Veneers can help protect your natural enamel.
First things first, you and Dr. Girgis will speak candidly about how you feel about your smile. We’ll do everything you can to make sure you’re comfortable, and encourage you to speak honestly about any imperfections with your grin that make you feel self-conscious or that you would like to change
To find out if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic services, Dr. Girgis will perform a thorough oral exam. For cosmetic treatments to be a success, it helps to start with a healthy set of teeth and gums, so Dr. Girgis will discuss your oral health with you and plan any restorative treatments you may require before beginning cosmetic care.
Once your consultation and exam have been completed, Dr. Girgis will lay out all of your treatment options and outline a cosmetic treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and desired results. The treatment plan will help you to understand each and every step of your smile transformation.
Dr. Girgis will provide you with an array of treatment options, and together, you’ll decide what’s best for your needs, and what suits your budget and lifestyle.
Once you’ve decided on your preferred treatment plan, we’ll schedule your next visit in Long Beach and answer any questions you may have about finances or our services.
Take-home teeth whitening allows you to brighten your smile without having to leave the comfort of your own home. With a take-home whitening kit, you’ll gradually whiten your teeth over the course of 2 weeks.
To ensure your reusable whitening trays fit perfectly, our Long Beach dentist will take impressions of your teeth and gums and custom-craft your trays.
Once the trays are complete, you’ll receive our whitening product, as well as detailed instructions for proper use and how to care for your trays. If you follow your dentist's directions, you’ll achieve the professional results your smile deserves.
For patients who desire a more dramatic transformation, in-office whitening might be right for you. In a single visit, you can brighten your teeth by up to 10 shades! The near-instant results will have you ready to show off your smile for any upcoming special occasions.
Dr. Girgis will begin by applying a special protective gel to your gums so they aren’t irritated by the whitening agent. To keep your cheeks and other soft-tissues in your mouth out of harm's way, retractors will be used to keep them away from your teeth. A powerful whitening agent will then be carefully applied to your teeth and then activated with a UV light. Depending on how many shades brighter you’re going for, the whitening agent will be left on your teeth for up to an hour, before being rinsed away. For those with more advanced discoloration, the whitening process can be repeated several times over the course of multiple visits to achieve the results you desire.
Due to its effectiveness and versatility, KöR Whitening has become one of the most popular options when it comes to brightening your smile. With KöR, you can gradually whiten your teeth from home over the course of 2 weeks, or opt for more instant, dramatic results with KöR in-office whitening.
We’re proud to offer both KöR-Day™ and KöR-Night™ teeth whitening solutions so you can brighten your grin in a way that fits your lifestyle. KöR-Night™ is arguably the most convenient and cost-effective option, as it lets you whiten your teeth while you’re sleeping. For those who don’t wish to wear their whitening trays overnight, KöR-Day™ is another fantastic and effective option. Also, since KöR-Day™ only requires trays to be worn for short lengths of time throughout the day, it can be a better whitening solution for patients with sensitive teeth.
Patients who are looking for quick results for an upcoming special occasion can turn to KöR in-office whitening, which can brighten your smile by multiple shades in a single appointment in Long Beach. To handle more stubborn stains, a combination of in-office and at-home whitening methods can be used to help you reach your desired brightness.
Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure that has the ability to transform your smile. Dr. Girgis will apply a dental resin, color-matched to blend in with the rest of your smile, to your teeth. They will carefully sculpt the resin into the desired shape before hardening it with a UV light to enhance and restore the look, feel, and function of your grin. A relatively quick procedure, dental bonding usually takes about 30-60 minutes per tooth.
Shaping & contouring, also referred to as enameloplasty, is a cosmetic procedure that is often performed together with dental bonding. During the shaping & contouring procedure, a thin layer of enamel will be removed from uneven, chipped, or sharp teeth to achieve the desired shape.
Veneers can completely change the look of your smile, eliminating small gaps between teeth, as well as covering up the appearance of stained, misshaped, or uneven teeth. Veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-colored porcelain shells that are affixed to the front side of your teeth with a powerful dental cement.
Placing veneers begins with the removal of 0.5mm of enamel, so they can blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. However, an important aspect to consider is that enamel does not grow back, making this an irreversible procedure. Still, veneers can completely redefine your smile and give you the confidence boost you deserve, and can last up to 15 years, with the proper care, before needing to be replaced.
Cosmetic makeovers are personalized plans that utilize multiple treatment methods to address all of your smile needs. Because everyone is unique and may have different goals, the exact services included can vary widely between patients. Over the course of one or more appointments, a variety of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures will be carried out to help you achieve your dream smile.
Invisalign is a great way to align your smile without the hassle of traditional orthodontics. Instead of uncomfortable metal or ceramic brackets and wires, Invisalign utilizes a series of clear aligners made from a durable plastic called SmartTrack. Because they’re removable, they don’t impose any dietary restrictions and are super easy to keep clean.
Because of advancements in Invisalign technology, we are able to treat more complex orthodontic issues than ever before. Schedule a consultation in Long Beach and find out if Invisalign can help you get the smile you’ve been waiting for.
In-office whitening can brighten your smile by up to 10 shades in a single visit.
Cosmetic dentistry has a wide scope of treatment options that can solve nearly any aesthetic dental issue. Teeth whitening can brighten the smiles of patients with yellow or stained teeth. Dental bonding, shaping, & contouring can redefine the shape of teeth by fixing minor cracks and chips, and can be used to evening out your smile to get it for an aesthetically pleasing look. Veneers or Lumineers can fill small gaps, cover severe stains, and improve the appearance of slightly crooked or crowded teeth. Dental crowns can also be used for cosmetic purposes, but they are only used on teeth that have experienced more severe damage or decay.
A good candidate for cosmetic dental care is a patient who is in good oral and overall health, and is looking to change or improve the look of their smile.
Those who are experiencing oral health issues like gum disease, cavities, or occlusal (bite) issues, may require restorative or orthodontic treatments before any cosmetic procedures can begin.
Yes! It's a common practice to receive multiple cosmetic dental treatments in a single appointment. Some procedures, such as dental bonding and enameloplasty, are almost always performed together. Cosmetic dental makeovers utilize a combination of multiple dental treatments to completely transform a patient’s grin.
Although every insurance plan is different, most do not cover cosmetic dental care, as cosmetic cases are often listed as non-essential, elective, treatments. Some services, like veneers or dental crowns, may be partially covered by some insurance plans, as they may provide restorative benefits in certain cases, although this is more of an exception rather than the rule.
As a result, cosmetic treatment is often paid out-of-pocket by most patients. The best way to find out the scope of your coverage is to get in touch with your insurance provider directly. However, you can always give our team a call as well to see if we can provide you with discounts or financing options, so you can achieve the smile you deserve without breaking the bank.
Indeed, there is a subtle difference between esthetic and cosmetic dentistry, although these terms are often used interchangeably. Esthetic dentistry primarily focuses on improving the appearance of teeth in a way that maintains and enhances their natural beauty. It emphasizes a minimally invasive approach to achieve a look that is both attractive and authentic.
On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry is a broader field that includes not only procedures to enhance appearance but also those that correct functional issues with the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry can involve more extensive procedures such as dental implants, crowns, bridges, and more. It aims to create a perfect, flawless smile, often transforming the teeth dramatically.
The lifespan of dental veneers can vary greatly, depending on several factors. These include the material of the veneers, the expertise of the dentist, the oral hygiene practices of the patient, and the patient's lifestyle habits.
On average, porcelain veneers, which are the most popular type, can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years. Some may even last up to 20 years with proper care. Composite resin veneers, while less expensive, generally have a shorter lifespan, usually between 5 to 7 years.
To maximize the lifespan of your veneers, it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene, avoid habits that can damage the veneers (like using your teeth to open packages), and have regular check-ups with your dentist.
The cost of Invisalign and traditional braces can vary significantly based on the complexity of the case, the duration of treatment, and the specific provider. However, in general, the cost of Invisalign tends to be comparable to or slightly higher than traditional braces.
The higher cost of Invisalign can be attributed to the advanced technology used in the treatment and the convenience and aesthetic advantages it offers. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning, making them a popular choice among adults and teens.
Before veneers are placed, a small amount of the tooth's original enamel must be removed to make room for the veneer. This process is irreversible, meaning that once you have veneers, you will always need some form of coverage on your teeth.
However, this doesn't mean that the health of the underlying teeth is compromised. In fact, the veneer can help protect the tooth from further damage or decay. It's important to note that the underlying teeth still need to be cared for with regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to maintain their health and the longevity of the veneers.
Remember, even with veneers, good oral hygiene is essential to protect your teeth and gums from issues such as cavities and gum disease.
Cosmetic dentistry can make it easier to take care of your smile.