How can we help you?
At CS Family Dentistry, we understand our patients may need clarification on specific procedures or regarding oral health. During your appointment with Dr. Cole Smith, we invite you to take the opportunity to discuss any conditions or pain you have or about the treatments we offer. Dr. Smith will make sure you understand your options before beginning or recommending any procedure.
If you have any questions about our practice, your oral health, or any services we offer, read through our frequently asked questions. If your question isn't answered, or you would like to learn more, give us a call or send an email using the online form on our contact page. We will answer your question and make sure you have all the information you need.
Cosmetic Dentistry
The short answer is yes. Most people are great candidates for cosmetic treatment, and if you
are unhappy with your smile I always want to help you find a solution. The best way to find
out is to simply sit down and talk. We will schedule a relaxed, no-pressure consultation
where we can look at the health of your teeth and gums. A healthy foundation is the most
important part of any cosmetic work. If we need to take care of a small cavity or improve
your gum health first, we will do that together at your own pace. My goal is to make sure
your new smile is both beautiful and built to last.
It is completely natural for teeth to lose some of their brightness over time. Daily habits
like drinking coffee or tea can leave behind stains that regular brushing simply cannot fix.
At my office we whiten with custom take-home kits, using trays made to fit your own teeth. We
do not do in-office whitening, and that is a deliberate choice. Whitening comes down to
contact time, meaning how long the gel actually stays against the tooth. A single visit in the
chair cannot match what a well-fitted tray does at home, so the take-home kit is simply where
the better result comes from. A custom tray also keeps the gel on your teeth instead of your
gums.
I always recommend a routine cleaning right before you start. That lets us remove any hidden
tartar buildup so your results come out smooth and even.
One thing worth knowing: whitening only works on natural tooth structure. It will not lighten
a crown, a veneer, or a tooth-colored filling. That is exactly why we usually want to whiten
before that kind of work rather than after. Then I can match your new crowns, veneers, or
fillings to your brighter shade, instead of matching them to a shade you are about to change.
I like to think of general dentistry as the foundation of your overall health. Routine
cleanings, exams, and fillings fall into this category because their main job is to keep your
teeth and gums healthy and functional. Cosmetic dentistry focuses specifically on the visual
aesthetics of your smile. This includes elective treatments like professional whitening,
veneers, and clear aligners to help you achieve the exact look you want. The truth is that
the two often go hand in hand. Many of the treatments I offer, like placing a natural-looking
dental implant or using tooth-colored fillings, improve your oral health while also making
your smile look fantastic.