Are you happy with the look of your teeth and smile? Do you smile confidently, or are you reluctant to fully reveal your inner spirit? Dr. Ken Schweifler provides cosmetic dentistry in Los Altos, CA. He has the experience you need to create a beautiful and lasting smile.
Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of teeth. Still, we do not limit cosmetic treatments to teeth whitening, dental fillings, and porcelain veneers. Cosmetic dental care can improve the overall health of your smile, too.
We believe how people perceive themselves is important and influences their overall health. We also believe that how you feel when you show your smile is more important than how your mouth looks. Negative feelings toward one’s oral appearance can harm one’s self-esteem. It can even cause a person to resist revealing their utmost beauty, especially if they loathe smiling at full capacity.
Cosmetic Dental Services in Los Altos, CA from Dr. Ken Schweifler
Dr. Schweifler aims to provide his patients with effective cosmetic dental care options. Our cosmetic dental clinic in Los Altos helps improve the look of teeth and the stability of your bite. Not to mention, it can raise your self-esteem!
We can transform spaces, chips, or irregularly shaped teeth into ideal proportions and colors. Our office can also whiten stained teeth to make them look brighter and more vibrant. Our cosmetic dental treatments incorporate treatments that may span dental disciplines, such as restorative dentistry.
We will help you achieve your oral health goals and address any underlying dental concerns. Learn about our cosmetic dentistry procedures below.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening at the dentist is a non-invasive, inexpensive way to whiten teeth and makeover your smile. We take impressions (molds) of your teeth to create custom-fitting plastic bleaching trays. They will fit snugly over your teeth and hold the whitening gel in place. You can perform the bleaching conveniently at home. You will see results over 1-2 weeks.
A dental professional can also provide in-office teeth whitening, which can take 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete. Learn more about professional teeth whitening.
White Dental Fillings
White fillings are just like traditional amalgam fillings but contain different materials. Traditional amalgam fillings contain mercury and other silver, copper, and tin metals. Simply replacing a single silver filling or metal crown with a tooth-colored one provides an instant smile makeover. It also offers superior protection against decay. To create a seamless fit, we match our white composite fillings to the surrounding tooth structure.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a system of clear aligners that gently move teeth to a straighter position. We can use this treatment on adults and teens with mild to moderate tooth misalignment. Invisalign slowly moves teeth into the right position without wires or brackets. The result is a straight and beautiful smile in less time than it would take with traditional braces. Learn more about Invisalign.
Porcelain Veneers and Crowns
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that your dentist bonds to the front of the teeth. Veneers can change teeth’s shape, size, length, and color. We provide custom high-quality ceramic veneers. the strong shells transform your smile and overall look in about two visits. Learn more about porcelain veneers.
Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that repairs a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth. The procedure uses a tooth-colored composite resin to fill in gaps and cover the front surface of teeth. We can use bonding to close spaces between teeth, repair chips or cracks, and improve the look of crooked teeth. The dentist will place a composite resin on the tooth and shape it by hand. Learn more about tooth bonding.
Patient Review
Why Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most people seek cosmetic dental care because they are unhappy with their smile. However, cosmetic dental problems are usually caused by underlying oral health issues. We also want to treat the underlying oral health problems when approaching cosmetic dental issues. We don’t just want to mask the issues.
Crooked teeth are a good example. Beyond the way they look, misaligned teeth are harder to clean. Overlapping surfaces create tight spaces that a toothbrush can struggle to reach, which raises your risk for tooth decay and gum disease over time. Even our specialized dental tools may not be able to reach them. Even though you’re taking care of your teeth properly, you’re still at high risk for tooth decay and gum disease.
Crooked teeth make your bite uneven, too. When your bite comes together, the pressure is distributed evenly across your teeth. But when your teeth are crooked, the pressure doesn’t distribute evenly. Certain teeth take on more pressure than others. These teeth wear down faster than the rest and are more likely to break or chip. You’ll then have to look into restorative solutions to fix these problems.
An uneven bite is one of the main causes of TMJ disorders. The jaw isn’t tracking smoothly because the bite doesn’t come together properly. The small disc inside the jaw joint begins to wear down, causing pain and functional problems. Pain and tension extend throughout the jaw, head, face, and neck.
All of these things can stem from the crooked teeth you’re insecure about. Especially in the long term, they can all harm your health and peace of mind.
The Smile Makeover Process
Dr. Schweifler works with patients on an individual basis to create mouths that are natural-looking and healthy. The process of creating a smile makeover starts with a thorough dental exam. First, we will look for problems that could impact the integrity of your result.
Dr. Schweifler will ensure that your personal treatment plan results in a beautiful new smile that functions comfortably. The results will support your long-term oral health and wellness.
Consultation
A one-on-one conversation with Dr. Schweifler is the first step in your journey toward the smile you desire. This is the opportunity to openly share your concerns about the shape of a tooth, teeth, or entire mouth:
Dr. Schweifler will provide many options. They can range from conservative and inexpensive to more elaborate and complex.
Mock-Up
Dr. Schweifler can create a unique Smile Design 3D Blueprint in wax-on-stone models of your teeth. This gives you a realistic preview of your results before any treatment begins.
Temporary
We can make highly aesthetic temporary restorations from this wax design if available. This will let you “test drive” your new smile design. Before proceeding to the final phase, we will ensure you are happy with the look, function, and comfort.
Dr. Schweifler works closely with a trusted network of master ceramists and dental technicians in the area. He is selective about who he partners with, choosing only those who share his commitment to quality and precision. That means the materials and craftsmanship going into your restoration meet the same high standards he holds for his own work.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Do you have more questions for us? We’ll be happy to help. Read answers to commonly asked questions about cosmetic dentistry services in Los Altos, CA.
What dental issues can cosmetic dentistry address?
Cosmetic dentistry can fix or disguise any issues you have with your teeth. These cosmetic issues can include:
- Crooked teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Stained teeth
- Missing teeth
- Tooth gaps
- Worn teeth
What’s the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on preventative care to maintain your oral health. It tries to keep your mouth as healthy as possible with minimally invasive maneuvers to prevent serious conditions that require intensive work and cost. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetics of your smile. We want you to have a smile you’re proud to show off that’s healthy and functional.
What’s the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure?
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic treatment. Everyone deals with discolored teeth at some point in their lives. Professional teeth whitening isn’t an invasive procedure, is more affordable, and is something almost everyone is eligible for.
Is cosmetic dentistry permanent?
No cosmetic dental treatment is completely permanent. Tooth whitening results can last anywhere from a few months to a few years. Porcelain veneers are a longer-lasting option for 10-15 years or more.
While clear braces offer what’s the closest to a permanent solution, there’s upkeep required to keep it that way. Your teeth will still shift and move if you aren’t wearing your retainer as directed.
Will my dental insurance cover my cosmetic dental treatments?
Most insurance plans cover care that is considered essential to your oral health, such as cleanings, exams, and fillings. Cosmetic treatments are generally viewed as elective, meaning insurance companies consider them a personal choice rather than a medical necessity. Because of that, most plans do not cover them.
That said, there are exceptions. If a cosmetic procedure also addresses an underlying health issue, part of the cost may be covered. We are happy to help you review your benefits and figure out what applies to your situation.
How do I know which cosmetic dental treatments are right for me?
You should schedule a consultation with Dr. Schweifler to learn more about our available dental services. Dr. Schweifler is a talented cosmetic dentist who can recommend the appropriate services. He will list your options after listening to you and evaluating your oral health. Then, he will create a treatment plan for your oral health needs, wants, and budget.
Schedule a Cosmetic Consultation
Do you want a brighter and straighter smile? Get cosmetic dentistry in Los Altos, CA, customized to you. Call (650) 489-4620 or request an appointment with Dr. Schweifler online.