Cosmetic Dentistry in Murrieta, CA

What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the part of dentistry that focuses on how your smile looks: the color, shape, size and spacing of your teeth. Many cosmetic treatments also repair or protect teeth, so looking better and working better often go together.

At Golden Triangle Dentistry in Murrieta, cosmetic care includes professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, and straightening with braces or clear aligners.

The right choice depends on what bothers you, the health of your teeth and gums, and how much upkeep you’re comfortable with over the years.

Which cosmetic treatment fixes which problem?

Each option solves a different kind of concern, so it helps to start with the problem you want to fix rather than the treatment.

• Yellowed or stained teeth: Whitening lightens natural teeth. The ADA notes that only natural teeth respond; crowns, veneers and fillings keep their color.
• Chips, small gaps or stains that whitening can’t fix: Porcelain veneers are thin shells bonded to the front of the teeth.
• Cavities or dark old fillings: Tooth-colored fillings repair small to mid-size cavities in front or back teeth and look more natural, the ADA says.
• Weak, cracked or worn-down teeth: A crown covers the whole tooth to make it stronger and improve its look.
• Crooked or crowded teeth: Braces or clear aligners move the teeth themselves instead of covering them.

Is there a difference between a regular dentist and a cosmetic dentist?

There’s no separate license for cosmetic dentistry. It is not one of the 12 dental specialties recognized by the ADA’s National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards, so “cosmetic dentist” describes the kind of work a dentist does rather than a specialty title.

In practice, cosmetic care still begins with health: checking for decay, gum disease and bite problems first. Cleveland Clinic advises that you keep up with routine checkups and cleanings while you work on cosmetic goals.

When you look for a cosmetic dentist in Murrieta, ask how often the dentist does the treatment you want, what upkeep it needs, and what happens if something chips or wears out. You’re welcome to ask our dentists those same questions.

How do you plan a smile change?

A good smile plan starts with a full checkup, then usually moves from the simplest, least permanent steps to the more permanent ones.

• Get healthy first. Cavities and gum disease need treatment before veneers or other cosmetic work, according to the ADA and Cleveland Clinic. A cleaning and exam is the natural starting point.
• Name what bothers you. Color, shape, gaps and crowding each point toward different options.
• Think about order. If you want whiter teeth, whiten before any new crowns or veneers are color-matched, since those materials won’t lighten later. If you’re considering straightening, bring it up before veneers or crowns are shaped to your current tooth positions.
• Ask about upkeep. Find out how long each choice usually lasts and what replacing it involves.
• Talk about cost early. Ask for an estimate and how your dental insurance may apply.

Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?

Usually not, when the work is purely cosmetic. Cleveland Clinic notes that insurers generally don’t consider appearance-only treatment medically necessary, and the ADA says veneers may not be covered unless they’re deemed medically necessary.

The picture can change when a treatment also fixes a health problem, such as a crown on a cracked tooth or a filling for a cavity. Coverage depends on your plan, so ask our team how yours applies.

Golden Triangle Dentistry works with most dental insurance plans, including most PPOs, and still accepts the same plans as before, including the UFCW member dental plan. We accept cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express and CareCredit, and our financing page explains the newer, flexible financing options.

Can I straighten my teeth instead of covering them?

Often, yes. Braces and clear aligners move your own teeth into better positions, which can fix crowding or gaps without covering any tooth surface. The ADA notes that adults can choose removable aligners or clear brackets, not just metal braces.

Our letter to patients shares that orthodontics, with braces and aligners, will be available right here, so you won’t need to travel to another office. Clear aligners, such as the Invisalign system, are one option to ask about.

Plan on a retainer afterward. The AAO explains that teeth naturally tend to drift back toward their old positions and that a retainer is typically needed for life, though you may wear it less often over time.

Who provides cosmetic care at Golden Triangle Dentistry?

Golden Triangle Dentistry has been caring for Murrieta families since 1991. Dr. H. Pourshirazi, DMD, a 1994 graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine who has cared for families in the area for more than 27 years, is now caring for patients. Dr. Meerweis Stanisai, DDS continues to see patients.

After more than 34 years, Dr. William L. Neff Jr., DDS has retired. The same caring team, office and phone number remain, and your records stay right here. You can meet our dentists online.

If dental visits make you uneasy, tell us when you call. Our dental anxiety and comfort page explains how we help nervous patients feel more at ease.

Questions & answers

Common questions