Let’s face it, if your smile isn’t as radiant as you’d like, it can make it difficult to fully enjoy and participate in professional and social situations. Maybe your teeth are a bit crooked, or you have a chipped tooth. Maybe years of coffee have dulled the color of your smile. There are myriad reasons people choose to explore their cosmetic dentistry options, and with that, several questions may arise. In this blog, we’ll go over the cosmetic dentistry options offered by Dr. Kevin Sands, as well as some of the essential questions to ask at your cosmetic dentistry consultation, so that you can be well-informed and fully prepared to dazzle the world with a confident smile once again.
Table of Contents
- How Is Cosmetic Dentistry Different From Regular Dentistry?
- What Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Does Dr. Sands Perform?
- How Long Can I Expect My Cosmetic Dentistry Results To Last?
- Are There Any Risks Associated With Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?
- What Do I Need to Know About Caring For My Cosmetic Dentistry Results?
- Tips To Maintain Your Cosmetic Dentistry Results
How Is Cosmetic Dentistry Different From Regular Dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy through preventive care and restoring the function of your mouth. While cosmetic dentistry can also restore function, it primarily focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. It’s where the science of dentistry meets the beauty of artistry.
Cosmetic dentists (like Dr. Sands) blend advanced restorative dental techniques with an aesthetic eye for symmetry, proportion, and facial balance. The goal of cosmetic dentistry isn’t just to repair your teeth—it’s to enhance the natural beauty of your smile while simultaneously preserving your oral health.
Keep in mind that cosmetic dentistry can also improve the function of your mouth. For example, aligning your bite, replacing missing teeth, or restoring worn enamel can make everyday activities—like speaking and chewing—easier and more comfortable.
What Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Does Dr. Sands Perform?
As a renowned cosmetic dentist to the stars, Dr. Kevin Sands knows how to create and enhance gorgeous smiles. He offers one of the most comprehensive selections of cosmetic and restorative dental services in Beverly Hills, allowing each patient to completely customize their smile transformation. His treatments include:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom-designed, ultra-thin shells that perfectly conceal chips, stains, gaps, or uneven teeth, resulting in a flawless smile.
Zoom!® Teeth Whitening
Zoom!® Teeth Whitening is a powerful in-office whitening treatment that dramatically brightens your smile with long-lasting results.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding offers a quick way to repair minor chips and other smile imperfections using tooth-colored composite resin.
Invisalign® Clear Aligners
Invisalign® treatment features nearly invisible trays designed to straighten your teeth more discreetly and comfortably than traditional metal braces.
Traditional Orthodontics
For patients who need more extensive correction for crooked teeth, traditional braces may be used to address complex alignment or bite issues.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are durable, natural-looking replacements for missing teeth designed to permanently restore your mouth’s function and appearance.
Gum Contouring
If you have an uneven gum line or “gummy smile,” gum contouring can help. This procedure reshapes uneven gum lines to create balance and symmetry, and reveals more of your natural teeth for a beautiful smile.
Smile Makeovers
A personalized combination of multiple cosmetic dentistry treatments to achieve your ideal smile goals.
Full Mouth Restoration
Not to be confused with the purely aesthetic combination of procedures that comprise a smile makeover, full mouth restoration is a comprehensive, highly customized approach to cosmetic dentistry. It combines restorative, cosmetic, and functional treatments to rebuild your entire smile; an ideal option for patients with multiple dental concerns.
Periodontal Care
Your gums are an essential component of a beautiful smile. Periodontal care is designed to treat gum disease, enhance the appearance of your gums, and ensure you have a strong, healthy foundation for your teeth.
Dr. Sands tailors each of his cosmetic dentistry procedures to complement your facial structure, skin tone, and personality, ensuring your results look not only beautiful but also completely natural.
How Long Can I Expect My Cosmetic Dentistry Results To Last?
The lifespan of your cosmetic dentistry results depends on several factors, including which treatment you underwent, your habits, and how well you maintain your results. While each patient is different, the general timeline for the life of your cosmetic dentistry results is as follows:
- Porcelain veneers: 10–15 years (or longer with proper care).
- Dental bonding: 5–10 years before minor touch-ups may be needed.
- Professional teeth whitening: Several months to a year, depending on diet and lifestyle.
- Orthodontic and Invisalign® results: Permanent with consistent retainer use.
- Full mouth restoration results: Can last for decades with consistent dental care and healthy oral habits.
Because Dr. Sands uses premium materials and advanced techniques, his cosmetic restorations are designed for both beauty and durability. He’ll also provide guidance on how best to extend your results through proper dental care and regular maintenance visits.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures?
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are safe and effective when performed by a credentialed and experienced dentist like Dr. Sands, but it’s still important to be aware of potential risks. These may include:
- Temporary tooth sensitivity after whitening or veneer placement
- Minor gum irritation following dental bonding or restorations
- Chipping or loosening of veneers or bonding material if you grind your teeth or bite hard objects
- Relapse in orthodontics if retainers aren’t worn as instructed
Dr. Sands minimizes risks through careful treatment planning, precise, time-tested techniques, and high-quality materials. Each of his cosmetic dentistry procedures is customized to your mouth’s anatomy and focused on maintaining its comfort and function, ensuring beautiful results with a low likelihood of complications.
What Do I Need to Know About Caring for My Cosmetic Dentistry Results?
The key to keeping your newly enhanced smile bright, healthy, and long-lasting is proper care. Brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste helps prevent surface stains, while daily flossing keeps your gums healthy and your restorations looking brand new. Be cautious with foods and drinks that cause discoloration—like coffee, tea, and red wine—and rinse with water afterward to help prevent staining.
Routine dental checkups every six months are essential for professional cleanings and early detection of any issues. If you’ve had orthodontic treatment, wearing your retainers as directed will help maintain your alignment, and a nightguard can prevent damage from grinding. By staying consistent with proper at-home dental care and occasional professional maintenance from Dr. Sands, you’ll preserve your smile’s brilliance and health for years to come.
Tips To Maintain Your Cosmetic Dentistry Results
Below, Dr. Sands offers expert tips for keeping your smile looking as radiant as the day it was completed:
- Choose a whitening-friendly diet. Limit dark-colored foods and drinks that may stain your natural tooth enamel or restorations.
- Don’t smoke or vape. Nicotine not only discolors your natural teeth and restorations, but it also accelerates gum disease.
- Use non-abrasive toothpaste. This helps preserve the shine and smoothness of veneers and bonding.
- Protect your mouth and teeth. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports and a nightguard if you grind your teeth.
- Maintain healthy gums. Periodontal health is essential for maintaining long-lasting cosmetic results—healthy gums frame your smile and support your teeth.
- Stay proactive. Schedule touch-ups, professional whitening sessions, and regular dental visits as recommended by Dr. Sands.
Following these guidelines will help you maintain your investment in yourself and help you enjoy your confident, celebrity-worthy smile for years to come.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dentistry Options in Beverly Hills
If you’re thinking about enhancing your smile, the first step is scheduling an appointment with a highly experienced cosmetic dentist like Dr. Kevin Sands. Dr. Sands’ reputation for creating gorgeous, natural-looking results has made him one of Beverly Hills’ most sought-after cosmetic dentists. To learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options and schedule your consultation with Dr. Sands, call our office today at (310) 273-0111 or fill out our online contact form.