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Cosmetic Dentistry in Hood River, OR 

Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of the teeth, gums and bite. It involves various procedures that can enhance the color, shape, size, alignment and overall appearance of the teeth, and give a person a more attractive and confident smile.

Some examples of common cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

• Teeth whitening: This procedure involves the use of bleaching agents to remove or reduce stains and discoloration on the teeth.

• Veneers: These are thin shells of tooth-colored materials that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth. They can be used to change the shape, size, or color of the teeth, and to close gaps or correct other aesthetic issues. (Read more information on veneers below.)

• Bonding: This procedure involves the application of a tooth-colored composite material to the teeth, which can be sculpted and hardened to improve the shape, size or color of the teeth.

• Invisalign: This is a clear aligner system that is used to straighten teeth without the use of traditional metal braces.

• Dental Implants: A dental implant is a metal post that is inserted into the jawbone to support a replacement tooth. They can be used to replace one or more missing teeth and improve the overall appearance of the smile.

• Gum reshaping: This procedure involves removing excess gum tissue to improve the proportion of the teeth and gums and give a more symmetric smile.

Cosmetic dentistry can also be a combination of several procedures working together to achieve the desired outcome. The choice of procedure will depend on each individual case, the patient's goals, and the dentist's evaluation of the patient's oral health.

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials (porcelain or composite resin) that are bonded to the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are used to change the color, shape, size, or alignment of the teeth, and to close gaps or correct other aesthetic issues.

The process of getting veneers typically involves several steps. First, the dentist will examine the teeth and discuss the patient's goals and concerns. Then, the dentist will prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the teeth. This is necessary to make room for the veneers and to ensure a natural-looking result. Next, the dentist will take an impression of the teeth, which will be used to create the custom-made veneers. Our dentists use premium laboratories that specialize in cosmetics to fabricate the restorations.

Once the veneers are ready, the patient will return to Hood River Dental for a second appointment. During this appointment, your dentist will place the veneers on the teeth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a proper fit and proper bite. The veneers are then bonded to the teeth with a dental adhesive and cured with a special light.

Dental veneers can be made of porcelain or composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more durable and stain-resistant than composite veneers, but they also require more tooth structure to be removed and the procedure can be more invasive. Composite veneers can be done in one appointment and require less tooth structure to be removed, but they are more prone to staining and chipping.

Veneers are not suitable for everyone, and the dentist will evaluate the patient's oral health, goals, and the condition of the teeth to determine if veneers are an appropriate option. It's also important to note that veneers are not reversible and they can only be removed by grinding the veneers and the tooth structure underneath.

Cosmetic Dentistry Expertise in Hood River, OR

If you have a few imperfections keeping you from feeling confident, come see our dentist, Dr. Aron Kivel, right here in Hood River, OR. Dr. Kivel has helped people from all walks of life create a smile they’ve always dreamt of.

After graduating from dental school, Dr. Kivel was invited to practice at Dr. Bill Dorfman’s Extreme Makeover practice in Century City (you may know Dr. Dorfman from the TV shows like The Doctors or Extreme Makeover). In this office, Dr. Kivel became part of the treatment team for Hollywood’s recognizable characters as well as everyday folks who traveled to Beverly Hills for cosmetic dental treatment simply because they believed they’d receive the highest standard of care. He continued his career at equally successful cosmetic and general practices in both Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach, later acquiring practices in San Francisco and Ashland, OR.

Here in his chosen home of The Gorge, Dr. Kivel continues to use only the very best materials and state-of-the-art equipment to give you an enhanced natural appearance with lasting results you will love.

How much do veneers cost?

Dental veneers will range in cost from around $800 to $2,500 per tooth. A consultation with our cosmetic dental team is the best way to receive an accurate estimate for your unique cosmetic dental treatment.

Are veneers bad for teeth?

Veneers are generally considered a safe and effective option for improving the appearance of the teeth. However, as with any dental procedure, there are some things to consider.

One of the main patient concerns of veneers is that they require the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel. This is necessary to make room for the veneers and to ensure a natural-looking result. Once the veneers are placed, they are not easily removed or replaced. Because of this, it’s important to find an experienced cosmetic dentist you trust before starting treatment as well as discussing and considering the treatment thoroughly.

Veneers also require proper care and maintenance to ensure that they last as long as possible. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene and to visit the dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. Additionally, people with veneers should avoid biting or chewing hard objects, such as ice or fingernails, as this can cause the veneers to chip or break.

It's important to note that veneers are not suitable for everyone, and the dentist will evaluate the patient's oral health, goals, and the condition of the teeth to determine if veneers are an appropriate option. People with tooth decay, gum disease or weak teeth may not be good candidates for veneers.