Harrisonburg's Cosmetic Dentist

Invisalign® Clear Braces

Are you an adult who would love to straighten your crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, but you can’t imagine going to work or seeing friends with a mouthful of metal braces? If so, you could benefit from using Invisalign.

Rather than relying on brackets and wires, Invisalign utilizes a series of custom-made clear plastic aligner trays to gently straighten the teeth. All a patient has to do is wear each one as directed in order to achieve their desired orthodontic improvements. It’s that simple!

Adult patients love Invisalign because the trays themselves are practically invisible on the teeth, meaning they can smile confidently during treatment knowing no one will notice them. Plus, the trays are easily removable, so they can be taken off whenever a person needs to eat or brush their teeth. With Invisalign, you can get the straighter smile you’ve always wanted in the most discreet, comfortable, and effective way possible.

Learn more about Invisalign

Metal-Free Restorations

When one of your front teeth has become damaged, a noticeably unnatural crown isn't your only option. For these particular teeth, our dentists can use a more elegant and natural-looking solution. With Emax all-porcelain crowns, we'll give you a tooth that blends in seamlessly with your other teeth and is strong enough to bite into an apple. With this solution, it won’t feel like you’ve gotten your tooth repaired—it will feel like you’ve gotten your original tooth back!

Teeth Whitening

Are your teeth looking a bit dull and discolored? Everyday factors like coffee, wine, tobacco, aging, and even genetics can leave your smile not looking its brightest. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening treatments are able to quickly and effectively turn back the clock and give patients a stunningly white smile again.

If you’re looking to achieve lightning-fast results, we can give you a fast in-office treatment using the Opalescence Boost System. However, if you’d prefer to whiten in the comfort of your own home, custom-made kits are available as well. These kits are stronger and safer than anything you’ll find on store shelves or at the local pharmacy. 

When you come in for your six month checkup and cleaning, don’t forget to ask us about our Whitening for Life program!

Learn more about Teeth Whitening

Porcelain Veneers

If your smile has multiple imperfections and you don’t know which one to address first, porcelain veneers can help you take care of them all at once! With this one procedure, we can:

• Instantly whiten your teeth
• Fix chips and cracks
• Lengthen short teeth
• Close gaps
• Straighten slightly misaligned teeth

Veneers are extremely thin ceramic coverings that are bonded to the front of the teeth, and they can give you everything from a minor touch-up to a complete smile makeover.

Learn more about Porcelain Veneers

Direct Bonding

Do you have small chips, cracks, or gaps in your smile that throw off its entire look? To get rid of these annoying issues, we have a fast and effective treatment called direct bonding. Your dentist will apply a specially shaded composite resin to your tooth and use it to literally sculpt an addition that's the perfect shape and size to hide the imperfection. After getting your approval and hardening it with a curing light, you’re done! This treatment is so easy that it doesn’t require any anesthetic and can often be completed in less than an hour.

Learn more about Direct Bonding

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Cosmetic dentistry can offer you a multitude of benefits that work to not only improve overall aesthetics but also the health of your smile. Your cosmetic dentist in Harrisonburg uses specialized methods and techniques to transform your teeth into a beautiful work of art. If you are becoming more excited at the notion of seeing a new and improved smile, we understand and are happy to provide it for you, but we also want you to feel confident and comfortable in your decision. To ensure you have all the information you need to move forward with cosmetic dentistry services, we’ve compiled some frequently asked questions you may be interested in reviewing. If once you are finished you have additional questions, we invite you to contact our office.

Will my dental insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?

In most cases, dental insurance will not cover any type of cosmetic dentistry treatment. However, there are situations that fall under the “exceptions” category, such as a necessary cosmetic procedure designed to restore your oral health (i.e. all-ceramic crown).

It is likely, though, that if you are pursuing cosmetic treatment for any other reason, you will be responsible for paying for the procedure. It is important to know that our staff will be happy to assist in helping you find ways to reduce the financial burden. By offering programs such as CareCredit, we can help you get signed up on a monthly payment plan, so your treatment is possible and affordable.

Is my teenager eligible for cosmetic dentistry?

Depending on the particular service, it is possible for your teenager to receive certain cosmetic treatments. Direct bonding, teeth whitening, and Invisalign may all be viable options should our team of dentists believe they can most benefit from these solutions. It will be necessary to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists so they can examine your teen’s smile and determine if cosmetic or restorative treatment is best for their individual needs.

How long will each type of treatment take?

Unfortunately, there is not a single answer to this question. This is dependent upon which type of treatment you receive. If you are pursuing porcelain veneers, you can expect the process to take at least two visits because it will take time for your custom veneers to be created. Other cosmetic treatment timelines include:

• Teeth Whitening: If you prefer to have your teeth whitened in-house, you can expect to see results in as little as an hour. However, if you want to whiten your teeth at home, it can take up to 2 weeks before you see a whiter, brighter smile.
• Direct Bonding: To cover a minor chip or crack, your dentist in Harrisonburg will only need one appointment to do this successfully. The composite resin used it placed immediately onto the enamel and sculpted to cover the imperfection in its entirety. After using a special light to harden the resin, you will be on your way with an improved smile.
• Invisalign: Using clear aligners to straighten your teeth will usually take anywhere from 12-24 months to see results. Depending on the severity of your case, this timeframe can be shorter or longer.
• Metal-Free Restorations: If you’re in need of a filling, expect to have this completed in one appointment. If you require a dental crown or bridge, this will take at least two visits, as your custom prosthetic will need to be created before it is placed.

Am I an eligible candidate for cosmetic dentistry?

While most patients who have cosmetic flaws (i.e. chips, cracks, stains, discoloration, minor gaps, minor misalignments, crooked or misshapen teeth) can pursue cosmetic dentistry, it is important that your oral and overall health is in good condition. If you have periodontal disease (gum disease), tooth decay, or a complex dental issue that requires the help of true restorative services, it may be necessary to address these prior to moving forward with any type of cosmetic procedure.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

Absolutely! Cosmetic dentistry is generally safe when performed by a trained professional. However, not every treatment is suitable for every patient, which is why our team will thoroughly examine your mouth and recommend only the appropriate procedures for you.

Some treatments, like veneers, could pose risks if underlying oral health issues aren't addressed first. Don’t worry – we’ll ensure these problems are managed before beginning any cosmetic work. It's also a good idea to avoid over-the-counter teeth whitening products, as they can damage enamel or irritate gums. Professional whitening, on the other hand, uses safe, clinically tested ingredients.

How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

There are many reasons why patients are not fully confident with their smiles. If you find yourself hiding your teeth every time you laugh or smile, cosmetic dentistry may be an option worth considering. Aesthetic issues like stained or discolored teeth often can't be resolved with over-the-counter products, but professional whitening can provide effective results.

On the other hand, damaged teeth (i.e., chips or cracks) can be addressed with options like veneers or crowns to prevent further harm. To know for sure if cosmetic dentistry is a good fit for you, schedule a consultation with our team for personalized recommendations.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Many patients are concerned about discomfort during cosmetic dental procedures, but our team will ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible! The good news is that most cosmetic dental treatments, like teeth whitening and direct bonding, are non-invasive and typically don’t even require anesthesia.

For more involved procedures, such as veneers where the tooth needs to be reshaped, we’ll numb the area beforehand. Some mild soreness or sensitivity may occur after treatment, but this is usually temporary and subsides within a few days. Overall, cosmetic dentistry is designed to be a painless and positive experience.

What Is the Difference Between a Dentist and a Cosmetic Dentist?

Both general and cosmetic dentists have completed the same foundational dental education, earning a DMD or DDS degree. However, while all dentists focus on maintaining your oral health through preventive services (i.e., exams, fillings, and crowns), cosmetic dentists have dedicated additional training to enhance the appearance of your smile.

Although "cosmetic dentistry" isn't an official specialty like orthodontics, many dentists choose to specialize in this area through continuing education. Cosmetic dentists also bring an artistic touch to their work, focusing on aesthetics to give you a beautiful and natural-looking smile.