Cosmetic Dentistry in Westlake Village
Cosmetic dentistry works best when it starts with healthy teeth and gums, so every smile plan we create begins with a complete look at your oral health before we talk about shade, shape, or symmetry. At 805 Dentistry, our Thousand Oaks office, we help Westlake Village patients brighten, reshape, and refine their smiles. Dr. Dar Radfar and our team handle everything from simple whitening to a full smile makeover under one roof.
Your first appointment is a conversation as much as an exam. We ask what you notice when you look in the mirror. Common concerns include a chipped front tooth, stains that brushing won't lift, gaps, uneven edges, or a "gummy" smile. Then we complete a dental exam and oral cancer screening, and take 2D or 3D imaging as needed. Cosmetic work placed over untreated decay or gum disease won't hold up, so we address those first.
From there, we use digital smile design to plan your result before any treatment begins. This lets us map out proportions and tooth shapes with you, so you understand what we're aiming for and why. Many Westlake Village patients find this step clarifies their goals. Sometimes a small change, like whitening plus minor reshaping, accomplishes more than they expected.
Cosmetic dentistry covers a wide range of treatments, and most smile plans combine several. Depending on your goals, we may recommend:
- Teeth whitening, either in-office or with a take-home kit
- Composite bonding to repair chips, close small gaps, or mask discoloration
- Porcelain veneers to change the color, shape, or alignment of front teeth
- Tooth recontouring to smooth uneven or slightly overlapping edges
- Gum contouring to balance a smile where gums cover too much tooth
- Invisalign and clear aligners to straighten teeth before or instead of restorative work
- Crowns, inlays, and onlays when a tooth needs strength as well as better appearance
Because 805 Dentistry is also a general and family practice, we can coordinate cosmetic and restorative work in one plan. One example is replacing a missing tooth with an implant before placing veneers on neighboring teeth. Our board-certified periodontist performs cosmetic gum contouring and crown lengthening in-house.
Who is a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Most adults with healthy gums and teeth that are free of active decay are good candidates. If you have gum disease, cavities, or jaw problems, we treat those first and then move on to cosmetic goals.
Candidacy also depends on the specific treatment. Whitening works well on natural enamel but won't change the color of existing crowns or fillings. Bonding suits small repairs, while veneers better address larger changes in shape or color. Patients who grind their teeth may need a night guard to protect cosmetic work. Given our strong focus on TMJ treatment, we look closely at bite and jaw function during planning.
What happens during cosmetic treatment?
Treatment follows the plan we design together, and each step is explained before we begin. Whitening and bonding can often be completed in a single visit. Veneers and crowns usually take more than one appointment: one to prepare the teeth and another to place the final restorations.
Our on-site dental lab helps us keep the process coordinated, and we fine-tune fit and appearance before anything is finalized. If dental visits make you nervous, we offer nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and IV sedation. A board-certified dental anesthesiologist is on our team, so anxious patients from Westlake Village don't have to put off the smile they want.
How do I care for my new smile?
Daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings and exams are the foundation of lasting cosmetic results. Veneers, bonding, and crowns still rely on healthy gums and the natural teeth underneath them.
We'll give you specific instructions for your treatment. That may mean limiting staining foods and drinks after whitening, or avoiding biting hard objects with bonded teeth. If we recommend a night guard, wear it consistently. Bring any concerns, such as a chip or sensitivity, to our attention early. We also offer emergency dental appointments if something unexpected happens.
How can I pay for cosmetic dentistry?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, welcome self-pay patients, and offer financing. Cosmetic treatments are often elective, so we review your plan and costs with you before starting.
When part of your treatment also restores function, such as a crown on a damaged tooth, we'll file with your insurance as appropriate. For patients who prefer to spread out the cost of a smile makeover, financing can make phased or comprehensive treatment more manageable. Our team is happy to walk Westlake Village families through the options at your consultation.