Author: William

~ 08/24/10

Any former teenager who has suffered years of headgear, braces, and retainers understands the great lengths that we’ll go to in pursuit of a perfect smile.

But after surmounting the hurdle of orthodontics, cosmetic threats to our teeth continue, from tooth decay and trauma to yellowing and staining, life certainly takes its toll on our teeth.

As we venture through adulthood, the next step towards maintaining a winning smile is visiting a cosmetic dentist. San Diego residents can receive a number of treatments from local doctors, including:

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers can be used to create “instant orthodontics” by closing spaces between teeth and hiding cracks, stains and discoloration from view. Porcelain veneers are custom-made laminates that fit comfortably and permanently over your teeth to create a great smile with perfectly white, straight teeth. And unlike braces, which take years to straight your teeth, an experienced cosmetic dentist can give you a dazzling smile within just a few weeks.

Laser Tooth Whitening

If your teeth are intact and already well-aligned, but could stand to be a few shades brighter, laser tooth whitening can help. Professional tooth whitening uses a stronger whitening agent than store-bought whitening kits – custom-fitted trays and a special light that enhances the bleaching process. Performed under close supervision, this method can safely and whiten your teeth in about an hour, offering long-lasting results.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are permanent replacements for missing, damaged or decayed teeth. Because dental implants are anchored in the jawbone, they look, feel, and function just like a natural tooth. This prevents further bone deterioration and saves you from the inconvenience, embarrassment, and hassle of dentures.

Like preventative dental hygiene and corrective orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry offers a number of solutions that can create brighter, whiter smiles with straight, even teeth. But cosmetic dentistry also incorporates an element of artistry along with mastery of advanced technology. Because of this, it’s best to seek a highly qualified professional who has undergone significant post-doctoral training when choosing a cosmetic dentist. La Jolla-based Dr. Scott Meester, for example, has received training from the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies (making him a LVI Dentist), which represents the pinnacle of dental excellence, particularly for cosmetic procedures, such as porcelain veneers and tooth whitening. San Diego patients can visit nearby Dr. Meester’s office for a free consultation.