment planning.

Detailed records also include study models, occlusal analysis and periodontal evaluation to identify functional or health issues that must be addressed prior to cosmetic work. Laboratory-fabricated restorations benefit from precise digital impressions and shade communication so that final restorations match natural teeth in color, texture and translucency. Using these tools helps ensure cosmetic changes are harmonious with facial proportions and long-term oral health.

Cosmetic dentistry can often be provided for patients with prior restorations, but the condition and compatibility of existing work must be carefully evaluated before proceeding. Old fillings, crowns or mismatched restorations may need replacement or modification to achieve a cohesive esthetic result, and the approach will vary based on material condition and underlying tooth health. A stable periodontal foundation and healthy gums are essential for predictable cosmetic outcomes.

If active gum disease or unstable periodontal conditions are present, treating those issues becomes the first priority to protect both health and esthetics. Once the gums and supporting structures are healthy, clinicians can plan restorative or cosmetic treatments with a lower risk of complications and improved longevity. Coordinated care between hygiene, periodontal and restorative services ensures cosmetic enhancements are both attractive and biologically sound.

Durability varies by material, procedure and patient habits; porcelain veneers and ceramic crowns often provide many years of service when fabricated and bonded correctly, while composite bonding may require refinishing or replacement sooner depending on wear. Factors that influence longevity include bite forces, bruxism, oral hygiene, diet and how well restorations are maintained with regular dental exams. Choosing appropriate materials and following evidence-based bonding and occlusal protocols improves the lifespan of cosmetic work.

Preventive measures such as night guards for patients who grind, conservative tooth preparation and periodic professional maintenance help extend restoration life. Early detection and repair of minor issues can prevent more extensive failures, so routine follow-up care is a key component of durable cosmetic results. Your clinician will discuss realistic expectations for longevity and strategies to protect your investment in esthetic dentistry.

During a cosmetic consultation you can expect a thorough review of your dental history, a clinical exam and a focused discussion of your esthetic goals and functional concerns. The clinician will evaluate tooth structure, gum health and bite relationships, and may take photographs or digital images to document current conditions and illustrate possible changes. Time is spent listening to your preferences and explaining treatment options, sequencing and any preparatory care that may be needed.

The consultation typically includes a review of materials and techniques so you understand the trade-offs between conservative and more extensive options. Digital mockups or photos may be used to demonstrate expected outcomes and set realistic expectations about durability and maintenance. This collaborative planning process helps ensure your chosen treatment aligns with daily life and long-term oral health goals.

Achieving natural results relies on careful shade selection, knowledge of tooth anatomy and collaboration with skilled dental technicians or in-office milling systems. Clinicians evaluate nuances such as enamel thickness, dentin hue and how light transmits through teeth to select materials and layering techniques that mimic natural translucency and surface texture. Precise polishing, custom staining and contouring contribute to an outcome that blends seamlessly with adjacent teeth.

Modern ceramics and composite materials come in a range of shades and optical properties, enabling tailored solutions for each patient. Attention to facial proportions and smile design principles ensures restorations harmonize with lip line, tooth display and overall facial aesthetics. Meticulous finishing and occlusal adjustment are final steps that help restorations look and function like natural teeth.

After cosmetic treatment, routine oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential to preserve both the appearance and integrity of restorations. Brushing with a nonabrasive toothpaste, daily flossing and professional cleanings help prevent staining, recurrent decay and periodontal issues that can compromise cosmetic work. Your dentist may also recommend night guards or protective appliances for patients with parafunctional habits to reduce the risk of chipping or wear.

Periodic evaluations allow clinicians to monitor restoration margins, occlusion and the health of surrounding tissues so minor concerns can be addressed early. When necessary, surface maintenance such as repolishing, touch-up bonding or renewal of resin materials can refresh appearance without extensive intervention. A partnership between patient and dental team supports lasting, attractive results.