What Can I Do to Improve My Smile San Jose, CA
Your smile is a powerful tool. You can convey a wealth of information to others with a single grin, and research shows that the physical act of smiling can even make you feel happier. Many people may feel self-conscious about their smiles because of concerns about the appearance of their teeth or gum tissue.
Fortunately, many dentists offer restorative services that can help you feel more comfortable about sharing your smile with the world. For more information about how to improve your smile, our team at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics in San Jose is here to help. Call us at (408) 791-2800 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Improving Smiles
A beautiful smile is not only pleasing to the eye but also has social and health benefits. Some common reasons people seek treatment to improve their smiles include issues such as gaps, chips, stains, missing teeth, and large or receding gums. Since a smile is one of the first things people see, treatments to improve the smile can help people feel more confident about their appearance.
A healthy smile can enhance people's relationships, communication, and self-esteem. The right treatment can correct damage and help patients smile with pride. According to at least one study, happiness with one's smile has been directly correlated with higher levels of self-confidence. No matter the dental issue, there is a treatment that can help patients achieve the smile results they want.
“A beautiful smile is not only pleasing to the eye but also has social and health benefits.”
Finding the Right Dentist
Patients that decide they would like to improve their smile may easily get stuck in the contemplation phase. Actively researching a dentist who can improve smiles is the first step in reaping positive benefits.
One of the most important factors that play into the search process for a restorative dentist is trust. When the patient finds a dentist they trust – this is accomplished by word of mouth and online research – they can work together to decide what type of procedure feels comfortable for them.
Other factors that should go into the search for a dentist include:
- Education and credibility
- Reputation
- Cost of procedures
- Body of work (ask to see before and after photos)
- Ease of scheduling
When researching a dentist, make sure to follow intuition. Do not feel pressured or strong-armed into a procedure that does not feel right.
“Do not feel pressured or strong-armed into a procedure that does not feel right.”
Maintaining a Healthy Smile
A smile's health plays an important role in its appearance. Proper dental care techniques play a vital role in sustaining and improving a healthy smile. Although a healthy smile is not achieved overnight, developing healthy dental habits can help improve the look and health of teeth. Some techniques that support healthy teeth and gums include:
- Brushing teeth twice a day
- Flossing at least once a day
- Limiting staining foods or drinks
- Receiving prompt dental treatment
- Scheduling regular dental check-ups
“Proper dental care techniques play a vital role in sustaining and improving a healthy smile.”
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Restorative Methods
Restorative dental procedures are available to help repair the appearance and function of a patient's teeth. The primary focus of restorative methods is to replace damaged or missing tooth structure. There are two types of restorative methods, direct and indirect. Direct dental restorations involve placing a filling directly into a prepped and cleaned tooth cavity.
The creation of indirect dental restorations occurs outside of the mouth cavity to fix more severe dental damage. The common types of indirect restorative methods include veneers, dental crowns, inlays, onlays, and dental bridges. Patients should consult our dentist to learn about the available options.
“Restorative dental procedures are available to help repair the appearance and function of a patient’s teeth.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What reasons cause people to want to improve their smile?
Q. What care techniques help maintain a healthy smile?
Q. What restorative methods can help patients improve their smiles?
Q. How should I go about finding a restorative dentist?
Q. What is the difference between restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry?
People Also Ask
Q. Why should someone see a cosmetic dentist?
Q. How does one maintain a healthy smile?
Q. How long does teeth whitening treatment take?
Q. Are at-home teeth whitening treatments effective?
How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Smiles
It is easy to confuse restorative and cosmetic dentistry, as the fields have many features in common. Both types of dentistry use procedures to alter the appearance of teeth, but cosmetic dentistry is specifically focused on boosting the aesthetic appearance of the teeth and related structures.
Cosmetic dentists use several procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, and periodontal plastic surgery, to provide natural-looking alterations to a patient's smile. A quick aesthetic update can make a big difference in a person's smile. There are a variety of procedures used by cosmetic dentists on the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry's website.
“Cosmetic dentists use several procedures, such as teeth whitening, dental bonding, and periodontal plastic surgery, to provide natural-looking alterations to a patient’s smile.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why would a person have a cosmetic bonding procedure?
A. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the most common reason that dentists use bonding is to repair a patient's chipped tooth. When bonding a tooth, dentists use specific materials that closely match the natural color of the surrounding teeth. This may make a big difference in the appearance of the formerly chipped tooth and the overall smile.
Q. Does insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry?
A. Because cosmetic dentistry services are elective (meaning that they are not determined to be a medical necessity), they are not always covered by insurance. The cost of a cosmetic dentistry procedure ranges depending on the number of teeth involved and the technique. Make sure to discuss your desires with your dentist to see what type of investment may be right for you.
Q. Will it be obvious that I have had work done to improve my smile?
A. The extent to which you want to enhance your smile is entirely up to you. If you elect to have dental extractions and implants, or veneers, they may dramatically improve your smile in a way that may be apparent to people who knew you previously. There are many options available that are subtler. Whatever you choose, your dentist may be able to help you visualize the outcome beforehand, whether through imaging models or direct placement on your teeth.
Q. How long do veneers last?
A. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a porcelain veneer can have a life that ranges between seven and twenty years. Veneers will last longer if they receive proper oral care, including careful attention not to bite down hard on non-food items.
Q. What is the best order of treatment to improve my smile?
A. The most important treatments should be done before any cosmetics. We advise starting with restorative treatments that help restore oral function, such as any fillings and replacement procedures. Next, we like to focus on orthodontics to help straighten the teeth and correct any jaw displacement. Lastly, cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening or veneers, can be done.
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Cosmetic Dentistry Terminology
Call Us Today
Improving your smile can help you look as good as you feel. We at NuSmile Dental & Orthodontics can help. Call us today at 408-791-2800 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2026
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2026
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2026
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We are committed to providing quality service to residents located In the San Jose, CA area. Our website has additional information about the following topics: Dentist, Cosmetic Dentist, Emergency Dentist, Kid-Friendly Dentist, Teeth Whitening, Dental Crowns, Dental Bridges, Dental Fillings, Dental Bonding and Gum Disease Treatment.
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