Cosmetic Dentistry in Thousand Oaks
Cosmetic dentistry works best when it starts with a healthy mouth and a clear picture of what you want to change. At 805 Dentistry, our cosmetic care sits alongside general, family, and specialty dentistry under one roof in Thousand Oaks. We can address the health of your teeth and gums first, then focus on how your smile looks, without sending you across town to different offices.
Discoloration is one of the most common reasons patients ask us about cosmetic dentistry. Coffee, tea, red wine, and time can all dull the surface of your teeth. For many people, teeth whitening is the simplest place to start. We offer in-office whitening for patients who want treatment completed during a visit. We also offer take-home whitening for those who prefer to lighten their teeth gradually on their own schedule.
Whitening is not the right answer for every stain. Some discoloration comes from inside the tooth or affects only one tooth. Whitening also does not change the color of existing crowns or fillings. In those situations, we may talk with you about options such as porcelain veneers or composite bonding, which cover the front surface of the tooth. Our goal is to match the treatment to the cause, so you are not spending time on an approach that will not deliver what you are hoping for.
Small chips, worn edges, gaps, and teeth that look slightly uneven are another frequent concern among our Thousand Oaks patients. Composite bonding uses tooth-colored material that we shape directly onto the tooth. It is often a good fit for minor chips or small spaces. Tooth recontouring gently reshapes enamel to smooth out irregular edges. For broader changes in shape, size, or color, porcelain veneers can transform the front of several teeth at once.
Sometimes the teeth look fine but the gums do not. If your smile shows more gum tissue than you would like, or your gumline is uneven, gum contouring or crown lengthening may help. These procedures are performed by our board-certified periodontist. When teeth are crowded or misaligned, we offer Invisalign, other clear aligners, and traditional braces for both teens and adults. When several of these concerns overlap, a smile makeover combines treatments into one coordinated plan.
Am I a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
If your teeth and gums are healthy, or can be made healthy, you are likely a good candidate. Cosmetic work lasts best on a stable foundation. Before we begin, we look for cavities, gum disease, and bite problems, and we treat those first.
Patients with active gum disease may need scaling and root planing or other periodontal care before veneers or bonding. Patients who clench or grind their teeth may need a night mouth guard to protect new work. Because we also have a strong focus on TMJ treatment, we pay close attention to how your jaw and bite function. We do this before recommending any changes to the shape or length of your teeth.
What happens during cosmetic treatment?
Treatment begins with a conversation and an exam, and each step after that depends on the procedures you choose. For larger cases, we use Digital Smile Design to help you visualize the planned changes before any treatment starts. Our on-site dental lab lets us keep much of the fabrication work close to home, which helps us coordinate restorations efficiently.
Here is what patients can generally expect:
- A consultation to discuss your goals and review your teeth, gums, and bite
- Imaging and an exam to check the health of your mouth
- A personalized plan that may combine whitening, bonding, veneers, gum contouring, or aligners
- Treatment visits scheduled around your routine, with sedation available if needed
If dental visits make you anxious, you have options. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia. Having sedation available in our Thousand Oaks office means anxious patients do not have to put off the smile they want.
How do I care for my results, and how can I pay for treatment?
Most cosmetic results are cared for much like natural teeth: brush, floss, and keep your regular cleanings and exams. Bonding and veneers can chip under heavy force. Avoid biting hard objects, and wear a sports guard or night guard if we recommend one. After whitening, limiting dark beverages can help your results last longer.
Routine visits let us check your restorations, polish surfaces, and catch small issues early. Because we see children and adults of all ages, your whole family can keep up with preventive care in the same office.
For payment, we accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Many insurance plans treat purely cosmetic procedures differently than restorative care, so we will help you understand what may apply to your plan. Financing is also available to help spread out the cost of treatment. If you live or work in Thousand Oaks, our team is ready to talk through your goals and build a plan that fits your smile and your budget.