What is cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry offers solutions to every aesthetic dental problem. Restoring and improving smiles is our strength and passion.

What are some of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures?

- Bleaching and bonding of stained, discolored, broken, or chipped teeth

- Reshaping teeth

- Placing crowns and dental veneers

- Contouring gums

- Injecting neuromodulators (Botox) to relax muscles

- Respacing teeth with Invisalign orthodontics

Do veneers or crowns stain like natural teeth?

No. Unlike real teeth, porcelain crowns and veneers are impervious to stains and do not yellow; however, they will not whiten either.

Do cosmetic dental treatments improve overall oral health?

It may seem like cosmetic dental enhancements would only have aesthetic advantages, but they can also benefit general oral health.

What makes a great cosmetic dentist?

Extensive training, education, expertise, and experience are a must. And if there's also an artisan dental lab technician who's part of the team, a beautiful, natural-looking smile will be your destiny. Drs. Sudit and Stein and the Center for Smile Enhancement team meet all of these vital prerequisites of outstanding cosmetic dentistry. It's our passion.

Check out the before-and-after images on this webpage to see some profound smile transformations. And don't forget to schedule a free consultation to explore your own possibilities.

What is the difference between a crown and a veneer?

Often, the material used to produce a crown and a veneer is the same. The difference is how much of that material is needed. A dental veneer only covers a portion of the tooth, while a crown envelopes the entire tooth.

Can veneers fix crooked teeth or a misaligned bite (malocclusion)?

Yes, but there are limitations. Veneers alone cannot fix significantly crooked teeth or a misaligned bite. However, veneers can make teeth appear straighter and often avoid lengthy and costly orthodontic treatment.

What options are available for teeth whitening?

AT HOME

- Avoidance of staining products: tea, coffee, tobacco, blueberries, and red wine

- Whitening toothpaste

- Over-the-counter kits that expose your teeth to whitening agents for more extended periods than toothpaste

IN OUR OFFICE

- Take-home whitening kits that include custom bleaching trays and more concentrated bleaching agents than those available over the counter

- ZOOM teeth whitening utilizing 25% hydrogen peroxide gel in conjunction with focused light to enhance penetration of the teeth

If you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, or worn tooth enamel, whitening may not be advisable. Feel free to schedule a free consultation, and we can discuss your whitening options.

Does tooth whitening damage enamel?

No. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body—even harder than bone. Even though teeth are literally tougher than steel, their enamel coating has microscopic pores that allow for the dentin underneath to absorb stains and make teeth look yellow. Whitening products can pass through these pores/tubules and correct the discolored dentin but may cause some temporary sensitivity due to dehydration within your treated teeth. It's essential that you not consume any colorful food or drinks until your teeth's tubules rehydrate entirely, at the risk of the dentin resorbing any color it's exposed to immediately after treatment.

Will anyone notice that I've had cosmetic dentistry therapies?

Yes. Something about you will look appealing and different after becoming your own "masterpiece," but nothing specific will be noticeable or objectionable. Our goal at the Center for Smile Enhancement is to recapture your innate beauty or enhance it naturally.