--- title: "Cosmetic Dentistry in Wildwood, MO | Enhance Your Smile" description: "Achieve a stunning smile with cosmetic dentistry in Wildwood, MO. We offer veneers, whitening, and more. Schedule your consultation today!" url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/cosmetic-dentistry publisher: Town Center Dental phone: +1-636-273-5866 quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment --- ![The front desk at Town Center Dental](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/_astro/front-desk.DggnCQNL_1MeaQP.avif) # Cosmetic Dentistry Cosmetic dentistry changes how teeth look: their color, shape, size or spacing. Options include whitening, bonding, veneers and clear aligners. Your dentist first checks that your teeth and gums are healthy, then talks through choices. Insurance often does not pay for cosmetic work, so ask about coverage early. [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866) ## Health comes first Decay and gum problems usually need care before cosmetic work starts. The American Dental Association says veneers over unhealthy teeth may worsen existing problems. ## Some changes cannot be undone Veneers remove tooth enamel, so the American Dental Association calls them not reversible. Bonding usually needs less enamel removed. ## Insurance often does not apply Cleveland Clinic notes insurance usually does not cover cosmetic services. The office checks your plan and gives you an estimate. ## One visit can cover several goals Many people combine steps. A first consultation helps you set an order. Cosmetic dentistry has skyrocketed in popularity over the past few decades. At Town Center Dental, we specialize in several cosmetic services aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth and overall smile. From minor cosmetic changes to full-tooth restorations, we have got you covered! ## [Teeth Whitening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-whitening) One of the most common complaints we receive involves the brightness of our patients’ smiles. For this reason, we offer professional [teeth whitening treatment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-whitening). Teeth whitening is one of the most basic and cost-effective ways to improve your smile. Stains from certain foods, drinks, medications, and personal habits, also known as extrinsic stains, are easy to remove with a bleaching solution. However, many store-bought bleaching products leave people dissatisfied with the results. Because we are trained professionals, we use a bleaching agent with a much higher concentration than store-bought alternatives. Our whitening treatment could make your teeth up to eight shades brighter in just a single appointment! ## [Porcelain Crown](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/porcelain-crown) A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers the visible portion of a damaged or decayed tooth. In previous years, a dental crown was fabricated using a gold or silver amalgam. These days, porcelain is usually the material of choice. [Porcelain](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/porcelain-crown) is a ceramic compound that mimics the light-reflective properties of natural enamel. It can also be textured and color-matched to your existing teeth. Thanks to porcelain and other ceramics, crowns can also be used to fix the aesthetics of an unsightly tooth. ## [Invisalign](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/invisalign) Crooked teeth not only affect the aesthetics of your smile, but they can also be detrimental to your oral health. For instance, crowded teeth can be much more difficult to properly clean, leaving you at a greater risk for developing tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Luckily, people in need of orthodontic care have more options than ever before. We specialize in [Invisalign®](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/invisalign) clear aligner treatment. Invisalign is designed for patients who want a discrete and effective alternative to traditional metal braces. ## [Clear Aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/clear-aligners) Crooked teeth not only affect the aesthetics of your smile, but they can also be detrimental to your oral health. For instance, crowded teeth can be much more difficult to properly clean, leaving you at a greater risk for developing tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. Luckily, people in need of orthodontic care have more options than ever before. We specialize in clear aligner treatment. [Clear aligner](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/clear-aligners) systems are designed for patients who want a discrete and effective alternative to traditional metal braces. ## [Dental Veneers](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-veneers) A [dental veneer](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-veneers) is a razor-thin shell that is bonded to the front surface of a tooth. Like our dental crowns, our veneers are typically made from porcelain. Veneers can be used to fix teeth that are severely discolored, worn down, chipped or broken, misaligned, uneven, irregularly shaped, or even gapped. During the procedure, we have to remove a small amount of enamel to accommodate the thickness of the veneer. For this reason, the veneer procedure is considered irreversible. ## [Dental Bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding) Patients looking for a less-invasive and more cost-effective solution may benefit from [dental bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding). Dental bonding involves the application of composite resin, a putty-like material, to the surface of an aesthetically displeasing tooth. For example, dental bonding is an excellent solution for minor chips or cracks. During the procedure, the composite resin will be color-matched to the existing shade of your enamel, making it virtually indistinguishable from the rest of your tooth. ## [Dental Sealants](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-sealants) A [dental sealant](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-sealants) is a thin, plastic coating that prevents cavities and tooth decay. Sealants are usually applied to the occlusal (bite) surface of the molars and premolars. These teeth possess deep grooves and fissures that are much harder to clean, especially for children and teenagers. Sometimes the grooves are so thin that the bristles of a toothbrush are rendered essentially ineffective. A sealant will provide a more even brushing surface and seal off the enamel from harmful bacteria. Preventing tooth decay will ensure your child’s smile remains beautiful for years to come! ## Schedule Your Consultation If you are unsatisfied with the current state of your smile, you may qualify for cosmetic dentistry! Call [636-273-5866](tel:636-273-5866) to schedule your consultation now! Cosmetic options compared at a glance Option What it changes What to ask your dentist Teeth whitening Tooth color Is my sensitivity or existing dental work a concern? Dental bonding Small chips, gaps and shape, using tooth-colored resin How often might it need touch-ups? Dental veneers Color, shape and spacing of front teeth How much enamel is removed? Clear aligners Tooth position and spacing Will I need a retainer afterward? Smile makeover A plan that combines several steps In what order should the steps happen? ## Where do I start with cosmetic dentistry? Start with a consultation. Your dentist looks at your teeth and gums, listens to what you want to change, and explains your options in plain words. You do not need to know the treatment names ahead of time. Health comes first. Decay or gum disease usually needs care before cosmetic work. The American Dental Association warns that placing veneers over unhealthy teeth may worsen existing dental problems. If you want a plan that links several steps, read about a [smile makeover](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/smile-makeover) and our [smile makeover planning guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/smile-makeover-planning). The office also describes the 3D tools it uses on the [technology page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/technology). Write down your questions before the visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect and explain each step before it starts. ## How do I choose between bonding and veneers? Bonding adds tooth-colored [composite resin](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/composite-resin) to the tooth. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of a tooth. Bonding usually removes little or no enamel. Veneers remove [enamel](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/enamel), and the American Dental Association calls that step not reversible. Bonding often lasts a shorter time than veneers, per Cleveland Clinic, and can pick up stains more easily than porcelain. Your dentist can explain which fits a small chip and which fits a bigger change. Learn more on the [dental bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding) and [dental veneers](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-veneers) pages, or read the [veneers versus bonding guide](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/veneers-vs-bonding). If you are unsure, call (636) 273-5866. The team can answer questions and help you book a visit. The office is open Monday to Thursday. Every mouth is different. After your exam, your dentist explains how this applies to you and what your choices are. ## Will insurance cover cosmetic work? Often not. Cleveland Clinic says insurance usually does not cover cosmetic services because insurers do not see them as necessary for health. Some work that repairs a damaged tooth may be treated differently by your plan. The office does not publish fees. Instead, the team looks at your plan and your treatment, then gives you an estimate for your own case. Ask before you start so there are no surprises. See the [insurance and financing page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/patients/insurance-and-financing) for what the office says about working with plans. The office does not publish fees. The team looks at your plan and your treatment, then gives you an estimate for your own case. Keep your follow-up visits. They let your dentist check how things are going and answer new questions. ## Cosmetic Dentistry at Town Center Dental - [Teeth Whitening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-whitening) - [Dental Veneers](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-veneers) - [Dental Bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding) - [Smile Makeover](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/smile-makeover) ## Questions about cosmetic dentistry [Read the guideSmile Makeover: What It Includes, How Treatments Combine, and the Order They Follow](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/guides/smile-makeover-planning) ### What is cosmetic dentistry? It is dental work that improves how your smile looks, such as whitening, bonding and veneers. Cleveland Clinic describes it as focused on improving the appearance of your smile. Your dentist explains options and checks that your teeth and gums are healthy first. ### Does insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry? Usually not. Cleveland Clinic says insurance generally does not cover cosmetic services. Plans differ, so ask the office to check your benefits. The practice gives each patient its own estimate rather than posting fees. Your dentist can explain more at your visit. ### Are veneers reversible? No. The American Dental Association says treatment is not reversible because tooth enamel is removed to place a veneer. Bonding usually removes less enamel. Your dentist can explain the trade-offs for your teeth. Ask your dentist what applies to you. ### Can I get cosmetic work if I grind my teeth? Maybe, but it needs a plan. The American Dental Association says veneers may not be a good choice if you clench or grind. Your dentist may suggest a night guard or a different option. Call (636) 273-5866 with questions. ### How do I book a cosmetic consultation? Call (636) 273-5866 or request an appointment online. The office is open Monday to Thursday. At the visit, your dentist reviews your goals, your teeth and your options. Bring your questions to your next visit. Your dentist will talk with you about what to expect. ## Related services - [Teeth Whitening](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/teeth-whitening) - [Dental Veneers](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-veneers) - [Dental Bonding](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/dental-bonding) - [Smile Makeover](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/smile-makeover) - [Clear Aligners](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/clear-aligners) ## Sources - [American Dental Association MouthHealthy: Veneers](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/veneers) - [Cleveland Clinic: What Is Dental Bonding?](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding) - [Cleveland Clinic: Cosmetic Dentistry](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23914-cosmetic-dentistry) ## Ready when you are [Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)