Cosmetic Dentistry

Teeth whitening: Professional whitening goes well beyond what over-the-counter products can do, lifting deeper stains and producing more even results

Dental bonding: A tooth-colored resin applied directly to the tooth to fix chips, cracks, or minor gaps, often completed in a single visit

Veneers: Thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to address discoloration, uneven sizing, or shape concerns

Tooth contouring: Subtle reshaping of the enamel to smooth rough edges or correct minor irregularities

Clear aligners: A less visible alternative to traditional braces for patients dealing with spacing or mild misalignment

The right option depends on what you’re starting with and what you want to end up with. We look at both before making any recommendations.

A common misconception is that cosmetic dentistry is only for people with dramatic concerns. In reality, many patients come to us with small things that have quietly bothered them for years. A chipped front tooth. Staining that whitening strips haven’t touched. Teeth that are slightly uneven in a way that’s hard to describe but easy to notice.

Those concerns are just as valid as larger ones, and cosmetic treatment doesn’t have to be extensive to make a meaningful difference. Bonding a single tooth can change how often someone smiles. A whitening treatment can shift how confident someone feels in photos. Small changes add up.

That said, cosmetic dentistry does work best when your underlying oral health is in good shape. Active decay or gum disease needs to be addressed first, not because we’re being overly cautious, but because cosmetic work on unhealthy teeth won’t hold up the way it should.

Every cosmetic case at our practice starts with an evaluation. Dr. Michael M. Bohn takes the time to look at your teeth, discuss your goals, and walk you through the options that make sense for your specific situation. We use a 3Shape Trios intraoral scanner to capture precise digital impressions, which helps with planning and gives you a clearer picture of what’s possible before any work begins.

From there, the process depends on the treatment. Some, like bonding and whitening, are completed quickly. Others, like veneers, require multiple appointments for fabrication and proper fitting. We explain timelines upfront so nothing catches you off guard.

For any procedure that requires numbing, we use Bufferpro and Onset buffered anesthetic. The buffering process adjusts the pH of the anesthetic, allowing it to take effect faster and with significantly less discomfort than traditional injections. It’s a small detail that makes a noticeable difference, especially for patients who are already anxious about dental work.

How Long Do Results Last?

Whitening results typically last one to three years, depending on diet and habits like coffee or smoking

Regular cleanings and exams help extend the life of any cosmetic work. We also factor in habits like teeth grinding when recommending treatments, since this kind of wear can significantly shorten the lifespan of restorations.

How do I know which cosmetic treatment is right for me? That's exactly what the consultation is for. We look at your teeth, listen to what's bothering you, and recommend options that actually fit your situation. There's no single answer that works for everyone, which is why we evaluate each case individually before making any suggestions.

Does cosmetic dentistry hurt? Most cosmetic treatments involve little to no discomfort. For anything that requires numbing, we use a buffered anesthetic that takes effect faster and with less of the sting associated with traditional injections. Patients who have avoided dental work because of anxiety around needles often find this makes a significant difference.

Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance? Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by dental insurance since they're considered elective. However, some treatments that offer both cosmetic and functional benefits, such as bonding a chipped tooth, may be partially covered. We recommend checking with your provider before your appointment so you have a clear picture of the costs.

How long does cosmetic dental work take to complete? It depends on the treatment. Bonding and whitening can often be completed in a single visit. Veneers typically require two or more appointments to allow for fabrication. We give you a realistic timeline during your consultation so you can plan accordingly.

Will my results look natural? That's a priority for us. The goal is never an overdone or obviously altered appearance. We match materials to your surrounding teeth in terms of shade and shape, and we factor in your overall facial proportions when planning cosmetic work. The result should look like your teeth, just without the things that were bothering you.

Cosmetic dentistry in Fresno is more accessible than many people assume, and it doesn’t require a complete overhaul to see results worth having. If you’ve been sitting on a concern about your teeth, it’s worth finding out what your actual options are rather than guessing from the outside.

We don’t push treatments or recommend more than what makes sense. Our job is to give you accurate information and let you decide from there.

If you’re ready to find out what cosmetic dentistry in Fresno can do for your specific situation, give us a call. We’ll schedule a time to sit down, take a look, and give you a clear picture of where to start.