Cosmetic Dental Services in Santa Monica
Have you ever looked in the mirror and wished you could change something about your smile? The expert team at Wilshire Dental is here to help. Dr. Melanie Schlang approaches cosmetic dentistry as a blend of art and science and uses her creativity, coupled with her expertise to give you the smile you desire. We offer gentle, affordable cosmetic enhancements to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile.
At our practice, we love to watch how cosmetic dentistry can change lives. An attractive smile can positively influence your success in both professional and personal interactions. If you live in Wilshire, Brentwood, or any of West Los Angeles communities, call us today and let us help you achieve your dream smile.
CALL US: (310) 829-5181 REQUEST APPOINTMENT
What Does Cosmetic Dentistry Do?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on dental procedures that improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your smile. If your teeth are stained, chipped, misaligned, or have unwanted gaps between them, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your personal needs, budget, and lifestyle.
In addition to providing you with a variety of cosmetic procedures, we also make sure you are comfortable during any treatment. We offer Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) and television screens in every operatory. Cosmetic dental services we provide include:
Invisalign Clear Braces, a Popular Choice Among Adults
You are never too old for a great smile. Adults can straighten their teeth to correct the same issues children and teenagers might have. If you want to have straight teeth but are not willing to wear braces, we have a solution for you! Invisalign is a great way to straighten your teeth discreetly.
The treatment consists of a series of clear, removable orthodontic aligners that move teeth into their proper position gradually without the use of metal or wires. The way your jaw and teeth fit together can dramatically change the appearance of your face, putting more emphasis on some features and diminishing others. Straight teeth create harmony throughout the lower half of your face, bringing symmetry to a confident smile.
Invisalign can treat the following conditions:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Gapped teeth
- Crowded teeth
What Causes Misalignment?
In many cases, crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites are inherited traits. However, we can’t put all the blame on genetics. For example, mouth breathing due to allergies or asthma leads to a posture that contributes to incorrect jaw development. Other causes include injuries, tongue thrusting, and thumb sucking.
Can Anyone Get Invisalign?
We understand that every patient is unique and has individual needs. At your first consultation, Dr. Schlang will examine your mouth and let you know if Invisalign is your best option. If your teeth are severely misaligned, you may need to go through traditional orthodontic treatment.
Which Teeth Whitening Methods Do You Offer?
One of the most requested services at our practice is teeth whitening. For that, we offer convenient techniques to cater to a variety of needs and preferences. We offer Zoom in-office and take-home treatments as well as Opalescence take-home products.
Zoom! In-Office Whitening System
This procedure takes place at our office using Zoom’s hydrogen peroxide whitening gel. Hydrogen peroxide works by breaking apart the carbon bonds that create stains. An adjustable LED light is used to minimize sensitivity and produce the degree of whitening desired. The whole process is carried out in one visit, and typically takes an average of 60 minutes.
Opalescence Take-Home Whitening Kits
For this method, we provide you with professional high-concentration whitening gel and customized dental trays that distribute the whitening solution evenly across your entire smile. The time needed for this procedure depends on the degree of whitening desired.
Which Treatment is Right for Me, In-Office or Take-Home Whitening?
You can make the correct whitening choice with the support of our qualified team of dental professionals. We will help you identify the best treatment depending on your lifestyle and expected results. Picking a treatment involves identifying which teeth need improvement, matching the color of your teeth, and determining how quickly you need the procedure done. Some patients use a combination of both methods. They choose in-office for fast results and then use in-home trays for touch-ups.
Retain Your Bright Smile with Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers are considered a quick way to improve the appearance of your teeth by giving them a brighter color and improving the shape or size. Made of porcelain, veneers are thin covers bonded to the front surface of one or more teeth. They blend in with your smile seamlessly, and they are stain-resistant because of the density and smoothness of the porcelain. Veneers will provide you with a consistent color over the years.
Am I a Good Candidate for Veneers?
Consult with our team to confirm that veneers are the best option for you. The treatment works well to correct:
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Unwanted gaps
- Teeth that need shape or size adjustment
- Severely discolored teeth that won’t respond to whitening
- Minor alignment issues
Veneers can make a big difference in your overall appearance. Dr. Schlang puts a lot of time and effort into designing veneers that compliment your facial symmetry and personality. After we plan your treatment, the targeted teeth will be lightly buffed to make room for the veneer to fit precisely and comfortably. The veneers are then securely bonded into place and cured with a special light. Veneers are easy to care for, just brush, floss, and visit our office at least twice a year for exams and cleanings.
Can Dental Bonding Fix Crooked Teeth?
Yes, if your teeth need a small cosmetic enhancement, and you don’t need to cover the whole surface of a tooth, you are a good candidate for dental bonding. Bonding is a natural colored material used to correct minor chips and stains or slight misalignment.
Unlike porcelain crowns and veneers, dental bonding can be done in one visit. With regular oral health care, bonding can last for many years as an economical way to preserve your natural-looking smile.
Combine Treatments for a Full Smile Makeover
We believe that a bright smile gives you confidence and encourages you to take care of your oral health. Dr. Schlang is known for designing beautiful smiles to compliment your face and personality.
A full smile makeover combines several treatments to get the results you want. Depending on your specific needs and preference, a makeover could include a few fillings and a whitening treatment, or more complex procedures. We can schedule your treatments into manageable sessions to streamline the process and make it more affordable.
Complement Your Smile with Porcelain Crowns
A crown is a fixed prosthetic that covers your tooth to strengthen it and protect it from further damage. Porcelain crowns look natural and are also durable. The dental crown procedure involves:
- Numbing the area with a local anesthesia and preparing the tooth to create enough space for the crown.
- Taking an impression of the prepared tooth to send to our professional lab for fabrication of your custom crown.
- Placing a temporary crown to protect the tooth while waiting for the permanent restoration.
- Cementing the permanent crown and adjusting for comfort.
Composite Fillings
Fillings are one of the simplest restorations used to preserve teeth that have been damaged by decay. Our practice uses amalgam-free composite that blends in naturally with your natural enamel. Fillings can be done in one appointment and can stop decay from progressing.
What are Inlays & Onlays?
Inlays and onlays are restorations used to repair teeth with mild to moderate decay. They are used on a damaged area that is too big for a filling, but not big enough to need a full crown. Both these restorations are fabricated in our professional lab and added to a prepared tooth for a secure and natural-looking restoration.
When Are Dental Bridges Used?
If you have missing teeth, you might consider a dental bridge as one of your options. A bridge consists of two custom crowns placed on two supporting teeth with a prosthetic tooth suspended between them.
Bridges blend with your natural teeth and prevent neighboring teeth from shifting out of alignment. They also restore function allowing you to chew and speak with confidence.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a permanent way to replace a missing tooth from root to crown. With this treatment, a bio-compatible titanium post is surgically placed, and a custom crown is used to complete the restoration.
Implants are very popular because they look and feel natural and they provide the necessary stimulation to your jawbone which helps you maintain a youthful appearance.
Transform Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry in Santa Monica
A beautiful smile can make you feel more confident and improve your oral health. If you have questions about cosmetic procedures, call our practice today, and learn more about how our conservative approach can help address all your smile needs.
CALL US: (310) 829-5181 REQUEST APPOINTMENT