Are you unhappy with the appearance of your natural smile? What could a smile makeover do for your confidence?
Dr. Ken Schweifler provides cosmetic dentistry in Los Altos, CA, Mountain View, CA, and the surrounding communities. He offers a full range of cosmetic dental treatments to address aesthetic concerns and any underlying dental health issues that could be causing your problem.
Dr. Schweifler is a highly trained dentist in Mountain View with an advanced skill set in the treatment of complex dental concerns and aesthetic issues. The first step is to schedule an appointment to discuss your needs and desires and explore treatment options.
Cosmetic Dentistry: What are the options?
Cosmetic or aesthetic dentistry refers to treatments and procedures designed to change the appearance of your smile. They can include:
- Professional teeth whitening: Dr. Schweifler offers safe, effective, and lasting teeth whitening for a more youthful looking smile.
- Tooth bonding: a conservative treatment option, tooth bonding can be used to repair damaged teeth, change the color of a tooth, or fill in gaps between teeth.
- Porcelain veneers: made of high-quality, ultra-thin ceramic, porcelain veneers can be highly customized to meet your needs and are considered a permanent restoration.
- Dental crowns: a dental crown can be placed to change the shape or color of a tooth.
- Invisalign: short term orthodontics using clear aligners can straighten crooked teeth and improve your bite function.
A personalized treatment plan based on your cosmetic goals may consist of one or more of these treatment options. Dr. Schweifler will take the time to fully evaluate all aspects of your teeth, gums, and jaw joints. If there are underlying problems that could compromise the integrity of your result, addressing these will be part of the overall treatment plan. A healthy and stable smile is a beautiful smile.
Changing Smiles, Improving Lives
A smile makeover can improve many things for patients who have dental health problems, aesthetic concerns, and a lack of confidence in their smile. Dr. Schweifler strives to help patients seeking cosmetic dental treatments with a comprehensive approach that will serve as a foundation for a successful and lasting outcome. In many cases, treating only the “symptoms” or surface concerns and not addressing underlying problems can lead to a breakdown of your dentistry over time.
A smile makeover with Dr. Schweifler is designed to stabilize and improve your oral health, deliver the smile aesthetics you desire, and give you the ability to smile with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
We have answers to some of the questions about some of our cosmetic dentistry treatments.
How many shades lighter can my teeth become with professional whitening?
Professional whitening treatment can make your teeth up to 12 shades lighter. The exact result depends on factors like your original tooth color, the type of stains, and the whitening method used. In-office treatments often provide more dramatic and faster results compared to at-home options.
Does bonding prevent cavities?
Bonding itself doesn’t prevent cavities, but it can help protect vulnerable areas of a tooth. The resin used in bonding covers exposed or damaged areas. This reduces the risk of decay in those spots. However, other parts of the tooth can still develop cavities. Overall, maintaining good oral hygiene remains essential to prevent cavities.
Can porcelain veneers be used to fix crooked teeth?
You can use porcelain veneers to fix mildly crooked teeth. Veneers cover the front surface of the teeth, creating the appearance of a straighter smile. They work well for minor misalignments or spacing issues. However, they do not correct the actual position of the teeth. Orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners are usually better for more severe misalignment. Dr. Schweifler can help determine if veneers are suitable for your needs.
Is a dental cap the same as a crown?
A dental cap and a crown are the same things. Both terms refer to a cover placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. We commonly use crowns after root canals and on broken teeth. We also use them to protect teeth with large fillings. Whether you call it a cap or crown, the purpose and function remain the same.
How much tooth do I need for a crown?
Generally, a dental crown needs at least 2 millimeters or about one-quarter of the natural tooth structure. This is usually the minimum amount required for the crown to have enough surface area to bond securely to the tooth. If there is less tooth structure available, we may need to use additional techniques to build up the tooth before placing a crown.
Can you get Invisalign with missing teeth?
Yes, you can generally get Invisalign even if you have missing teeth. However, the treatment plan may need to be customized to address the gaps and ensure proper alignment. Sometimes, dentists and orthodontists may recommend replacing the missing teeth before or after Invisalign treatment for best results.