From subtle changes to dramatic enhancement, reach your smile goals with cosmetic dentistry
At Modern Smile Dental, we naturally prioritize keeping your teeth, gums, and supportive oral tissues healthy. However, we also understand that, at times, you may want a cosmetic solution. Your teeth may be perfectly healthy and disease-free, yet you may be unhappy with the shape of a certain tooth. Or, with time, you may have noticed that the formerly “cute” gap between your front teeth no longer seems so adorable and may have actually increased in size. All you see now is excess space or other imperfections when you smile. With cosmetic dentistry services at our office in Gaithersburg, Maryland, we can have you smiling confidently and proudly again in no time.
What problems do you treat with cosmetic dental care?
Our dentist, Dr. Michelle Janbakhsh, has experience and skill with many different types of cosmetic treatments. She has had the privilege of “making over” smiles with:
- Excess spaces or gaps between the teeth
- Too little space or crowding of the teeth
- Teeth with vertical “craze lines”
- Chipped teeth
- Stubborn intrinsic or internal discoloration
- Yellow or stained teeth
- Poorly-shaped teeth
- Worn-down teeth that are not uniformly sized
- “Gummy” smiles
- And more
How do you treat these problems with cosmetic dentistry?
If you have modest chips, uneven spacing, slight overlapping, worn biting, or shallow pitted areas, cosmetic contouring and reshaping may be in your future. This is a very conservative way to dramatically improve the appearance of the teeth, as we simply use special instruments and techniques to alter the concerning areas of the tooth – bringing beautiful balance to the smile. Both porcelain veneers and dental bonding may also resolve all of the cosmetic concerns listed above, except the “gummy smile.” These procedures largely work similarly and involve applying a dental material to the front surfaces of the visible teeth with those imperfections. Once secured, veneers or composite resin bonding covers up these flaws to make over your smile. Lastly, professional teeth whitening may be appropriate for some types of staining and discoloration.
What types of whitening do you offer?
We are proud providers of laser-assisted teeth whitening. This approach gets results in just one visit but without the sensitivity associated with other conventional chairside or “power” whitening options at the dentist’s office.
Is Invisalign® a cosmetic procedure?
Invisalign® is among the many procedures at Modern Smile Dental that combine aspects of cosmetic and restorative dentistry. These clear aligners are a discreet and aesthetic alternative to silver-colored metal braces, which contain nickel. This non-precious metal can cause allergies and has other, wider health implications. Aligners reposition crowded, gapped, and unevenly-spaced teeth that are not appropriate candidates for other exclusively cosmetic procedures mentioned above. Those cosmetic procedures provide the illusion of straighter teeth, whereas Invisalign® actually straightens the teeth and balances the bite. So, there will be an even distribution of force on all teeth. It is cosmetic because it uses clear plastic aligners instead of silver or dark-colored brackets and wires. As a holistic or biological dental care provider, we cannot overemphasize the adverse health effects of constantly ingesting metal into your system through nickel-containing brackets and wires in your mouth. Invisalign® aligners blend beautifully with the rest of the smile and are a healthy alternative to braces.
And how do you correct gummy smiles?
We use painless and precise laser dentistry to remove and reshape excess tissues. These alterations reveal more of the tooth’s white part (its crown). For this reason, this procedure is often referred to as “soft tissue crown lengthening.” Once completed, your gumline appears in a better, more attractive proportion to the teeth and mouth.
Welcome to cosmetic dentistry, where science meets artistry to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. From subtle refinements to dramatic transformations, cosmetic dentistry helps you feel confident and proud whenever you smile. Professional teeth whitening removes stains and reveals a brighter, more youthful smile, often in just one visit. Veneers and Lumineers are ultra-thin shells bonded to your teeth that beautifully correct chips, stains, gaps, and uneven edges. Dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin to repair small imperfections with quick, natural-looking results. Invisalign clear aligners gently and discreetly straighten your teeth—no metal braces, no compromise. Gum contouring reshapes excess tissue for a more balanced, harmonious smile that complements your features. Cosmetic dentistry doesn’t just enhance your look, it improves function and gives you the confidence to live, laugh, and shine. Are you ready to transform your smile? Book a consultation today and take the first step toward renewed confidence and lasting beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry
What is considered cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry includes treatments designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile. While general dentistry focuses on preventing and treating disease, cosmetic care aims to improve the shape, color, alignment, and proportion of the teeth. Many procedures offer both aesthetic and functional benefits, allowing patients to achieve a healthier-looking smile without compromising long-term oral health.
How do I decide which cosmetic treatment is best for me?
Every smile is unique, which is why treatment begins with a detailed consultation. Dr. Michelle Janbakhsh evaluates tooth structure, gum symmetry, bite alignment, and your aesthetic goals. Some patients may only need whitening to refresh their smile, while others may benefit from reshaping, veneers, bonding, or clear aligner therapy. A customized plan ensures results that complement your facial features and preferences.
Can cosmetic dentistry correct minor alignment issues?
Yes, depending on the severity. Small gaps, slight crowding, or mild unevenness may be improved with cosmetic techniques, such as bonding or veneers, which visually enhance alignment. However, if teeth require significant repositioning, orthodontic treatment such as clear aligners may be recommended to physically move them into healthier positions.
Are cosmetic dental procedures permanent?
Some cosmetic treatments provide long-lasting improvements, while others may require maintenance over time. For example, professional whitening may need occasional touch-ups, whereas porcelain restorations can last many years with proper care. Longevity depends on oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, and routine dental visits.
Is cosmetic dentistry safe for healthy teeth?
When performed conservatively and appropriately, cosmetic dentistry is designed to preserve healthy tooth structure. Modern materials and techniques allow dentists to enhance aesthetics while minimizing enamel removal. Dr. Janbakhsh carefully evaluates whether a treatment is suitable before proceeding, ensuring that health remains the top priority.
How long does it take to see results?
Timelines vary by procedure. Whitening can brighten your smile in a single appointment, while veneers may require multiple visits. Clear aligner therapy unfolds gradually over several months. During your consultation, you will receive a clear understanding of how long your chosen treatment will take and what to expect at each stage.
Can cosmetic dentistry make my smile look too artificial?
Modern cosmetic dentistry focuses on natural-looking results. Materials are selected to mimic the way natural enamel reflects light, and careful attention is given to proportions and symmetry. The goal is subtle enhancement, improving imperfections without creating an overdone appearance.
What if I only want to improve one tooth?
Cosmetic dentistry is highly customizable. Some patients choose to enhance a single tooth that stands out due to discoloration, shape, or damage. Treatment can be limited to that specific area while blending seamlessly with surrounding teeth.
Does cosmetic dentistry improve more than just appearance?
In many cases, yes. Improving alignment can make teeth easier to clean. Restoring worn edges can protect the remaining structure. Correcting uneven surfaces can reduce irritation to soft tissues. Aesthetic improvements often go hand in hand with functional benefits.
Is cosmetic dentistry worth the investment?
For many patients, enhancing their smile positively impacts confidence, social interactions, and professional opportunities. Feeling comfortable smiling openly can influence daily life in meaningful ways. A consultation allows you to explore options and determine whether cosmetic dentistry aligns with your goals and budget.
If you are concerned about the look of a tooth or any changes to the appearance of your smile, contact our team in Gaithersburg, MD, today. Call (301) 850-0376 to request your consultation and take the first step toward big smile enhancement with cosmetic dentistry.
