Transform Your Appearance with Cosmetic Dentistry in Calimesa, CA
Are you happy with the way your smile looks? Do you find yourself constantly hiding in the backgrounds of photos or covering your mouth with your hand? Dental flaws and imperfections happen to many of us over time, and they don’t have to be permanent. With cosmetic dentistry from Dr. Scott Parker here in Calimesa, patients can regain the dazzling, confident appearance they’ve dreamed of. Contact us today if you have any questions or concerns for our staff, or if you’re ready to schedule your first consultation. We look forward to creating the perfect smile makeover plan with patients from Redlands, CA and surrounding areas!
Porcelain Veneers
When your smile is in need of a full makeover, porcelain veneers are an excellent, comprehensive solution that can transform the appearance of several teeth all at once in just a few short appointments. These restorations are crafted from high-quality dental porcelain and designed to be extremely thin in nature. Unlike dental crowns that cover the entire shape of a natural tooth, veneers fit over just the front surfaces, effectively hiding years of severe dental stains, gaps between teeth, and other significant flaws behind a brand-new, flawless appearance.
Veneers are so versatile that they can even change the overall length and shape of certain teeth if you’re unhappy with their appearance. Better yet, their porcelain structure is actually resistant against gradual discoloration, which means they’ll maintain their bright glow for even longer than your natural teeth. With the right amount of at-home care and professional maintenance here at our Calimesa office, this cosmetic solution can last for up to 15 years or even longer.
Metal-Free Restorations
It wasn’t too long ago when silver and gold restorations were the norm for correcting significant dental damage. However, many patients were understandably frustrated with this solution, having regained their strong, healthy smile only to sacrifice their natural appearance in the process. Thankfully, metal-free restorations from Dr. Parker provide the best of both worlds. These-quality, all-ceramic materials are an exceptionally close match when compared with natural teeth, even reflecting light in the same way. They’re also durable, functional, and very comfortable within the mouth. Their biocompatible nature is great news for all patients, even those who have struggled with allergies or increased sensitivities to common dental metals in the past.
Direct Bonding
If you’re struggling with a minor cosmetic flaw, such as a small chip in the enamel or a slightly misaligned tooth, our Calimesa, CA dental team is likely to recommend direct bonding as a simple and affordable solution. This process usually only takes a single appointment – Dr. Parker will apply the tooth-colored composite resin material directly to the affected tooth and sculpt it into a pleasing, lifelike addition, using a high-tech curing light to harden it in place. Although not as permanent as a custom porcelain veneer or dental crown, patients should be able to enjoy their new improvements for multiple years.
Teeth Whitening
Many people believe that stained/discolored teeth are always directly caused by poor oral hygiene, but this isn’t necessarily the case. There are multiple possible factors for this unfortunate cosmetic flaw, including some that are completely out of a person’s control. They include:
- A love of certain staining foods, including coffee, wine, berries, and more
- Some medications
- Old age
- Genetics
If you’re unhappy with the lackluster smile staring back at you from the mirror, it’s time to make a positive change. Dr. Parker offers take-home teeth whitening kits that come stocked with high-grade gel and custom oral trays. The patient simply needs to wear both together for a certain amount of time each day; within a few weeks, the improvements will be noticeable and beautiful.
Crown Lengthening
If your smile seems overly short, uneven, or “gummy,” a crown lengthening procedure may be in order to improve its aesthetic quality. Dr. Parker will reshape your gum tissue and remove excess growths in order to reveal more of your hidden, healthy tooth structure and create a more pleasing gum line. In addition to cosmetic improvements, crown lengthening may also be recommended when a restorative procedure (like the placement of a dental crown or tooth-colored filling) needs to be performed and the tooth’s structure isn’t exposed enough and/or the tooth has broken off beneath the gum line.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
You don't have to be rich or famous to invest in the smile of your dreams. Many factors affect the cost of cosmetic dentistry in Calimesa, but Dr. Parker strives to keep an attractive smile within everyone's budget. He will examine your mouth and learn more about your goals to create a picture-perfect smile without spending your life's savings.
Learn More About the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for Me?
No two mouths or situations are identical, so there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for a beautiful smile. As a result, many factors will affect the amount you'll pay, like the procedure used. Your cosmetic dentist in Calimesa will determine which option is best for you, based on your needs and preferences, which may include:
After creating a treatment plan, a member of our team will review your estimate, so you'll know exactly what you’ll have to pay before committing to anything. Rest assured, you won't be surprised by any hidden fees.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making
You can't put a price on the benefits of an attractive smile. You'll boost your self-esteem because you'll look younger, happier, successful, and confident. You won't be embarrassed by unattractive teeth in social settings. You'll also be more appealing to potential employers. Sometimes, you can even improve your oral health to reduce your overall dental expenses to save money down the road.
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
We will review your payment options during your consultation to find the solutions you need to keep a stunning smile within your budget, including:
If you have questions about your payment options, or you're ready to schedule your consultation, contact our office today.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
After reading the information above, you may be considering cosmetic dentistry to enhance your smile. Of course, you likely want to know a few more details before committing to treatment. Dr. Parker and the rest of our team want you to be as well-informed as possible, which is why we’ve decided to answer some frequently asked questions below. Should you not find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us for personal assistance!
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Since cosmetic dentistry primarily consists of elective procedures, most dental insurance plans won’t cover it. However, there are exceptions to this guideline. If you’re getting a dental crown for restorative purposes, it could be partially covered by insurance. Gum recontouring may also qualify for coverage if an infection was previously present in the gums. Make sure you confirm the details of your policy with an insurance provider before moving forward with treatment. If needed, our team can help with this step!
How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most patients that are unhappy with their smiles can likely benefit from cosmetic dentistry. While the only way to know for sure whether or not it’s right for you is by attending a consultation, you may be an ideal treatment candidate if you suffer from the following:
- Stained or Discolored Teeth – Professional teeth whitening can make your smile several shades brighter in no time!
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth – You can hide these issues with veneers or metal-free restorations.
- Misaligned or Misshapen Teeth – Not only can veneers hide chips or cracks, but they can also address mild dental misalignment and gaps.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
It depends on the type of cosmetic dental treatment you choose. Each one has different methods and effects, which means they’ll also have varying lifespans. Services like teeth whitening and dental bonding are quick and easy, but the results aren’t as long-lasting. You may need frequent touch-ups after just a few years. On the other hand, veneers and dental crowns have the ability to last decades with proper maintenance.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
Not at all! We understand you may be hesitant to transform your smile because you’re worried about the pain, but these procedures are actually much more comfortable than you’d think. Dr. Parker will make sure you’re as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Fortunately, that’s easy to do since non-invasive treatments (like whitening and bonding) don’t even require a local anesthetic. Even more invasive treatments (like veneers) aren’t painful! You might experience some post-treatment discomfort, but it can easily be managed with cold compresses and over-the-counter pain medication.