Enhancing Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry at iSmilespa in Santa Cruz, CA

A healthy, vibrant smile can have a profound impact on your confidence and overall well-being. However, issues such as stains, chips, gaps, or misalignments can make you feel self-conscious. Cosmetic dentistry is a specialized field that blends artistry with advanced dental science to address these concerns, improving both the appearance and function of your teeth.

At iSmilespa, our experienced dental team offers a comprehensive range of cosmetic treatments designed to help you achieve your ideal smile. We focus on creating natural-looking, long-lasting results that not only enhance your appearance but also promote your long-term oral health.

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Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry includes treatments that enhance the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. Unlike general dentistry, which treats dental issues, cosmetic procedures are often optional and focus on fixing imperfections. These treatments can also restore tooth structure and enhance bite function, thereby contributing to improved oral health.

Cosmetic dentistry can address a range of concerns, from minor adjustments to more significant repairs. Whether you want whiter teeth, to fix a chip, or to redesign your smile, we have options for you. At iSmilespa, we utilize advanced technology and high-quality materials to achieve beautiful, long-lasting results. Our process begins with a consultation to discuss your goals and conduct an examination, helping us create a personalized treatment plan for you.

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Who is a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Anyone unhappy with the appearance of their smile may be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry. The first and most crucial step is to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy. Any underlying issues, such as cavities or gum disease, must be addressed before proceeding with cosmetic work. Our dentists at iSmilespa will perform a comprehensive evaluation to confirm your oral health is in good condition.

You may be an ideal candidate if you wish to correct any of the following common cosmetic concerns:

• Stained or Discolored Teeth: Teeth can become yellowed or stained due to factors such as consuming coffee, tea, or red wine, using tobacco, or the natural aging process.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Worn Teeth: Minor injuries or habitual teeth grinding can lead to visible damage that detracts from your smile’s appearance.
• Gaps or Spaces Between Teeth: Unwanted gaps can create an uneven look and may trap food particles, leading to oral health issues.
• Misaligned or Crooked Teeth: Mild to moderate crookedness can be corrected with discreet treatments, such as clear aligners or veneers.
• Uneven or Irregularly Shaped Teeth: Teeth that appear too small, too large, or misshapen can be reshaped to create a more harmonious smile.
• Gummy Smile: An excessive display of gum tissue when you smile can be corrected with gentle gum contouring procedures.

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Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

We offer a variety of treatments to help you achieve your smile goals. After a detailed discussion, we can recommend the best option for you.

1. Professional Teeth Whitening: This is one of the most popular and straightforward cosmetic treatments. We use professional-grade bleaching agents that are far more effective and safer than over-the-counter products. The procedure can be done in our office for immediate results or with custom-made take-home trays for your convenience.
2. Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin, custom-crafted shells of tooth-colored porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They are a versatile solution for correcting a host of issues, including severe discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and minor misalignment. Veneers are highly resistant to stains and can completely transform your smile’s shape, color, and size.
3. Dental Bonding: A more conservative alternative to veneers, dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to repair chips, close small gaps, or improve the shape of a tooth. The resin is sculpted directly onto the tooth and hardened with a special light, making it a quick and cost-effective procedure that can often be completed in a single visit.
4. Dental Crowns: A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire visible portion of a tooth. While often used for restorative purposes after a root canal or large filling, crowns also serve a cosmetic function. They can cover a severely discolored or misshapen tooth, restoring its natural appearance and strength. Our crowns are crafted from high-quality porcelain to blend seamlessly with your other teeth.

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Beyond Aesthetics: The Health Benefits

Cosmetic dentistry offers benefits that extend beyond a beautiful smile; it also enhances overall health and function. Treatments like veneers or bonding can correct crooked teeth, making them easier to clean and reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Repairing chips and cracks with bonding or crowns restores tooth integrity and prevents further damage. Properly aligned teeth ensure even distribution of chewing forces, reducing wear and strain on jaw joints (TMJ) and alleviating headaches and jaw pain. By investing in cosmetic dentistry, you also invest in the long-term health of your smile.

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Meet The Doctors

Dr. Michael Melek
Dr. Michael Melek is dedicated to providing exceptional dental care to the Santa Cruz community. A graduate of the University of Michigan, he received top honors and awards in Crown and Bridge work. With additional training in implants and orthodontics, Dr. Melek is a member of several dental associations and is committed to promoting health and wellness.

Dr. Connor Malek
Dr. Connor Malek gained valuable experience in dentistry from his family over many years. He attended the University of the Pacific, where he earned awards in Operative Dentistry. Dr. Malek is skilled in numerous areas, including cosmetic and restorative dentistry, and is known for his kind and gentle approach that makes patients feel comfortable.

Dr. Tod Anderson
With over 17 years of experience, Dr. Tod Anderson focuses on delivering patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of each individual and their family.

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Payment and Insurance

Scheduling an appointment is simple. Call our team to arrange your first visit. Our accepted payment methods include:

• Visa
• Discover
• American Express
• MasterCard
• Check
• Cash
• Cherry Financing
• CareCredit

We accept many insurance plans. Please call our office to verify if we are in-network with your provider.

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Contact Information:

iSmilespa
3337 Mission Dr.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Phone: (831) 462-6500