Cosmetic Dentistry in Valencia, CA

Teeth whitening lightens natural teeth, but the American Dental Association notes it may not correct every kind of discoloration. Yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well, and teeth with gray tones may not bleach at all. It does not work on crowns, veneers or fillings, or on discoloration caused by medications or an injury.

The ADA says ADA-Accepted stain removal toothpastes do not change the color of teeth, because they can only remove stains on the surface. Some people who whiten their teeth feel sensitivity, and the ADA says that in most cases it is temporary.

Both treatments can improve chips and gaps, and one key difference is permanence. Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair chips, fill gaps or change a tooth's shape and color. Cleveland Clinic notes that it typically needs no enamel removal, can be done in one visit and is reversible. It does not resist stains as well as porcelain restorations and can chip over time, and Cleveland Clinic describes it as an option for small cosmetic changes.

Porcelain veneers cover the front surface of a tooth. The ADA describes them as strong, long-lasting and natural-looking, and they tend to be the more expensive option. Placing one removes some enamel, so the treatment cannot be reversed, and veneers may not be a good choice for people who clench or grind their teeth or have a deep overbite.

Composite veneers are another option. The ADA says they may require less enamel removed and fewer visits to the dentist, and are easier to fix if damaged, but are not as stain- or wear-resistant.

Clear aligners are custom-made plastic trays that fix crowded or crooked teeth by gently moving them, according to Cleveland Clinic. Unlike braces, they come out to eat, drink and keep your teeth clean. We offer Invisalign aligners, and our office uses intraoral scanning for clear aligners, which builds a three-dimensional model of the mouth without bulky impression trays.

The ADA says a crown is a good way to cover a tooth that is discolored or badly shaped. It can also strengthen a tooth with a large filling when not enough tooth remains to hold the filling, or restore one that has broken.

Our office emphasizes conservative treatment and metal-free restorations when appropriate, including ceramic restorations and e.max restorations. For old silver fillings, the FDA does not recommend removing or replacing amalgam fillings that are in good condition with no decay beneath them, unless a health care professional considers it medically necessary, because removing intact fillings results in unnecessary loss of healthy tooth structure.

The ADA says decay and gum disease have to be treated before veneers are placed, because covering unhealthy teeth may make existing problems worse. Dr. Raffie Garabedian, a periodontist, is part of our team alongside Dr. Robert P. Hedvat, a general dentist practicing since 2011.

The ADA notes that porcelain veneers tend to be the more expensive option, and that veneers are considered cosmetic, so insurance may not cover them unless they are deemed medically necessary.

We accept most PPO dental plans. Because benefits and network participation vary by plan, our team will gladly verify your coverage before treatment. We also accept CareCredit and offer financial arrangements.