Cosmetic Dentistry

Few people have naturally perfect teeth, but today there are many cosmetic dentistry options to help you achieve a smile you can feel confident about. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, Alex Pastel, DDS, and Megan Morrow, DDS, at Pastel Dental can help. They specialize in treatments such as same-day crowns, dental implants, bridges, and veneers at their practice in the Laurel Heights neighborhood of San Francisco, California.

FAQs

Everything you need to know about dental care

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is all about enhancing your smile by improving the appearance of your teeth. The team at Pastel Dental uses a number of techniques within cosmetic dentistry, including:

Crowns

Crowns are replacement teeth that fit on top of a remaining natural tooth or a dental implant.

Bridges

Bridges replace one or more lost teeth by attaching an artificial tooth to teeth on either side of the space.

Veneers

Veneers are thin artificial covers for the front of your teeth.

Composite fillings

Composite fillings match the shade of your natural teeth.

Dental implants

Implants are posts fixed into your jawbone that provide a permanent root for replacing missing teeth.

Porcelain inlays and onlays

Inlays fit in the top of your tooth, and onlays cover the top.

Teeth cleaning

Professional teeth cleaning removes all traces of tartar from your teeth.

Teeth whitening

Teeth-whitening products make your teeth look whiter and healthier.

Many cosmetic dentistry treatments are also restorative, so you benefit from stronger teeth, better function, and the elimination of pain, as well as improving your smile.

Which cosmetic dentistry options are best for me?

In addition to the number of cosmetic dentistry options available, there are also different methods of carrying out these procedures. To select the optimal combination of treatments, the team at Pastel Dental works closely with you to design a personalized plan suited to your requirements. The first step is a consultation and dental exam, which may include having digital X-rays or undergoing other screening procedures. Your dentist can identify any problems like gum disease or tooth decay that need addressing before discussing the most suitable cosmetic dentistry options with you.

How should I prepare for cosmetic dentistry?

The preparation involved for each cosmetic dentistry procedure can vary depending on what you’re having done and factors like your age and general health. It’s important to receive treatment for issues like gum disease before undergoing cosmetic dentistry. If you smoke, try to stop – not only does nicotine stain your teeth, which could affect your results, but smoking also reduces blood supply and could affect the healing process.