Cosmetic Dentist Austin, TX
Cosmetic dentistry is a form of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth, teeth, and smile through procedures that range from the simple, such as teeth whitening, to the complex, such as implants. Smiles play a role in more than just physical appearance — they also play a role in an individual's self-esteem, comfort, and overall health.
Cosmetic dentistry is available at Austin Lifetime Dental in Austin and the surrounding area. Cosmetic dental procedures are popular options for those who do not like the appearance of their smile, who live with oral discomfort, or who want a change that will positively impact other areas of their lives. Cosmetic dentists provide a comprehensive suite of services geared toward patients of all ages and with a variety of needs.
We are committed to excellence and dedicated to ensuring that patients walk away with the smile of their dreams. To see if our team is a good fit for you, call us today at (512) 387-7937 to schedule a consultation.
Reasons to See a Cosmetic Dentist
Many people decide to see a cosmetic dentist to enhance their smile before a special event, such as a school dance or a wedding. Cosmetic dental treatments can benefit anyone who wants to improve their smile's appearance, regardless of the occasion. People with various cosmetic issues, such as crooked, discolored, uneven, cracked teeth, can benefit from seeing a cosmetic dentist.
People with crooked teeth may feel self-conscious about their smile. Fortunately, there are cosmetic procedures that can make teeth straighter and help people smile with confidence. As people get older, their teeth are more likely to stain and become more yellowed. While this discoloration is difficult to remove at home, a cosmetic dentist can lift stains and help teeth appear whiter and brighter. Cosmetic dentists can also help fix uneven teeth that vary in size and make them appear more uniform.
“Cosmetic dental treatments can benefit anyone who wants to improve their smile’s appearance, regardless of the occasion.”
Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cracked, crooked, discolored, and uneven teeth can impact people's confidence and self-esteem. It can influence their success in school and work roles, personal relationships, and mental health. According to one study, people's perception of their smile's appearance can remarkably affect their social and psychological well-being which is reflected in their behavior and can affect their self-confidence. Cosmetic dental procedures can enhance a person's appearance and help them smile and live more confidently.
Cosmetic dentistry can also translate into better oral health by addressing decay and overcrowding that hinders the cleaning of teeth and gums. Some procedures can strengthen teeth and protect against further deterioration. Other procedures, such as bonding, can help teeth become less sensitive.
“Cosmetic dental procedures can enhance a person’s appearance and help them smile and live more confidently.”
Types of Cosmetic Procedures
There are several types of cosmetic dentistry procedures for every want, need, and budget. Some of the more popular cosmetic procedures are veneers, bonding, teeth whitening, inlays and onlays, implants, and enamel reshaping and contouring.
- Veneers: Typically made of medical-grade ceramic, dental veneers are shells that the dentist has custom fit to the patient’s teeth. These shells resemble the natural teeth and look exceptionally realistic. A dentist may recommend veneers to resolve several issues, including everything from enamel loss to crooked teeth.
- Bonding: Dental bonding can help teeth that sustain damage due to decay, trauma, or severe discoloration. This process involves scraping out the decay or discoloration and filling it in with a material that matches the color of the tooth. The dentist then sculpts the material to match the tooth’s surface and cures it with a high-intensity light to achieve a natural-looking finish.
- Teeth Whitening: A simple and efficient cosmetic dental procedure, professional teeth whitening can drastically enhance the appearance of a smile. Professional tooth bleaching can restore teeth to their natural sheen quickly and much more effectively than at-home methods.
- Inlays and Onlays: If a tooth has mild to moderate decay but not enough tooth structure to support a filling, our cosmetic dentist may recommend an inlay or onlay. If the cusp of the tooth does not have any damage, then we can use an inlay, which goes directly on the tooth’s surface. If the cusp of the tooth has damage, then we would use an onlay, which covers the entirety of the tooth’s surface. Both inlays and onlays are made from a composite resin and attach to healthy teeth with a dental adhesive. In addition to improving the appearance of the smile, both options offer increased strength, restored shape, and protection from further deterioration.
- Implants: Dental implants replace lost teeth. To place an implant, our cosmetic dentist would first place a small titanium screw into the patient’s jaw at the site of the missing tooth. The dentist would then give the screw four to six months to fuse to the jawbone via a process called osseointegration. Once fused, we can place an abutment or crown onto the screw, thereby giving the patient a functioning and natural-looking tooth that is as secure as natural teeth.
- Enamel Shaping and Contouring: This procedure involves removing or reshaping enamel to give the patient’s teeth the desired shape and appearance. Good candidates for this procedure are those who have chipped or irregular teeth, crooked or overlapping teeth, or minor bite problems.
Each of these procedures is designed to enhance the appearance and function of the smile. However, bear in mind that for any cosmetic dentistry procedure to be successful, a general dentist will need to create a flawless foundation — "flawless," in this case, meaning free of plaque and tartar.
“Some of the more popular dental procedures are veneers, bonding, teeth whitening, inlays and onlays, implants, and enamel reshaping and contouring.”
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Preparing to Visit a Cosmetic Dentist
Prior to visiting a cosmetic dentist, many patients address their primary concerns with their general dentist as they may be unfamiliar with the type of procedure they need. It is important to discuss each concern as the teeth naturally interact and affect one another. Give the dentist a general idea of the smile the patient would like to achieve and create a treatment plan together. Ensure that all priority treatments are taken care of before aesthetic ones.
It is a good idea to come prepared with questions when visiting a cosmetic dentist for the first time. In most cases, they will have a referral consisting of the patient's treatment plan and desired results. We suggest asking questions such as:
- What qualifications do you have in cosmetic dentistry?
- How much experience do you have working with this procedure type?
- Will I have any follow-up appointments with you?
- How do I care for my teeth after the procedure?
“It is a good idea to come prepared with questions when visiting a cosmetic dentist for the first time.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. Why should someone see a cosmetic dentist?
Q. What are the benefits of cosmetic dentistry?
Q. How can someone find the right cosmetic dentist?
Q. What are the types of cosmetic treatments?
Q. How do I prepare for my first cosmetic dentistry visit?
People Also Ask
Q. When is a dental restoration necessary?
Q. What are composite fillings?
Q. How should you choose the right treatment and cosmetic dentist?
Q. What should people consider before seeking cosmetic dental care?
Q. What are the reasons to undergo full mouth reconstruction?
Finding the Right Cosmetic Dentist
Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is essential to get the desired results. The first part of finding the right cosmetic dentist is to conduct research. Look at the dentist's background and training since advanced training and continuing education are essential for a cosmetic dentist. People should also look at past work and read online reviews that highlight the dentist's capabilities.
The consultation is a crucial opportunity for patients to meet with the dentist, get a feel for the office, and dive deeper into the cosmetic dentistry process. Ask questions to evaluate the dentist's skills and experience and determine if they are the right choice. Our team will address any questions or concerns to help people feel confident in taking the next step towards a more beautiful smile.
“Choosing the right cosmetic dentist is essential to get the desired results.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What cosmetic dentistry procedure is right for you?
A. Some cosmetic dental procedures, such as whitening, are done for strictly cosmetic purposes, while others, such as implants, contribute to one's appearance, comfort, and overall health. Some procedures help hide decay, while others disguise cracks, chips, or fractures. To pinpoint the best procedure for you, make a list of what you do not like about your smile. You should also schedule a visit with our dentist to discuss your oral health. Use your list and the dentist's recommendations to identify the procedures that may be right for you.
Q. Who is eligible for cosmetic dentistry?
A. Most people who are dissatisfied with their smiles are eligible for cosmetic dentistry. However, several factors play into the safety and success of certain procedures. Discuss the viability of a procedure with your cosmetic dentist, who should be transparent with you regarding your candidacy.
Q. Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
A. Like with all things related to insurance, the answer depends. Most insurance carriers typically will not cover cosmetic dental procedures if done for aesthetic purposes only. However, many policies have provisions regarding "acceptable grounds for coverage." Review your policy in-depth to see what is and is not covered, and under what conditions.
Q. Can children have cosmetic dentistry done?
A. They can! Children can benefit from more conservative cosmetic procedures such as bonding, braces, and whitening. A dentist may recommend cosmetic procedures following an accident or trauma.
Q. How long does it take to recover from a cosmetic dentistry procedure?
A. The answer all depends on the procedure you undergo. For instance, whitening and bonding require no recovery time. Implants, on the other hand, may require anywhere from six months to a year to heal.
Q. How long will my new smile last?
A. Again, the answer depends on what procedure you choose. Professional teeth whitening results can last for up to a year. Veneers can last for as long as 10 years but as few as five. Implants, when cared for properly, can last a lifetime.
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Dental Terminology
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2025
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2025
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2025
About our business and website security
- Austin Lifetime Dental was established in 1986.
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- We serve patients from the following counties: Travis County and Williamson County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Austin, Round Rock, Ceder Park, Pflugerville, Manor, Georgetown, Leander, Hutto, Liberty Hill and Wells Branch
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We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the Austin, TX area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, General Dentist, Family Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Dental Implants, All-on-4 Dental Implants, All-on-X Dental Implants, Implant Supported Dentures and Dentures.
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