Cosmetic Dentistry & Implants

Not everyone is born with a Hollywood-style smile, but everybody can get one through cosmetic dentistry! Our dentists can use any number of treatments to address various aesthetic flaws in a patient’s smile, including stains and other discoloration, chips or cracks, misalignments or undersized teeth. A cosmetic dentistry treatment can even be used to replace a missing tooth with a prosthetic one that has a lifelike appearance and feel.

 

Types of Cosmetic Dental Treatments

Specifically, treatments like teeth whitening, dental veneers, cosmetic fillings, dental bonding and crowns, tooth resurfacing and dental implants fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry. As with other dental specialties, some of these interventions can produce noticeable results in as little as an hour, while others are more involved and time-consuming.

A patient may choose to take advantage of a single cosmetic treatment for a fairly minor problem or combine them for a smile makeover when a more comprehensive overhaul is desired. If multiple interventions are anticipated, certain treatments may need to occur before or after others. Your dentist can give you more guidance about the treatment timeline in your case so that you will have a better idea of what to expect.

The Initial Consultation

The cosmetic dentistry process begins with an initial consultation. At this appointment, you will have the opportunity to discuss your smile goals with your dentist, who can in turn gather information needed to develop your treatment plan. Depending on the anticipated interventions, your dentist may take photographs, x-rays, or dental impressions at this appointment in addition to examining your teeth.

We encourage our patients to be active participants in the cosmetic dentistry process. We want to make sure that you are satisfied with your results, and adjustments can be made at many stages in the plan so don’t hesitate to voice your opinions and ask for what you want.

Don’t let an unattractive smile be a drag on your self-esteem. If you’re dissatisfied with any aspect of your smile’s appearance, come to our office for a consultation to learn about the various cosmetic dentistry treatments that might benefit you.

Impressions for Veneers

Cosmetic Procedures

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings for Front Teeth

Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings for Posterior Teeth

Whitening with a Bleaching Tray

Single Implant to Replace Front Tooth

FAQ’s

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of improving the appearance of damaged or otherwise unsightly teeth. Unlike other aspects of dental care that are designed to keep the teeth healthy in addition to making the smile attractive, cosmetic dentistry is primarily an aesthetic pursuit. Teeth may have any number of problems that can detract from the smile, and cosmetic dentistry uses various treatment options to correct those flaws. Cosmetic dentistry interventions, including teeth whitening, dental veneers and even dental implants, may be provided alone or in combination, depending on the patient’s needs.

What is a dental veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin, tooth-shaped shell that is used to correct cosmetic flaws with a fairly conservative technique. Dental veneers are custom-designed so that they blend in with the rest of the patient’s smile for an overall natural look, and they can be made of porcelain or ceramic materials. Dental veneers are bonded to the front surface of a patient’s biological tooth to conceal flaws such as chips, cracks or deep stains that don’t respond to teeth whitening treatments. Veneers may also be used to make a slightly crooked stretch of teeth appear straight or to resize a tooth that is disproportionately small in comparison to its neighbors.

Is cosmetic dentistry expensive?

The different cosmetic dentistry treatments are associated with a range of costs, and services that are provided primarily for cosmetic purposes often are not covered by dental insurance. However, certain treatments may be partially covered if oral health is a consideration in addition to aesthetics.  

Rest assured that our experienced billing staff will work with you to maximize your insurance benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Additionally, they can educate you on which services may qualify for insurance coverage and which ones definitely will not. For any costs that are the patient’s responsibility, we accept a variety of payment options for your convenience.

Am I a candidate for dental implants?

Dental implants are small cylinders made of biocompatible titanium. That means that the bone tissue in the jaw is able to fuse with the dental implant’s surface after the dentist inserts the implant at the site of the missing tooth. Therefore, in order to benefit from dental implants, patients must have enough bone at the implant site for osseointegration to be completed. If the patient has experienced substantial bone loss or if there is a congenital defect at the site limiting the amount of bone tissue available, a patient may need to undergo a preliminary bone graft to supplement the tissue at the site. Your dentist will evaluate your case at your initial consultation to determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment.

How much do dental implants cost?

The costs of dental implants will differ for various patient scenarios, and they also reflect additional services, including x-rays, extractions and bone grafting, when necessary. After your initial evaluation, your dentist can give you a better projection of the expected costs for this treatment.

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Meet our Doctors

Dr. Michael DeSanti, Jr.

Dr. Michael DeSanti, Jr. was raised in the Capital District. He attended the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2000. He then moved to Boston where he completed his post-doctoral program at Harvard University. Since 2001, Dr. DeSanti has been in private practice at his current location.

Dr. Amy Linden

Dr. Amy Linden was raised in Rome, NY. She received her dental degree from the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine where she graduated Cum Laude. She completed her post-doctoral Advance Education certificate at the Western New York Veterans Hospital. Dr. Linden has been practicing at DeSanti & Linden Dentistry since 2014.

Featured Dental Services in Albany, New York

Restorative Care

Cosmetic Dentistry

Preventive Care

Schedule your next dental appointment with us!

We serve patients of all ages. Request an appointment for every member of your family today!

Schedule your next dental appointment with us!

We serve patients of all ages. Request an appointment for every member of your family today!