Cosmetic Dentist South Portland
Helping You Achieve a Confident Smile
Whether you want to enhance your smile to correct longstanding flaws or reverse the effects of neglect, we’re ready to help you love the teeth you see in the mirror. It’s not about where you are, it’s about where you want to go. Dr. Barillas and Dr. Salamon offer several solutions to erase smile imperfections, like dental damage, discoloration, and even disproportionately gummy smiles. To learn more about our options for cosmetic dentistry in South Portland and how they may be able to benefit you, schedule a consultation today!
Why Choose Dockside Dental for Cosmetic Dentistry?
- Knowledgeable & Compassionate Cosmetic Dentists
- Judgment-Free Atmosphere & Friendly Team
- Comprehensive Care Tailored to Your Needs
Veneers
If you have several different cosmetic imperfections, such as severe discoloration, broken teeth, or even slight misalignment that affects your confidence, porcelain veneers may be the best treatment option for you. Instead of needing to get several different procedures, porcelain veneers are a one-stop shop that allows you to address multiple problems at once. They’re custom-crafted shield-like restorations that are made to fit over the visible surface of your teeth to conceal flaws. Once placed, they reveal a complete, bright, and even smile in place of your old one.
Metal-Free Dental Restorations
In the past, dentists used metal to craft dental crowns and fillings. Not only did this draw attention to damaged and decayed teeth, but it also caused tooth discoloration and other cosmetic issues. At Dockside Dental, we utilize materials that are aesthetically pleasing and gentle on your gums and teeth, such as ceramic, zirconia, and porcelain. That way, you can smile with pride while remaining confident that your oral health is in great shape.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Accidents that leave your teeth broken or damaged can happen. Even if it’s a small amount of damage, it can still make your smile look different and uneven. In these cases, we offer cost-effective, fast, and custom-tailored cosmetic bonding to restore the original appearance of your smile. Using a custom-shaded composite resin that bonds with your tooth enamel, we’ll re-sculpt the missing portion of your teeth so it looks as though you never had an accident to begin with!
Learn More About Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Teeth Whitening
We offer both Opalescence Go and Opalescence Pro take-home and in-office teeth whitening. If you would like to brighten your smile from the comfort of your own home within about two weeks, our customized take-home kits will be ideal for you. For faster results overseen by a professional, in-office treatment can brighten your smile by up to eight shades within an hour.
Learn More About Teeth Whitening
Gum Recontouring
When you look in the mirror at your smile, does it seem like all of your teeth are hidden behind a curtain of gums? After working so hard to make sure that you have healthy and beautiful teeth to show off, this can be a let-down. Fortunately, we offer laser gum recontouring that can help. Using a small beam of light, your dentist will re-sculpt your gumline to reveal more of your teeth, creating a smile that looks even and healthy.
Smile Makeovers
Do you think you could benefit from more than one cosmetic dental treatment? A smile makeover is a tailored treatment plan that includes two or more of our services based on an extensive examination from one of our cosmetic dentists in South Portland. We will design your treatment to meet your smile goals, budget, and with your timeline in mind.
Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Before deciding on a particular cosmetic procedure, you should know all the facts—including the cost of treatment. However, it’s only after Dr. Barillas or Dr. Salamon has had the chance to take a closer look at your unique smile that we can give you a specific estimate on your options. That’s why you need to have a consultation with us first! We can find the procedure that will not only provide the results you want but also help you stay on budget.
Which Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?
At Dockside Dental, we understand that the price can be a major determining factor when you choose your cosmetic procedure. Not all treatments address the same problems and, therefore, cost different amounts. For example, a simple procedure like teeth whitening, which only addresses the coloration of your teeth, tends to cost less than porcelain veneers. Cosmetic bonding doesn’t involve permanently altering your teeth or ordering restorations from the dental lab, which is why it usually is less than veneers or metal-free crowns. At your consultation, we can break down the pricing of your various options, so you can make the right decision for you.
Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be an Investment Worth Making
When you don’t feel secure about your smile’s appearance, it can hold you back from enjoying life fully. Studies show that the act of smiling can alter the hormones triggered in the brain, leading to a more positive, happy mood. Research also finds that being more friendly and confident can make you seem more trustworthy, approachable, and attractive, which could especially come in handy in the workplace or in your personal life. All this to say that the time, effort, and money you spend on your self-confidence is definitely worthwhile!
How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable
Although dental insurance works for many other types of treatment, it often doesn’t apply to cosmetic procedures, which are usually considered elective. Fortunately, you can apply for third-party financing with Cherry or CareCredit to have smaller monthly payments instead of a lump sum.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?
At Dockside Dental, we make sure you are comfortable, regardless of the procedure. If your treatment involves steps that could cause you discomfort, such as removing tooth enamel for porcelain veneers or crowns, we will give you a local anesthetic to numb the area first. That way, you can sit back and relax completely while we perfect your smile. In addition, gum recontouring is basically pain-free because we use a gentle soft tissue laser. With some other forms of teeth whitening treatment, tooth sensitivity is a potential issue, but not with our take-home whitening kits. You get the same amazing, dramatic results without the discomfort!
Am I a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?
Most patients who would like to improve the look of their smile qualify for cosmetic treatment. The only requirement before starting is that your teeth and gums are otherwise healthy. If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or another issue, we must resolve that first prior to considering a cosmetic procedure.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Take?
With the exception of cosmetic bonding, which may be completed in just one appointment, most other cosmetic procedures require two visits over several weeks. The first appointment, in the case of porcelain veneers, allows us to “prepare” the teeth by removing a little bit of enamel and take impressions. We then attach the veneers at the subsequent visit a few weeks later. Even take-home whitening takes two weeks to get the final results, which means that if you are interested in a cosmetic procedure for a special event, you need to plan well in advance.
How Long Does Cosmetic Dentistry Last?
The length of time that cosmetic results last will depend on several factors. The type of procedure you get can determine how long your new smile continues to look amazing. Veneers, for instance, tend to last for about 15 years before needing to be replaced, while teeth whitening typically must be repeated every few years. However, one of the most important factors is how well you take care of your teeth and gums. Through regular maintenance visits as well as oral hygiene at home, you can extend the lifespan of your brilliant smile.
How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Be Life Changing?
Beyond simply improving the look of your teeth, cosmetic enhancements can bring you new and better opportunities. First of all, when you feel confident in your smile, you can have a better mood and self-esteem. That alone makes life sweeter and more enjoyable! With a more confident smile, you may be more friendly with those around you, helping you make friends or meet someone special. Professionally, both confidence and approachability are essential soft skills for many careers, so having a more appealing smile may open doors for your growth and progress. Where could your cosmetic treatment take you?
Which Cosmetic Treatment(s) Could Be Right for Me?
In several cases, a problem can be fixed through multiple solutions, but the only way to tell which procedure would best suit your needs is to meet with us during a consultation. During this appointment, we can examine your teeth and gums and then discuss your options, the costs and timelines, and other information that can help you make the right decision for your smile. This consultation is also a great opportunity to ask questions about various treatments and procedures.
How Close to a Special Event Should I Get Cosmetic Dentistry?
To prepare for a wedding, reunion, vacation photos, or whatever you’re attending, we recommend getting treatment done three to four weeks in advance. That way, if any delays or hiccups occur—as unlikely as they are—we have time to address them and have your smile ready in time. To avoid stress and rushing, we encourage you to look ahead in your schedule, but we will do our best to accommodate you.
What Causes Tooth Discoloration?
Yellow, dull, or gray teeth can have several potential causes. The most common is the simple passage of time and exposure to pigmented foods and drinks. After years of drinking coffee, your teeth might look less luminous because of tiny nooks in the enamel. If you smoke or use tobacco products, this can speed up the rate of discoloration in your teeth. Also, certain medications, namely antibiotics, may come with a side effect of yellowing of your teeth. When we meet with you, we can discuss your medical history as well as your diet to determine the cause.