Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening removes years of staining from coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and natural aging. We offer in-office treatments that brighten your teeth several shades in about an hour, plus take-home kits that let you whiten gradually on your own schedule.
In-office whitening uses a concentrated bleaching gel activated by a special light. The process is faster and more dramatic than over-the-counter products because professional-strength formulas penetrate deeper into the enamel. Take-home kits include custom trays that fit your teeth precisely, ensuring even coverage and preventing the gel from irritating your gums.
Results typically last one to three years, depending on your habits. Touch-up treatments maintain your brightness without repeating the full process.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They correct multiple issues at once—discoloration that doesn’t respond to whitening, chips, cracks, minor misalignment, and gaps between teeth. Each veneer is custom-made to match the shape, size, and color you want.
The process involves removing a small amount of enamel from the front of your teeth to make room for the veneers. We take impressions and work with a dental lab to create your custom veneers, which usually takes about two weeks. During your second visit, we permanently bond the veneers to your teeth and make final adjustments.
Veneers resist staining better than natural enamel and can last 10-15 years with proper care. They’re durable enough for normal eating and don’t require special maintenance beyond regular brushing and flossing.
Dental Bonding
Bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair chips, fill gaps, or reshape teeth. Our doctors apply the material directly to your tooth, sculpts it into the desired shape, and hardens it with a curing light. The entire process usually takes 30-60 minutes per tooth and doesn’t require anesthesia unless we’re filling a cavity.
Bonding costs less than veneers and preserves more of your natural tooth structure because we don’t need to remove enamel. The material isn’t as stain-resistant as porcelain, so it may need touch-ups every few years, but it’s an excellent option for minor corrections or budget-conscious patients.
Gum Contouring
Sometimes the issue isn’t your teeth but how much gum tissue shows when you smile. Excessive gum display makes teeth look short or creates an uneven gumline. Gum contouring reshapes the tissue to expose more of your teeth and create better proportions.
We use a soft tissue laser that removes excess gum with minimal discomfort and faster healing than traditional methods. The procedure often takes just one appointment, and you’ll see the final results once the tissue heals completely in a few weeks.
Smile Makeovers with Cosmetic Dentistry in Clearlake
When you have multiple concerns, combining treatments creates comprehensive results. A smile makeover might include whitening to brighten your teeth, veneers to correct shape and alignment, and gum contouring to improve proportions. We plan each element to work together harmoniously.
During your consultation, we discuss what bothers you about your current smile and what you hope to achieve. Digital imaging can show you a preview of potential results, helping you visualize the outcome before committing to treatment. This collaborative approach ensures you get results that match your expectations.
Choosing the Right Treatment
Your goals, budget, and timeline all factor into which cosmetic procedures make sense for you. Whitening delivers quick results at a lower cost but only addresses color. Veneers require more investment and preparation but solve multiple problems simultaneously. Bonding falls somewhere in between—affordable and conservative, but less durable than veneers.
We explain the pros and cons of each option honestly. Some patients start with one treatment and add others over time as budget allows. Others prefer addressing everything at once to achieve their ideal results faster.
What Makes Cosmetic Work Look Natural
The best cosmetic dentistry doesn’t look like dental work at all. Teeth that are too white, too uniform, or too perfect can actually look artificial. We consider factors like your age, facial features, and skin tone when planning your treatment. Slight variations in color and translucency create depth and realism.
Your input matters throughout the process. We make adjustments based on your feedback during try-ins and temporary placements. The goal is enhancing your natural features, not replacing them with a cookie-cutter result.
Maintaining Your Results
Most cosmetic treatments last for years with minimal maintenance. Whitening needs occasional touch-ups to combat new staining. Veneers and bonding require no special products—just consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. Avoid using your front teeth as tools to open packages or bite hard objects, which can damage both cosmetic work and natural teeth.
A nightguard protects your investment if you grind your teeth while sleeping. Grinding wears down enamel and can crack veneers or bonding over time.
Want to refresh your appearance with cosmetic dentistry in Clearlake? Contact Clearlake Dental to explore your cosmetic dentistry options in Clearlake, CA. We’ll assess your concerns and design a treatment plan that fits your vision and your life. Schedule your cosmetic consultation today and see what’s possible.