Misaligned, yellowed, or damaged teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Cosmetic dentistry includes treatments that help improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a smile you can be proud of. In Bountiful, UT, Dr. Paul C. Larsen offers some of the most popular dental services to help you look and feel your best.
We have many cosmetic procedures to choose from, and it’s important for your dentist to create a plan that’s right for you. Our approach is thorough, ensuring that your treatment not only looks great but is also comfortable, functional, and long-lasting.
Improving your smile can be as simple as a teeth whitening treatment or may require more involved procedures like dental implants. Whether you’re interested in a quick touch-up or a full smile makeover, Dr. Larsen will work with you to find the best options that fit your needs.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Bountiful, UT
Cosmetic treatments can help you achieve a beautiful and functional smile. Whether you want to fix minor flaws or completely transform your smile, Dr. Larsen can help you reach your goals. We can close gaps, repair chips and cracks, or whiten yellowed teeth.
During your consultation, you’ll talk with Dr. Larsen about what you like and dislike about your smile. Fixing these issues can boost your confidence. Some common things we correct include:
- Brightening stained teeth
- Fixing gaps, chips, and cracks
- Replacing missing teeth
- Restoring teeth damaged by injury or decay
- Aligning crooked or uneven teeth
At Larsen Family Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry services to meet your needs. We’ll start with a thorough consultation to assess your smile and understand your goals.
Our team will listen to your concerns, evaluate your situation, and create a custom plan to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Below are some of the cosmetic treatments we offer. You can also combine treatments for a full smile makeover.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
If you want a discreet way to straighten your teeth, we offer Invisalign clear aligners. Invisalign uses a series of clear retainers that gently move your teeth into the right position over time. You’ll need to see Dr. Larsen for regular checkups to monitor your progress.
Every two weeks, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners. For the best results, you should wear them 22 to 24 hours a day. Patients love Invisalign because it’s a more comfortable alternative to traditional braces. To learn more about the Invisalign process, see Invisalign.
Porcelain Veneers
If you have damaged, discolored, or uneven teeth, Dr. Larsen can improve their look with porcelain veneers. These thin shells are custom-made from ceramic and fit perfectly on the surface of your teeth.
Dr. Larsen will bond them to each affected tooth, creating a symmetrical and natural-looking smile. A trusted dental lab crafts our high-quality porcelain veneers to match your surrounding teeth. To learn more about the dental veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Teeth Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple procedure that can fix minor problems like cracks, chips, stains, and gaps. Dr. Larsen can usually finish this treatment in just one visit. The process involves a little preparation of the tooth, followed by applying a tooth-colored resin to the area that needs fixing.
Dr. Larsen then carefully shapes the resin by hand to match the rest of your tooth. He uses a special light to harden the resin, and finally, polish the tooth so it looks natural and smooth. To learn more about the pros and cons of dental bonding, see Teeth Bonding.
Teeth Whitening
Many people notice their teeth becoming yellow or dull over time. This happens because certain foods and drinks have staining agents that stick to teeth. At Larsen Family Dental, we offer both in-office and at-home Opalescence® teeth whitening options.
We offer two types of treatments. You can choose to get treatment done at our office, where we can whiten your teeth several shades in about an hour. If you’d prefer to do it at home, you can achieve results in as little as two weeks with our teeth whitening kits. To learn more about our tooth whitening solutions, see Teeth Whitening.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Do you have questions about cosmetic dentistry? See if we’ve already answered them in our frequently asked questions section. We want to give you all the information you need to make the best choice for your smile. If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us.
Does insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry?
Most dental insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic services because it’s usually done for aesthetic reasons. However, some plans might cover procedures that are necessary for your oral health, like dental implants or braces for severe misalignment. Check with your insurance provider to understand what they cover and what costs you might need to pay out of pocket.
How long does it take to recover from cosmetic dentistry?
The recovery time depends on the procedure. For example, non-invasive treatments like teeth whitening don’t require any recovery time. But more involved treatments, like dental implants or orthodontics, can take weeks or even months to fully heal. Talk to your dentist about what to expect during recovery before starting any cosmetic procedure.
Are braces considered cosmetic dentistry?
Braces do improve the look of your teeth, but they also correct misalignment and bite issues. So, while they have cosmetic benefits, they’re not just for appearance. Whether braces are considered cosmetic dentistry depends on the treatment and the reasons behind it.
What is the failure rate of Invisalign?
Invisalign has a success rate of about 95%, which means it only fails around 5% of the time. While failure is rare, the chances of success depend on how complex the case is, how well the patient follows the rules for wearing the aligners, and the skill of the dentist or orthodontist. Patients can boost their chances of success by following the instructions they’re given and wearing the aligners as recommended.
Does teeth whitening remove stains?
Yes, teeth whitening can remove most surface-level stains. However, it might not work as well on deeper stains, like those caused by tobacco use or certain health conditions. Also, teeth whitening isn’t a permanent fix, so you may need to repeat the treatment from time to time to keep your teeth as white as you want. Before starting any whitening treatment, talk to a dentist to find out what’s causing the stains and what treatment will work best for you.
How long do porcelain veneers take to put on?
Getting porcelain veneers usually takes two to three dental visits. In the first visit, the dentist will prepare your teeth and take impressions to create custom veneers. At the second visit, the dentist will place the veneers on your teeth using dental cement and make any necessary adjustments. The whole process typically takes about two weeks from start to finish.
What is the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth healthy and treating any oral problems. This includes regular check-ups, teeth cleanings, fillings, root canals, and extractions. Cosmetic dentistry, on the other hand, is all about making your smile look better. While both types of dentistry aim to improve oral health, general dentistry focuses on maintaining dental health, while cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile.
Can cosmetic dentistry improve my oral health?
While cosmetic dentistry mainly focuses on making your smile look better, it can also help improve your oral health. For example, fixing gaps or straightening crooked teeth can make it easier to keep your teeth clean, which can lower the risk of cavities and gum disease. If you’re interested in cosmetic procedures, talk to Dr. Larsen to see how they can also benefit your overall dental health.
To learn more about the cosmetic dental services at Larsen Family Dental and how they can help you, request an appointment online. Dr. Larsen will carefully assess your smile and check for any underlying dental issues that could affect your treatment. Your personalized plan will aim to improve both the look and health of your smile.