A lot of people think cosmetic dental care is only for actors or people chasing a “perfect” Hollywood grin. That’s not really true. Most patients just want to feel okay when they laugh in a photo, or they’re tired of hiding a chipped tooth behind a closed-mouth smile. At Olive Family Dentistry in Burbank, these conversations happen every day, and they usually start with a simple request: tell us what bothers you about your smile.
What Cosmetic Dental Care Actually Covers?
Cosmetic dentistry is a slightly inaccurate term. In layman’s terms, it includes anything that modifies the appearance of your teeth, gums or bite, and indeed many of them also make your teeth stronger and more functional as well. Everyone of course knows about teeth whitening – but then there are the porcelain veneers which are thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth, the tiny chips that can be bonded in a tooth for minor repairs, the crowns that can replace a tooth that’s worn or damaged, or clear aligners such as Invisalign for crooked or gapped teeth. It all gets called a smile makeover if you combine two or more of those, but depending on your mouth and budget, everyone will need a different combination of procedures – and that’s fine.
Whitening, Veneers, or Crowns: Which One Fits Your Problem?
This is where most of the trouble starts, so let’s get the issues to the solutions. If your teeth are generally in good condition but you’ve got discoloring just from aging and drinking coffee or tea, then a professional whitening is usually the first stop. It’s going to be more even than store-bought strips and customizable for sensitive teeth.
If your front teeth are chipped, crooked, uneven, gapped or have stain that even whiteners can’t touch, veneers are something to discuss. Here are some actual cases from your dentists at Olive Family Dentistry, where broken, yellowed teeth were restored into a natural look, but give you an idea of what’s possible before you take the leap.
On the topic of teeth that are damaged, if you’ve got a crack, broken tooth, or an old crown, we could make a replacement that will protect it and fit right in with the rest of your smile. That means beauty and restorative care go hand in hand.
Why the Dentist Behind the Smile Matters?
A good result also depends on the eye of the dentist. Dentist Dr. Edvin Agadzhanov earned his DDS at UCLA in 2008, then completed two years of postgraduate education in general and cosmetic dentistry. He has been working in the area of restorative, cosmetic and implant dentistry since 2010. Dentist Dr. Dmitriy Aminov, another owner, studied at Temple University and finished a one-year residency in esthetic dentistry after his dental education. His approach is to treat the patient and not just the tooth, and to not treat a tooth if it isn’t necessary. that bit is key. You want to hear “whitening is all you need” when it is, not someone who recommends veneers for all your teeth.
When Cosmetic Procedures and a Dental Emergency Collide
Life doesn’t wait for your smile plan. Sometimes, a tooth is knocked out when you fall, or an infected tooth needs to come out right away. Patients come looking for an emergency dental implant, dreaming of coming home with a new tooth later that same day. It’s good to know what to expect.
The priority in an emergency is to stop the pain, treat any infection and save your natural tooth if we can. Whether it will be possible to immediately place an implant depends on your bone, infection and your overall health; sometimes the area requires some healing time. The Olive Family Dentistry team provides emergency dental care and dental implants-including All-on-4-we can complete the urgent visit here at our practice and coordinate your replacement tooth plan, eliminating more than one team.
If the Dentist Makes You Nervous
Fear keeps many adults from the dentist, and from that you get the small cosmetic problem that becomes a much larger one. We’re honest about the dental anxiety many have, and we feature IV sedation in our list of services. Our reviews describe our staff taking each step at a leisurely pace without rushing people. If this is you, let us know when you schedule.
Conclusion
Cosmetic dental care isn’t about changing who you are. It’s about fixing the one or two things that make you hold back when you smile. Start with a checkup, tell the dentist what you’d change, and ask for the simplest option first. If you’re in the Burbank area and want a trusted Family Dentistry practice that handles everything from whitening and veneers to urgent care and implants, Olive Family Dentistry is a good place to start that conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the longevity of professional teeth whitening?
It all depends on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking will darken your stain more quickly. Results last for many people for months or years, and occasional touch-up work can maintain the shade for a long time.
Are porcelain veneers permanent?
They last a long time-many years. Some veneers may need some recontouring of the natural tooth first, and some may need replacing after a few decades. Proper care, including good brushing and flossing and a usual schedule of checkups, helps them last longer.
Can I have a same day emergency dental implant?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on infection, bone health, and the condition of the tooth that was lost. Your dentist will first treat the emergency, then tell you whether an implant can go in soon or needs a healing period
Will insurance cover me for cosmetic dental care?
Cosmetic procedures are often not covered. Restorative procedures like a crown to repair a chipped tooth may be partially covered. Olive Family Dentistry accepts many insurance plans and payment options, so we can let you know how much your insurance covers.
How do I know which cosmetic treatment I need?
Book a consultation. The dentist will look at your teeth and gums, listen to what you want, and suggest options from simplest to most involved. You don’t have to decide everything in one visit.
