At the trusted Mission Viejo dental practice of Dr. Robert Milner, we understand that anything less than a stellar smile can make you feel self-conscious or embarrassed. If you are dismayed by faded, chipped or crooked teeth, we can help you transform your smile into one that you’re proud of. With our cosmetic dentistry treatments, our goal is to help you smile without hesitation.
Dr. Milner offers the following cosmetic dental treatments:
- Teeth whitening to lighten teeth up to eight shades
- Tooth-colored fillings to replace traditional metal (amalgam) fillings
- Porcelain veneers to conceal chips and cracks, and create a uniform smile
- Orthodontics to straighten a crooked, misaligned smile
- Dental bonding to fill in gaps and spaces in between teeth
- Smile makeover to address several dental imperfections and flaws
- Dental implants to replace missing teeth
- Dental bridges to replace missing teeth and improve the look of cracked teeth
- Dental crowns to conceal stains and cracks
What to Expect from Your Cosmetic Dental Appointment
At Dr. Milner’s dental practice, we understand every smile is unique and we carefully design each plan to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient. By personally guiding you through your treatment plan, we can help ensure that your cosmetic dentistry goals are accomplished.
During your initial evaluation, we will thoroughly examine your teeth for chips, stains, gaps and other aesthetic concerns. We will also take X-rays at the time to check your general dental health. Depending on your needs, we may recommend combining two or more cosmetic treatments to achieve a beautiful smile.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry offers a multitude of benefits that extend beyond merely enhancing the aesthetic appeal of one’s smile. Primarily, it boosts self-confidence and self-esteem, allowing individuals to feel more positive about their appearance in both personal and professional settings. This form of dentistry also plays a crucial role in improving oral health. Procedures like veneers protect damaged teeth from further decay, while aligning treatments can correct bite issues, reducing jaw pain and preventing uneven wear on teeth. Moreover, advancements in dental technology have made cosmetic treatments more accessible and comfortable, with options like teeth whitening and dental bonding providing quick and noticeable improvements. Importantly, cosmetic dentistry offers customized solutions tailored to individual needs and preferences, ensuring that each patient can achieve their desired results. Ultimately, the benefits of cosmetic dentistry encompass both functional improvements and the enhancement of one’s overall quality of life through a healthier, more radiant smile.
Costs of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your smile. While the costs can vary depending on the complexity and type of procedure, Dr. Milner’s office is committed to providing transparent pricing and helpful financing options.
Cosmetic Dentistry Results
Duration of results depends on which cosmetic procedures you have selected. Teeth whitening lasts approximately one year before another appointment is suggested. Dental bonding lasts between three and five years. Dental crowns can last about one decade before replacement is appropriate. When properly cared for, porcelain veneers can last nearly two decades. Dr. Milner will discuss how to best preserve the quality of your cosmetic dental results for long-lasting results.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry
What is the difference between general and cosmetic dentistry?
General dentistry services are essential to keeping your mouth clean and healthy, and detecting signs of dental problems in their early stages. In other words, they are services that you need for oral health reasons. Cosmetic dentistry services are optional treatments you elect to have done because you want to improve the appearance of your smile (not necessarily improve the health of your teeth and gums).
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
If you are unhappy with one or more aesthetic elements of your smile (i.e., tooth color, tooth size, spacing of the front teeth), you may be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry treatment. If you have any pre-existing oral health problems, they must be addressed before proceeding with cosmetic treatment.
Can adolescents and teenagers undergo cosmetic dentistry procedures?
Certain cosmetic procedures may be appropriate for adolescents and teenagers depending on their age, whether their teeth have fully developed and their aesthetic goals. If you have a teen that is interested in cosmetic dentistry, it is best to consult with Dr. Milner about the most appropriate course of action.
How quickly can cosmetic dentistry be completed?
It depends on the recommended treatment plan. Some cosmetic dentistry procedures can be completed in a single visit; other procedures require several visits to complete. Talk with Dr. Milner to determine the procedures that are right for you and how many visits it will take to complete those treatments.
Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
Sometimes insurance fully or partially covers certain cosmetic procedures; but most of the time, it does not cover cosmetic treatment at all. Without knowing the details of your individual plan, it is hard to predict whether you qualify for coverage. Consult your insurance provider to determine your coverage and eligibility.
Will my teeth look artificial if I have had cosmetic dentistry?
Dr. Milner’s goal is to create beautiful-looking teeth that appear believably natural. If you are worried that perfectly white teeth will not look genuine, you may choose to go a couple shades less bright for something more plausible. When Dr. Milner performs a cosmetic treatment that improves the appearance of one or a few teeth rather than all of them, he takes extra care to ensure that the teeth match with your other teeth in respect to size and color so that your smile looks consistent throughout.
Can I have cosmetic dentistry if I have cavities or another dental health problem?
Dr. Milner almost always recommends addressing your other dental concerns prior to (or perhaps coinciding with) cosmetic procedures. Since cosmetic procedures are primarily designed to hide aesthetic flaws, they are not meant to improve the health of your smile and in some cases can make treating the health problem more complicated later. Dr. Milner will examine the health of your teeth during an examination to determine that you are a good candidate for cosmetic treatments.
Will cosmetic treatments permanently alter my teeth?
That depends on the treatment. A treatment like porcelain is veneers will because some enamel must be shaved off to make room for the veneers. A treatment like dental bonding simply molds over your existing teeth and can be removed in the future without any damage to your teeth. Dr. Milner will make sure you understand all the long-term details about any procedure you are considering so that you may make an informed decision.
Learn More about Cosmetic Dentistry
If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, Dr. Milner and our dental staff can help brighten your smile. To learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, schedule an appointment today. Please call our Mission Viejo office at 949-859-8899.
