Cosmetic Dentist San Marcos
Be Confident Showing Your Smile
to the World
Dr. Nelson Y. Howard can enhance your smile with his dental artistry with incredible results. Cosmetic dentistry procedures correct dental issues that may cause you embarrassment or affect your confidence, such as discolored old front teeth fillings, mismatched front teeth crowns, dark spots, visible silver fillings, dark lines showing around your existing crowns, stained enamel, or excess gums. Not only can cosmetic dentistry in San Marcos enhance your appearance, but it can give you a reason to smile more. And smiling is a vital part of your emotional and physical health!
Why Choose Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S. for Cosmetic Dentistry?
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Highly Credentialed in
the Art & Science of
Cosmetic Dentistry -
Unmatched Level
of Complete
Customer Service -
State-of-the-Art
Dental Technology
and Techniques
Veneers
Sometimes your teeth have so many aesthetic problems that you don't know where to begin when you think about improving your smile. However, there is a single cosmetic dental procedure that can give you a dazzling smile in just two to three treatment visits to Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S. Dental veneers are thin laminates, or custom made and shaped layers of dental porcelain (glass) bonded/adhered to the fronts of your teeth. They can cover stains, cracks, chips, discolorations—and can even correct crowded or crooked teeth!
Metal-Free Dental Restorations
Gold and silver crowns are durable and good for protecting your teeth, but they also have a hard time blending in with the rest of your smile. Dr. Howard can provide metal-free dental crowns made out of porcelain. The material is very strong and can last for many years, but unlike gold and silver, it can be shaded to blend right in with the rest of your smile. Each restoration will be customized so that its shape and color match your natural teeth as closely as possible.
Dental Bonding
Dark spots, chips, yellowed enamel, gaps, misshapen teeth—all these cosmetic issues can impair your smile. The good news is that San Marcos cosmetic dentist Dr. Nelson Y. Howard can use tooth-colored bonding to affordably and conservatively repair minor cosmetic problems—usually in just one visit to either of our dental offices in Rancho Bernardo or San Marcos. Bonding is the consistency of putty, and it's hand-sculpted to the tooth that needs cosmetic work. Then the bonding is hardened with a special light. Dr. Howard is one of the few dentists in the world to use an Argon Gas Composite Curing Laser light to harden the composite material to the precise light wavelength necessary for optimal curing and hardness. His results are phenomenal!
Learn More About Dental Bonding
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Teeth get stained for a number of reasons such as tobacco use, drinking coffee or wine, aging, and inconsistent oral hygiene. At Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S., we offer teeth whitening services at both our San Marcos and Rancho Bernardo dental offices. We give you customized take-home kits with professional-grade whitening products: DayWhite, NiteWhite, or Opalescense. No matter which take-home kit you choose, our teeth whitening products will give you a sparkling smile! Learn more about teeth whitening.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Gum Recontouring/ Crown Lengthening
Sometimes improving the appearance of your teeth means making a few alterations to your gum line. If you have what’s known as a “gummy smile” (meaning there’s too much gum visible whenever you pull back your lips), gum recontouring can be used to remove the unnecessary tissue. This reveals more of the tooth’s structure and gives your grin a much more balanced appearance. We may also perform a similar procedure called crown lengthening if there’s not enough room in your mouth to place a restoration.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Don’t like what you see when you smile in the mirror? You’re not alone. Fortunately, you no longer have to live with teeth you don’t love. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry in San Marcos, you can have pearly whites you’ll confidently show off any chance you get! Since most dental insurance plans don’t offer coverage for cosmetic dental treatment, it only makes sense that you’d want to know what to expect before committing to anything. If you’d like to learn more about the cost of our cosmetic dental services, continue reading or give us a call today.
Which Cosmetic Dental Service Is Right for Me?
Is there something specific you don’t like about your smile? Generally, people seeking cosmetic dentistry are trying to improve one or more aspects of their teeth (i.e., size, color, shape, position). Depending on your goals, Dr. Howard will recommend one of the following options:
- Veneers – If you have multiple dental imperfections you want to address all at once, you may want to consider veneers. In as little as two appointments, you can have the flawless smile you’ve always wanted! Even though this option can be costly, it’s the most versatile and durable cosmetic treatment available. Many patients find it to be worth every penny!
- Dental Bonding – Do you only have a few minor flaws in your teeth? Cosmetic dental bonding might be the best choice for you. It’s a fast and affordable option that’s great for small changes. Keep in mind that it will have to be redone every few years.
- Teeth Whitening – If you’re only interested in brightening your smile, teeth whitening is an excellent service to consider. It’s a relatively quick and cost-effective solution that can make your teeth several shades brighter in just one appointment. Of course, results don’t last very long, and this option cannot help with the shape or position of your teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry Is an Investment That Pays Itself Off
We get it – cosmetic dentistry can feel like a significant financial commitment. However, many patients find that it’s an investment that pays itself off in the long run. If you feel self-conscious about your smile, improving it can lead to a better quality of life. It can benefit your social life and even increase your chances of career success. There are hardly any downsides to transforming your grin with cosmetic dental treatment!
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
Since cosmetic dentistry is typically not covered by dental insurance, you’ll have to find an alternative way to pay for your treatment. Fortunately, we’ve got ways to help you out. We offer third-party financing through CareCredit to help make your dental bills much easier to manage. It allows you to split up the total cost of your treatment into smaller monthly installments. There are multiple low-to-no interest plans to choose from, meaning you’re guaranteed to find something that fits your budget perfectly.
Are you ready to make the smile of your dreams a reality? Contact our office and schedule a consultation today! We’ll do everything we can to accomplish your goals while keeping your total expenses as low as possible.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Before committing to treatment, you naturally want to know everything you can about cosmetic dentistry. Fortunately, our knowledgeable and friendly team is here to help! For specific questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to schedule a consultation. That way, we can answer with your unique dental needs and smile goals in mind. If you don’t have a specific question but you’d like to learn more about cosmetic dentistry in general, then read on for the answers to a few FAQs!
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?
It’s true; teeth whitening, dental bonding, and other cosmetic dentistry treatments usually aren’t covered by dental insurance. As a result, many patients automatically assume that pursuing their smile goals is too expensive. The good news is that it isn’t always! For example, CareCredit, a trusted third-party financier, allows you to break up your payments into several chunks. Since you won’t have to pay for your entire treatment upfront, this makes even the most extensive treatment plans considerably more affordable. So, if you’re worried about the cost, we encourage you to get in touch with our team. We can help you find a financial solution that works best for you.
Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?
When a skilled cosmetic dentist is leading the way, yes! To ensure enhancing your smile doesn’t negatively impact your oral health, your dental team will assess your teeth and gums during your initial consultation. If any untreated conditions are present, like tooth decay or gum disease, the appropriate restorative treatment will need to be administered first. That way, you don’t experience gum recession, tooth loss, and other consequences down the line. Furthermore, your dental team will review all of your treatment options, sharing the pros and cons of each along the way. That way, you can make an informed decision on what is best for you.
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
From routine checkups to smile-enhancing cosmetic dentistry, patients are often worried if the treatment in question will be painful. Don’t fret – many services don’t even require a local anesthetic! The most involved procedures will, but the numbing agent will keep you calm and comfortable throughout your time in the treatment chair. If you experience any pain or discomfort following your appointment, then use a cold compress or towel-wrapped icepack to provide a temporary numbing sensation. Otherwise, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Change Your Life?
As cliché as it sounds, cosmetic dentistry is more than an investment in your smile; it’s an investment in you! Here are three noteworthy benefits:
- Boost your confidence – Your smile is one of your most noticeable features. When you have a grin you’re proud of, you can feel your absolute best whether you’re going on a first date or going out with your best friends.
- Boost your professional success – Did you know that job applicants who whitened their teeth before an interview were more likely to receive an offer? So, if you have your eye on a new job or a promotion, freshen up your resume and your smile!
- Boost your oral health – Certain cosmetic dental treatments, like veneers, enhance the appearance of your smile and the strength of your teeth.