Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry in San Clemente
Treatments chosen for how a smile looks, planned around how it works.
Cosmetic work covers everything from lightening a shade or two to rebuilding the appearance of the front teeth. What they share is that you choose them – so the conversation starts with what you want changed.
Dentistry for the whole household.
About Cosmetic Work
Changing a smile, one decision at a time
Some people come in wanting a single chip repaired. Others want to rethink the whole of the front teeth. Both start the same way: an assessment, a conversation about what is realistic, and a plan you agree to before anything begins.
The Options
Cosmetic treatments we provide
Each of these has its own page with the detail on it – this is the short version of what each one is for.
- Teeth whitening Lightens the color of teeth and removes stains or discoloration for a brighter smile.
- Veneers Thin custom shells of porcelain or composite bonded to cover stains, chips or gaps.
- Tooth bonding A tooth-colored resin applied to repair chips, cracks or discoloration and close small gaps.
- Clear aligners Straightening teeth discreetly with removable aligners rather than fixed brackets.
- Dental implants Replacing missing teeth with a root that fuses to the jawbone and looks natural.
- Dentures Removable replacements that restore chewing, speech and the look of a full smile.
Planning
How a smile makeover is planned
Where several treatments are involved, the order matters. Whitening is generally done before anything is matched to a shade, because restorations do not change color afterwards. Alignment is usually settled before the appearance of individual teeth is addressed. Sequencing it properly is most of what a consultation is for, and it is why an assessment comes before any quotation.
Function First
Appearance is not the only consideration
A cosmetic plan that ignores the bite does not last. Existing restorations, gum health and how the teeth meet are all assessed first, because they determine what will hold. Where something simpler would achieve what you are after, we will say so rather than proposing the larger treatment.
Getting Started
Booking a cosmetic consultation
Bring photographs if you have them, and be specific about what bothers you – it is far more useful than a general wish for a better smile. Talega Dental Group has treated families in San Clemente since 2003.
The short answer
Cosmetic dentistry covers treatments chosen to change the appearance of the teeth, including whitening, porcelain and composite veneers, tooth bonding, clear aligners, dental implants and dentures. It ranges from lightening a shade or repairing a single chip to rethinking the whole of the front teeth. Every plan starts with an assessment of the bite, gum health and existing restorations, because those determine what will hold.
Common Questions
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ
- Where do I start if I want to change my smile?
A smile change starts with a consultation. We assess your teeth, you tell us what you want different, and we set out which treatments would get you there and in what order. Photographs and a specific description of what bothers you are far more useful than a general wish for a better smile.
- Should I whiten before or after other treatment?
Whitening is generally done before other cosmetic treatment. Veneers, bonding and crowns are matched to a shade when they are made and do not change color afterwards, so whitening first sets the shade they are matched to. That is part of why the order of treatment is planned before anything begins.
- What is the difference between bonding and veneers?
Bonding applies a tooth-colored resin directly to the tooth and is usually done in one visit, while veneers are custom-made shells bonded to the front of the tooth. Veneers are made in a laboratory from porcelain or composite and are more durable and stain resistant. Bonding suits chips, cracks and small gaps, and veneers cover stains, chips or gaps across the visible surface.
- Will cosmetic treatment affect my bite?
Cosmetic treatment should not affect your bite, and that is why the bite is assessed first. Existing restorations, gum health and how the teeth meet are all checked before a plan is agreed. A plan that ignores how the teeth meet tends not to last.
- Can several treatments be combined?
Yes, several cosmetic treatments can be combined, and that is common. The sequence matters, with whitening generally before shade matching and alignment usually settled before the appearance of individual teeth is addressed. Working out that order is what the planning appointment is for.
- Do I have to decide everything at once?
No, you do not have to decide everything at once. Many people start with one thing and take the rest in stages. We will tell you which parts are time-sensitive and which are not, and where something simpler would achieve what you are after, we will say so.
Book a visit
Plan your visit
We accept new patients and offer walk-in emergency care.
Address
Phone
Office hours
Your dentist
Dr. Ben Meshkinfam, D.D.S.
University of the Pacific, D.D.S. · Post-doctorate at LAC+USC Medical Center
Insurance & financing
30 HMO and PPO plans accepted
Including Delta Dental, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Guardian, MetLife and Humana. Estimates in writing before treatment.
