Modern cosmetic dentistry offers a wide range of dental services to make sure your teeth stay healthy, function well, and look great. Dr. Ray Becker with Howard County Smiles offers his patients cosmetic dentistry in Columbia, MD. Dr. Ray Becker believes that cosmetic dentistry is not just about a pretty smile- it can also boost your sense of confidence, self-esteem and improve overall oral health.
More than just a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Becker focuses on health concerns and functional problems, ensuring comfortable, long-lasting results. He will correct your underlying functional and health issues that contribute to cosmetic dental concerns. We can address almost any aesthetic flaw, including:
- Cover crooked teeth
- Brighten stained teeth
- Correct or conceal chipped teeth
- Fix damaged teeth
- Conceal teeth that are too long or short
- Cover gaps between teeth
- Replace missing teeth
Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist
Finding the right cosmetic dentist is essential. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), Dr. Becker offers the latest techniques and treatment options. He has extensive post-graduate training and experience in cosmetic dentistry.
Dr. Becker is dedicated to excellence in dentistry. He uses the latest in treatments, techniques, and advanced materials for lasting results and the best possible experience for patients. We offer a full range of cosmetic services that can be used individually or in combination for a total smile makeover.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Columbia, MD
Our office provides many cosmetic dental options to improve the look of your smile:
CEREC® Cosmetic
CEREC technology lets Dr. Becker complete a smile makeover in just one day. Normally, you would have to wait weeks for a dental lab to make your restoration. With CEREC, we can create and fit your new restoration while you wait in our office. This means you don’t have to make multiple trips or wait a long time to get your new smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are a popular and versatile cosmetic treatment that makes teeth look better. These thin, custom-made shells are placed over the front of your teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain veneers can cover teeth that are stained, crooked, chipped, or have gaps between them. They can also change the shape or length of your teeth, giving you a more even, polished smile.
SureSmile®
SureSmile straightens teeth using clear, invisible aligners. These aligners are easy to remove, so you can eat, brush, and floss just like usual. Every week, you’ll switch to a new set of aligners to keep moving your teeth into the right position. This method is comfortable and convenient, making it easier to achieve a straighter smile.
Tooth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a fast and easy way to brighten a dull smile instantly. Dr. Becker offers Sensational Smile® and Zoom® WhiteSpeed teeth whitening. He also offers Zoom DayWhite professional take-home teeth whitening for patients who prefer to whiten their teeth gradually at home.
Tooth Bonding
Bonding is a great option for fixing small dental problems and improving the look of your teeth. Dr. Becker uses a special tooth-colored resin that blends in with your natural teeth. He carefully sculpts the resin into the right shape, helping to hide imperfections like chips, gaps, or discoloration. Tooth bonding is a simple and affordable way to enhance your smile without needing more invasive treatments.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown acts like a protective cap that goes over a damaged, decayed, or unattractive tooth. It completely covers the tooth, making it stronger and giving it a natural look. The crown helps protect the tooth from more damage and restores its shape and function. Crowns are made to match the color of your other teeth, so they blend in with your smile.
Dental Implants
Implants are the closest thing to having a real tooth again. They replace the missing tooth right at the root, which helps keep your jawbone strong and healthy. Dental implants look and feel just like natural teeth, and with proper care, they can last a lifetime. Because they’re securely anchored in your jaw, they don’t slip or move. Implants are a long-lasting and reliable tooth replacement.
Cosmetic Dentistry: What to Expect
Cosmetic dentistry requires careful planning to ensure a natural-looking smile that enhances your overall health and appearance. Dr. Becker will take the time to listen to your needs and goals. He will conduct a thorough examination to find underlying problems that can cause functional and cosmetic dentistry concerns.
After your personalized consultation and exam, Dr. Becker will recommend the appropriate treatments to meet your needs and goals. He will create a treatment plan tailored to your unique smile, oral health concerns, and budget. This will achieve a result that meets your expectations and also supports your long-term dental health.
Our dental exam typically includes the following:
- Digital dental X-rays
- Other diagnostic dental imaging
- Screening for gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer
- Occlusal analysis and examination of temporomandibular joints (TMJ)
What is a Smile Makeover?
A smile makeover is a customized treatment plan that helps improve the appearance of your smile. It combines different cosmetic dental treatments to address problems like stained, chipped, crooked, or uneven teeth. Common smile makeover treatments include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and SureSmile.
Every smile makeover is unique because it fits your needs and goals. Whether you want to fix just one problem or improve your whole smile, a smile makeover can help you feel more confident. Our dentist will work with you to choose the best treatments based on the current state of your teeth and what you want to achieve.
A smile makeover not only improves how your teeth look but can also boost your self-esteem. It can make you more comfortable showing off your smile. By combining the right treatments, a smile makeover can help you get the beautiful, healthy smile you’ve always wanted.
Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry Near You
Thanks to the many advancements in cosmetic dentistry, getting your dream smile is now easier and more affordable than ever before. Dr. Becker is here to help guide you through your options. He will work with you to choose the cosmetic treatments that best suit your needs and goals. Whether you want teeth whitening, veneers, or bonding, Dr. Becker will carefully explain each treatment so you know what to expect.
He will also ensure you understand the details of your follow-up care, available dental options, and how to care for your new smile. In addition, he’ll discuss dental financing and insurance to ensure the treatment fits within your budget. With flexible scheduling, we make it easy to find a time that works best for you.
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
You can improve the look and function of your smile with cosmetic dentistry in Columbia, MD. Read the answers to these common questions to learn more:
What’s the difference between general and cosmetic dentistry?
General dentistry focuses on preventative care. The treatment options treat small concerns in the mouth to reduce the risk of more serious dental problems in the future. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the look of your smile. It aims to give patients an even, bright smile. However, many cosmetic treatments also benefit your health and mouth function.
Does my insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?
No, most dental insurance doesn’t cover cosmetic care. They’re seen as elective care for looks, not as necessary care for the health of your smile.
Sometimes, insurance covers dental bonding if it’s needed to fix a tooth, not just for cosmetic reasons. We also offer an in-house dental service plan to help you save on certain cosmetic procedures.
Is cosmetic dentistry permanent?
No cosmetic dental treatment is permanent. Clear aligners are the closest to permanent, but you still have to wear your retainers to keep your teeth in that position. Solutions like veneers can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care.
Does cosmetic dentistry hurt?
No, cosmetic treatment should cause you pain. When you move your teeth with SureSmile, you will feel soreness and discomfort as your teeth adjust to their new positions. Some cosmetic care can also cause sensitive teeth, but that fades a few days after your procedure.
What’s the most popular cosmetic dental procedure?
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment. No one can escape having stained teeth in their life. Whitening is also non-invasive and provides quick results. A single whitening session can brighten the teeth many shades practically overnight.
Am I a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry?
Many patients qualify for cosmetic treatment. However, we ensure your oral health first. We won’t start cosmetic procedures until we treat cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems. Your health comes first, so we want to ensure a strong foundation before focusing on your smile’s appearance.
Can I whiten sensitive teeth?
Yes, you can still get teeth whitening treatment if you have sensitive teeth. Schedule a consultation so we can review your options with you. We can offer lower-strength whitening options or apply protective gels to help reduce sensitivity.
Can bonding and veneers cover tooth gaps?
Yes, bonding and veneers can cover small tooth gaps. Dental bonding uses tooth-colored material to cover damaged and stained teeth. Veneers are thin shells bonded to prepared teeth. Both options cover tooth gaps.
Get Your Dream Smile
Do you need cosmetic dentistry in a Columbia, MD, dental office near you? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Ray Becker to learn how he can help you get the beautiful smile you deserve.
More than just a cosmetic dentist, Dr. Becker focuses on health concerns and functional problems for comfortable, long-lasting results.