More than a nicer look
Cosmetic dentistry is not only about looks. It can change the alignment, color, position, shape and size of your teeth and gums, and many of those changes also improve how your teeth work. They can correct a misaligned bite, support better oral hygiene and improve your overall dental health.
A bite that does not line up can also affect how people feel about their smile. Correcting it may boost confidence and make speaking and eating easier. Treatments such as bonding, crowns, inlays, onlays and veneers can also repair cracked or broken teeth and protect them from further damage.
Clear aligners
Straightening is one of the most common treatments before senior photos. Instead of metal braces, many teens and adults choose clear aligners, which are clear plastic trays that gradually move the teeth. They are discreet and removable. They can treat crowding, spacing, bite problems and gaps between the front teeth. Some patients need only about six months, but an evaluation will tell you the timeline for your case. See Invisalign.
Dental veneers
Veneers are custom-made, tooth-colored shells bonded to the front of the teeth. They can improve chipped, cracked, discolored or uneven teeth. Each one is made to match the shape and size of your natural teeth and bonded in place with a special light.
Dental bonding
Bonding uses a tooth-colored resin that is applied and hardened on the tooth. It can fix chips, cracks, discoloration and misshapen teeth, and it can close small gaps. It is one of the simplest, quickest and least invasive cosmetic options, removing very little enamel. Numbing is typically needed only if bonding is used to fill a cavity, if the tooth needs reshaping, or if a chip is near the nerve. It usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Composite fillings
Composite fillings are tooth-colored, so they look natural on front or back teeth. They bond to the tooth for added support and can repair broken, chipped or worn teeth. Each tooth typically takes less than 30 minutes.
Start early. Some treatments, like straightening, can take a year or two, and necessary dental care often comes first. Call (781) 289-3331 to plan your timeline.
Common questions
How early should I begin before senior pictures?
As early as possible. Straightening can take one to two years, you may need more than one treatment, and any care your teeth need for health usually comes before cosmetic work.
How much do cosmetic treatments cost?
It depends on your case, the procedure and how involved it is. We can go over the details at your visit. Check with your insurance provider about what your plan covers.
How is the right treatment chosen?
We do a smile assessment and an exam, then talk through your options, how long each takes, the benefits and the cost.
Are cosmetic treatments safe?
Generally yes, when they suit your teeth. For example, a composite filling is not appropriate if the decay is extensive or close to the nerve. We cover safety and risks at your first visit.
What is the fastest way to improve my smile?
Treatments that can be done in one or two visits, such as bonding, composite fillings and, in some cases, veneers. Tell us your goals and your deadline, and we will narrow the options.