Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry in Downtown Los Angeles
Artistry and technology, applied to one particular smile.
Dental imperfections make people hesitant to smile, and that shows up in both personal and professional life. Smile LA Downtown Modern Dentistry offers the full range of cosmetic treatment — professional whitening, custom porcelain veneers, clear aligners and bonding for gaps and chips — tailored rather than templated.
The preview
See the result before you commit
Every cosmetic plan here starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health, because a cosmetic result built on an unhealthy foundation does not stay good for long. Only then do we design the appearance. Detailed wax-up models, digital imaging and smile design tools let us show you a preview of the outcome before treatment begins, so the conversation happens over a picture of your own mouth rather than a description of someone else’s. That is usually the point at which it becomes clear how much work a result actually needs. Many of these procedures — bonding and veneers among them — are minimally invasive, need little or no preparation, and involve very little downtime.
Where to start
What would you change?
Most people arrive with one thing they would change rather than a procedure in mind. This is the map from the complaint to the treatment that addresses it.
- Chipped or rough spots Dental bonding restores a smooth, natural appearance with tooth-colored composite resin. See cosmetic bonding.
- Damaged teeth Porcelain crowns, inlays or onlays rebuild teeth with significant wear, fractures or decay. See crowns.
- Uneven or misshapen teeth Recontouring and porcelain veneers reshape them into a more balanced smile.
- Stained or yellow teeth Professional whitening or veneers. See teeth whitening.
- Old metal fillings Replaced with tooth-colored restorations for a seamless look. See fillings.
- Gaps between teeth Orthodontics, veneers or bonding close them, depending on the gap.
- Crooked teeth Veneers create the appearance of straighter teeth immediately; Invisalign straightens them over time.
- A gummy smile or uneven gum line Laser gum contouring reshapes the gum line gently.
- Missing teeth Dental implants restore beauty and function together. See implants.
Often one or two visits
A stunning new smile does not have to mean a long series of long appointments. A number of these procedures can be completed in one or two visits, using digital imaging and in-office technology to keep quality high and disruption low. Where more is involved, see complete smile makeover and full mouth reconstruction.
Cost
Everything is tailored to your goals and your budget, and we say what a plan costs before it is scheduled. See financing and insurance.
More of what cosmetic treatment can fix
- Cracked teeth Advanced bonding techniques can repair cracks and restore strength, shape and function.
- A misaligned bite Invisalign offers a comfortable, discreet solution for correcting bite issues, improving both appearance and oral health.
- Overcrowding Alongside work to close gaps between teeth, cosmetic dentistry can correct overcrowding and reshape teeth for a more balanced appearance.
- Old metallic restorations Outdated metal fillings and crowns can be updated with tooth-colored restorations for a seamless, natural look.
What can be done in a visit or two
Modern cosmetic dentistry makes it easier than ever to transform your smile, often in just a few comfortable visits. Same-day options include dental bonding to close gaps or repair chips, professional teeth whitening for a brighter smile, gum recontouring for a more balanced appearance, and same-day dental crowns for full tooth restorations.
What the consultation is for
The aim of the first evaluation is to understand your unique smile goals and to explore the cosmetic options that will help you achieve the look you envision. Seeing a preview of your potential results lets you make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you are closing gaps, brightening your smile or reshaping your teeth, the plan is tailored to your needs, lifestyle and budget.
Cost and insurance
The cost of cosmetic dentistry varies depending on the specific procedure and the complexity of your case. Many cosmetic dental procedures are considered elective and may or may not be covered by dental insurance. You will receive a clear, detailed estimate for all recommended procedures, including any applicable codes you may need for insurance inquiries or reimbursement. See financing and insurance.
The short answer
Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry concerned with improving the appearance of the teeth and gums. Common treatments include professional whitening, porcelain veneers, composite bonding, tooth recontouring, laser gum contouring and clear aligners, each matched to what a person wants to change about their smile. Every plan starts with an evaluation of the teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health, and many of these treatments can be completed in one or two visits.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ
- Can I see what my smile will look like first?
- Yes — detailed wax-up models, digital imaging and smile design tools are used to preview the result before treatment begins. The preview is of your own mouth, so the conversation happens over a picture rather than a description of someone else’s result. It is usually also the point at which it becomes clear how much work a result actually needs. That means the decision is made with the picture in front of you.
- How long does cosmetic treatment take?
- Many cosmetic procedures can be completed in one or two visits. Digital imaging and in-office technology are what keep the number of appointments down while keeping quality high. More extensive work, such as a complete smile makeover or full mouth reconstruction, is staged. Your plan sets out the timeline for your own treatment.
- Which treatment closes a gap between my teeth?
- A gap can be closed with orthodontics, porcelain veneers or dental bonding, depending on the size of the gap. Veneers close a gap by changing the appearance of the teeth immediately, while orthodontics such as Invisalign moves the teeth themselves over time. Which is right also depends on what else you want to change about your smile, and that is settled at the evaluation.
- What can be done about a gummy smile?
- A gummy smile or uneven gum line is treated with laser gum contouring, which gently reshapes the gum line. The aim is a more balanced smile, with the gum line sitting evenly across the teeth. Like every cosmetic plan here, it starts with an evaluation of the gums and overall oral health, so the reshaping is built on a healthy foundation.
- Is cosmetic work invasive?
- Many cosmetic procedures are minimally invasive, including bonding and porcelain veneers. They need little or no preparation and involve very little downtime. How much work your result actually needs becomes clear at the preview stage, before anything is scheduled.
- Do you check my oral health first?
- Always — every cosmetic plan starts with a comprehensive evaluation of your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health. A cosmetic result built on an unhealthy foundation does not stay good for long, so the health of the mouth comes before the appearance. Only then does the smile design and preview stage begin.
