When you catch a glimpse of your smile in the mirror, are you dismayed by obvious discoloration or damage? You don’t have to let your grin’s imperfections cause your self-esteem to decline. Instead, let us give you a beautiful, custom-tailored smile that has all the traits that you want. With veneers, teeth whitening, direct bonding, and many other options for cosmetic dentistry from our Burien, WA dentist, we’re able to correct a wide variety of smile flaws so you no longer have to feel embarrassed when you let your excitement or happiness show.
If you’re unhappy with your smile for a variety of reasons, like staining, gaps, chips, and cracks, then veneers may be a great solution to enhance your grin. This treatment is incredibly versatile and can address all of the imperfections listed above, plus more. Each veneer is custom-crafted for an individual tooth. They’re thin, durable shields that fit over the visible portion of your teeth to conceal flaws and create a complete and beautiful smile.
Lumineers are able to provide similar results as porcelain veneers, and we typically recommend them to patients who don’t want to commit to veneers. With veneers, a small portion of your enamel will need to be removed to accommodate the thickness of the restorations. If you get Lumineers, no alteration of your permanent teeth is necessary because they’re so thin. This allows us to bond them directly to your natural teeth to conceal flaws.
At Seahurst Park Dentistry of Burien, we offer metal-free restorations so you won’t have to choose between having a beautiful or healthy smile. We offer zirconia and E-MAX dental crowns that mimic the natural appearance of enamel while still being extremely durable . Our metal-free restorations are also safer on the gums and won’t cause issues like dental sensitivity or permanent discoloration like traditional crowns and fillings.
Did you break or chip a tooth, leaving your smile looking unsymmetrical? Direct bonding is a cost-effective, fast, and completely natural-looking cosmetic solution that can restore the original appearance of damaged teeth. Dr. Thomas will use a putty-like composite resin to reform the missing portion of your tooth. After curing and texturizing it, the resin will be virtually indistinguishable from the existing tooth structure, providing it with protection from further harm while also making your smile look complete.
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If you’re tired of using store-bought teeth whitening products that always make big promises but never deliver, our professional take-home teeth whitening kit is perfect for you. It contains customized whitening trays and a highly concentrated bleaching gel to provide you with noticeable results in as little as two weeks. Plus, you won’t have to worry about our gel being bad for your teeth, because we only use products that have been extensively tested and proven to be safe.
If you want straighter teeth but dislike the idea of getting traditional braces, ask us about clear aligners. This subtle and convenient treatment can gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions — all without the use of annoying brackets and wires. All you have to do is wear the aligners for 20 – 22 hours each day and follow other easy treatment instructions. Within a matter of months, you should begin to notice results.
At Seahurst Park Dentistry, we realize that knowing the price of treatment may play a role in your decision to improve your smile. However, we can’t estimate how much certain procedures will cost until Dr. Thomas has had the chance to examine you in person in a consultation. After discussing your goals and available options, together you can find the right treatment(s) that’ll give you the results you want at a price point you can afford.
The price of your treatment depends on the procedure(s) you need to accomplish your smile goals. During your consultation, we can review your treatment options and talk about how we can make your dream a reality.
At first, you may wonder whether making cosmetic adjustments to your smile would be worth spending money on. However, keep in mind that having a beautiful smile can be a life-changing investment. Not only can you not feel less self-conscious about showing your teeth, but you can have more confidence in various situations, potentially leading to more opportunities at work and in your social life. You’re sure to find, like all our cosmetic patients, that having a winning smile is an investment that pays off over and over again.
Although most cosmetic dental are considered elective and are not included in insurance benefits, there are a couple of exceptions. For instance, correcting misalignment with clear aligners may be covered. Even if you must pay for your cosmetic procedure(s) out-of-pocket, we can help in your application for financing with CareCredit. This company enables you to have work done and pay for treatment over time, instead of a one-time sum. As a result, nearly all procedures can be arranged to fit in your budget.
Perhaps because cosmetic dentistry originated with veneers that were made for a movie star, many people are under the impression that it’s too costly for them to afford. Thankfully, that’s not necessarily the case. Although most dental insurance plans don’t cover services intended to improve your appearance, that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. Ongoing advancements to dental tools and technology have led to services that are much more affordable and accessible.
Furthermore, our team believes that you can’t put a price on the confidence and peace of mind that comes with addressing aesthetic concerns in your smile. If you’re worried about paying for your elected procedures, you might benefit from our in-house membership plan. For a low monthly fee, you gain access to cleanings, images, and discounts on services (including cosmetics) without a deductible or waiting period.
As long as a trained professional is providing your services, then yes, cosmetic dentistry is considered safe for most patients. That said, there are some circumstances in which a particular procedure may not be right for you. Before proceeding, you must schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas so he can examine your current condition and update your medical history. This ensures that our team doesn’t recommend any procedures or medications that negatively impact your overall health.
Anyone who isn’t 100% satisfied with the appearance of their grin can potentially benefit from one or more cosmetic services. For example, if you’re frustrated by darkly tinted teeth that don’t respond to store-bought products, we can help. We offer take-home kits that include professional-grade bleaching gels and custom-fitted trays for optimal results from the comfort of your living room.
Those with chipped or cracked teeth can address their aesthetic concerns with options like dental bonding or veneers. The former utilizes tooth-colored composite resin that’s applied to your tooth to fill in the damage area, then is bonded to your enamel with a special curing light. The latter consists of thin, ceramic shells that are customized to be just the right shape, size, and shade. These are cemented to the front surface of your pearly whites to mask imperfections.
The longevity of your upgraded grin can depend on the procedures you underwent and how well you take care of your teeth and gums. Some services, like veneers, can last 15+ years and are easily maintained by brushing and flossing twice daily. Others, like teeth whitening, may only last 6 months to 3 years, and may require follow-up appointments to maintain your desired tone.
If you have completed Invisalign treatment, you can potentially enjoy your recently straightened smile for the remainder of your natural life, though you may be required to wear a retainer for a designated period. This oral appliance ensures that your teeth stay in their new positions long enough for the muscles and ligaments in your mouth to fully adjust to the change.