Cosmetic Dentist Los Gatos
Unlock Your Smile’s Dazzling True Potential
Your smile is often the first feature that people will notice, meaning you likely want your teeth to look healthy, clean, and beautiful – and cosmetic dentistry in Los Gatos can help you achieve this!
Dr. Herrera and our team offer a wide range of cosmetic dental treatments that can tackle all kinds of aesthetic issues, no matter how longstanding or numerous. To learn more about how we can help you unlock your smile’s true potential, contact our office today!
Why Choose Cristina Herrera, DDS for Cosmetic Dentistry?
- Digital Dental Technology Ensures Optimal Results
- Cosmetic Dentist with 25+ Years of Experience
- Flexible Dental Financing Available
Veneers
Veneers are one of the more flexible cosmetic treatments that we offer. They’re capable of addressing a very vast umbrella of issues, including chipped or cracked teeth, misshapen or undersized teeth, stubborn areas of staining, or even crooked teeth.
They are small coverings made from porcelain that are shaded and shaped to fit over the outer surfaces of the teeth being treated. Keep in mind that the method for placing them requires slight alteration to the existing tooth; however, this ensures the veneers look natural and last for as long as possible.
Metal-Free Restorations
Made from durable, beautiful materials like porcelain, zirconia, and others, these crowns and fillings are also temperature-resistant and surprisingly natural-looking. Not to mention, they have the potential to last for years with the right care, meaning that you’re getting a solution that doesn’t just look great – it also promotes your future oral health!
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is one of the most useful treatments around; its applications are practically endless when it comes to addressing minor flaws in teeth. It involves Dr. Herrera applying a small amount of composite resin to the tooth in question, molding and shaping it over any present issues, and smoothing it out to ensure it looks natural. It’s also shaded to match your surrounding smile, and it’s hardened using a special curing light. It can endure for several years before needing to be quickly touched up or reapplied.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign has taken the world of modern dentistry by storm, giving patients a reliable option for achieving straighter, more aesthetically pleasing smiles without having to commit to traditional orthodontic solutions like metal braces.
Relying on custom-fitted clear aligners rather than metal brackets and wires, Invisalign applies gradual pressure to teeth to move them into more ideal positions. Perhaps the most obvious benefit of Invisalign is the fact that the aligners are removable, allowing patients to enjoy their regular diets. They’re also made from special clear plastic, meaning they’re hardly noticeable compared to metal braces.
Teeth Whitening
If you’ve ever wanted a whiter and brighter smile, you aren’t alone – most people aren’t born with naturally white teeth, not to mention, countless people consume beverages like coffee and soda, which are known to cause dental discoloration.
Whether your stains have always been there, or you’ve accumulated them over time, teeth whitening can help! Dr. Herrera is thrilled to offer Zoom! in-office whitening in addition to take-home kits. Both of these options can boost the whiteness of your smile tenfold, so whether you prefer to come in and have us handle things, or you’d like to gradually whiten on your own schedule from home, a confidence-inspiring grin is on the horizon!
Smile Makeovers
Is your smile suffering from numerous aesthetic issues? You might be the perfect candidate for a smile makeover.
This normally involves several different cosmetic and restorative procedures working in unison. The main goal is to streamline, consolidate, and personalize treatment as much as possible, allowing your smile to be improved in a timely, costly, and effective manner. We’re thrilled to utilize digital smile design for this process to ensure that you’re able to see the positive direction your smile is headed.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Do you want to pursue your dream smile, but are interested in learning more about the cost first? If so, this next section is for you! Below, we’re covering some important information on the topic, including why it’s worth investing your time and money into cosmetic dentistry. Of course, you’re always welcome to schedule a consultation with us too!
Which Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?
This is a question we will answer at your consultation! Once we know all about your unique dental needs and smile goals, we can review your treatment options as well as the price of each. In the meantime, here’s some important information to keep in mind:
- Metal-Free Restorations – Metal-free restorations are great at restoring the look, health, and function of a compromised tooth. Not only that, but they are usually partially covered by dental insurance providers!
- Cosmetic Bonding – This cosmetic dental treatment is a great option for minor imperfections, like chips, especially since it’s one of the most cost-effective treatments and can be completed in a single visit.
- Veneers – Veneers typically require a higher upfront investment, especially if you are getting 10+. That said, they still can be a great option for your wallet since they can last for over a decade with proper care.
- Teeth Whitening – Professional whitening treatments certainly cost more than store-bought kits, but they are also safer and considerably more effective. So, if you want a healthy and beautiful smile, it’s worth the investment.
- Invisalign – Like veneers, Invisalign requires a higher upfront investment than some of the other treatments on this list. However, the results of your orthodontic treatment can last for a lifetime with proper care, like wearing your retainer every night while you sleep.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making – Here’s Why
If you’re still on the fence about whether or not to pursue your dream smile, it’s important to know the benefits go far beyond appearance. While treatments like cosmetic bonding and veneers can certainly give you a gorgeous grin, they can also fix chips, gaps, and other imperfections that can negatively impact your oral health.
It’s also worth noting that several studies have found that a beautiful smile can positively impact your professional success and love life!
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
There are some dental insurance providers that cover a portion of the cost of treatments that fall under the cosmetic umbrella, like metal-free restorations and Invisalign. If you are uninsured at the moment, that’s okay – we welcome CareCredit! This third-party financier allows you to space out the cost of your care into smaller, more manageable chunks that fit within your monthly budget.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
While cosmetic dental treatment plans can become quite costly at times, this is not the case for every patient. The pricey reputation of cosmetic dentistry may come from the fact that insurance policies do not usually offer coverage for aesthetic procedures since they are not considered medically necessary, which means that most patients will have to pay out of pocket. While enhancing your grin may seem expensive at first, it’s important to consider the many ways in which having a beautiful smile can improve your quality of life. In fact, many patients find that having a grin they can proudly show off makes it easier to leave excellent first impressions at work, which can lead to lucrative opportunities such as a juicy new job or a promotion.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Covered by Insurance?
Since cosmetic dental treatments are generally considered elective procedures that are medically unnecessary, most dental insurance plans do not cover them. However, your plan may offer some coverage if your treatment provides oral health benefits, such as when veneers or metal-free crowns are used to restore and protect damaged teeth. If your plan covers orthodontic services, it may pay for some of your Invisalign treatment. In these cases, the policy will usually cover the treatment by 50% to 80%, but the actual rate depends on the details of your insurance policy. We’ll be happy to help you understand what your plan will pay for during your consultation at our office in Los Gatos.
How Do I Know If I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?
If you aren’t completely happy with your smile, you may be an excellent candidate for cosmetic dentistry. While store-bought teeth whitening products can lead to lackluster or unsightly results or even injuries due to user error, professional treatments at our Los Gatos office can reliably deliver spectacular outcomes in brief timeframes. Enamel damage such as chips and cracks can leave a tooth more vulnerable to infection, and placing a veneer or a metal-free crown is often a great way to restore compromised dental structure. Cosmetic dentistry can also be an excellent option for those who wish to look younger since these procedures can conceal age-related defects and take years or even decades off your smile. However, the only way to know which treatments you qualify for is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Herrera so she can evaluate your oral health and determine the best way to achieve your goals for your smile.
What Causes Dental Stains and Discoloration?
A few common causes of dental staining and discoloration include:
- Foods and beverages: Excessive consumption of items that are heavy with dyes, pigments, tannins, acids, or sugars can lead to unsightly stains. A few items to enjoy in moderation include tea, red wine, cola, coffee, berries, dark sauces, and colorful candies.
- Tobacco: Chewing or smoking tobacco exposes your gums and teeth to noxious chemicals that can leave unsightly dental stains.
- Age: Older teeth may have thinner enamel due to more years of wear and tear, and this can make them appear yellowish.
- Injury: A severe dental injury can cause a tooth to darken.
- Antibiotics: Using tetracycline antibiotics during childhood can lead to permanent dental discoloration.