Can Cosmetic Dentistry Look Natural?

When patients come to Scott M. Jordan, DDS wanting information about cosmetic dentistry, one of the common questions that often comes up is, “Will my teeth look natural?” If you remember the episode of Friends when Ross whitened his teeth and they became glow-in-the-dark white, you might be thinking of something similar regarding cosmetic dentistry. 

Here is how we handle cosmetic cases in our Encinitas, CA dental office.

We discuss your goals for your smile. What do you like about the way your smile looks? What would you like to change? Once we have that information, we have a jumping off point for planning cosmetic treatment. For some people, it might include a few small treatments such as teeth whitening and bonding while others may need multiple restorative services to achieve their goals.

1. Dr. Jordan performs a comprehensive exam. Are your teeth and gums healthy enough for treatment? If you have gum disease, we need to address that first because healthy gums are essential for good dentistry. We also examine your bite. How do your teeth come together? Are your jaw joints healthy? These results will play into your treatment planning. We can’t place veneers on someone with a certain bite without the risk of losing them in the future. Health first. Esthetics second.
2. What cosmetic dentistry treatments will work to help you achieve your goals for your smile? We may need to build up your bite before placing restorations such as veneers. If you are having significant amounts of restorative work, we may recommend teeth whitening first so that you achieve a better overall look.
3. Starting treatment is the fun part! Everyone loves a big smile transformation and it is amazing what Dr. Jordan can do with the high-quality restorations available to modern dentistry today! Once we reveal your new smile, we will recommend ways to get the most out of it: regular dental exams, cleanings, and perhaps even a nightguard to protect your investment.

Have you been thinking about cosmetic dentistry and ways to improve your smile? Give us a call! Dr. Ryan Kay is happy to discuss the options available to you.