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What is cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is an ever-evolving term. In the early days of dentistry, anything that restored a tooth to proper function utilizing proper tooth form was considered cosmetic dentistry.

Today, cosmetic dentistry is considered to be anything that restores teeth to proper form and function with proper shape and color to the ideal relative to the general population. This can include anything from a routine filling to dentures to dental implants.

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She said “I want my smile to pop!” and let us do the rest. Minimal prep porcelain veneers gave her a broader and brighter smile. Recently she was stopped in Las Vegas by a woman who told her she had “the most beautiful smile in the world!”

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She was tired of watching her teeth get darker by the day. We were able to fix some cavities and bite issues on the way to restoring her beautiful smile with crowns and veneers.

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He had been having patchwork dentistry done for years. When he finally decided to fix things the right way, he came to us. After a thorough workup, we decided to reshape the gumline areas before fixing the teeth with a combination of crowns, veneers, and implants.

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His wedding day was approaching, and he still had the microdonts (small teeth) he was born with. He didn’t like the spacing, and the various repairs done on them over time were not worthy of his wedding photos. A local specialist referred him to us, and we fixed the front four teeth with crowns.

How are fillings, dentures, and implants cosmetic?

Routine fillings are now considered cosmetic due to the advancements in dental materials. In the early days of dentistry, we could only restore teeth with either silver fillings or with gold. Nowadays, we can restore teeth with tooth-colored fillings or even full coverage tooth-colored crowns.

Dentures may even be seen as cosmetic. Dentures are no longer just a set of “clickers”. A well made, good fitting set of dentures can restore your missing teeth to the proper form and function with proper shape and color according to what is considered normal in society. When combined with dental implants, dentures can even be utilized in a fashion that more closely resembles natural form and function.

Dental implants may also be considered cosmetic dentistry in many lights. The initial function for which dental implants were utilized was the restoration of one missing tooth. This would allow a single tooth to be replaced without the violation of adjacent teeth. The tooth could be restored in the proper position, with the proper function, and now with the appropriate color to match the rest of your teeth. When combined with other dental procedures, such as dentures or bridges, to give better stability to the restoration, this, yet again, increases the functionality closer to natural.

What other procedures are considered cosmetic?

Humans in general are always looking for brighter, shinier, and better looking. A couple of procedures that can be included in this are veneers and tooth whitening.

Veneers are utilized when the shape and color are not ideal. A thin layer of porcelain is overlain one’s teeth to restore the tooth to the ideal shape and color.

Tooth whitening is utilized when the form and function of the natural teeth is appropriate, but the color is not as white as one desires. There are many different ways to whiten natural teeth. This can be explained to you in detail by Dr. Musselman at your comprehensive treatment planning appointment.

Cosmetic dental procedures should be utilized in addition to traditional dental treatments, or to “cover-up” a bad dentition. This, also, can be explained in detail by Dr. Musselman at your treatment planning appointment.

This patient had severe acid erosion and decay. We were able to save all of the teeth, restore his function, and protect the teeth from erosion in the future.

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Uneven wear, failing bondings, slight gaps and rotated teeth are all good reasons she had for upgrading her smile. We solved these problems with a smile makeover of minimal prep porcelain veneers.

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A brighter smile is what she wanted, but that wasn’t what was really bothering her. The crowded lower front teeth were wearing a pattern into the edges of her upper front teeth. We were able to artificially straighten her teeth and give her a beautifully-shaped, brighter smile.

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A lime-sucking habit is what caused the acidic damage to his front teeth, and he sought our help just in time. These teeth were almost unable to be restored, but we were able to adjust his bite and restore the teeth with crowns.

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“I like the shape of my teeth, but they are getting darker, and the whitening gel is not working as well as I’d like.” We brightened her smile with minimal prep porcelain veneers and fixed a bite issue as well.

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She wanted straight teeth without going through Invisalign. After careful analysis and preparation, we were able to artificially straighten the teeth using porcelain veneers. She loves how natural they look!

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He wanted to restore his teeth after years of uneven wear and darkening. He did not want his teeth to look unnatural, so we went with a natural shade that has less gray in it. When we finished, he got new clothes and a new haircut to match!

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She noticed her teeth slowly collapsing inward, as well as the multitude of shades in her smile. She wanted a broader, more uniform smile, but wanted it to look natural. She is very happy with her new porcelain veneers.

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Substance abuse almost ruined his front teeth beyond repair. After cleaning out the cavities and restoring the teeth with crowns, he has been getting promotion after promotion at work.

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He wanted his smile to pop in bright white. Shortly after his porcelain veneers were placed, he met the girl of his dreams.

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He wanted to get rid of the gaps and get a brighter smile. After Invisalign treatment to close the gaps on the bottom, we used porcelain veneers to bring back a light, yet natural look.

What our patients are saying

They were extremely helpful and even took time out of their day when they weren’t in the office to help me find a dentist for the pain I was feeling in my tooth. Turned out I needed a root canal and the other dentist took me because Dr. Musselman’s office recommended me to them! Extremely caring, polite, and professional. They are awesome!

CJ W, Google Review

Everyone in the office is absolutely amazing! I feel so comfortable. And for the first time in my life, I can honestly say that I love going to the dentist!

Michael L., Facebook Review

Dr. Musselman is an excellent dentist, as are all the others who assist and do the teeth cleaning. Everyone is very friendly and shows concern as to my comfort level. They also assure me I am doing well in coping with the dental procedures. Heidi is a wonderful receptionist. My husband Neil and I appreciate the hot chocolate and coffee and toothbrushes and other things provided.

Beth S., Facebook Review

The staff here is top of the tops! Fantastic attention to detail, always friendly and accommodating, constantly offering the latest in dental and periodontal techniques and services. This is one thing in my life I never have to rethink - I know I've made the best choice!

Heather C., Facebook Review

I always have an amazing experience here. I found them on a whim and chose them because they were so close to me. I’ve been there about a dozen times now and love the staff. I trust them and always feel valued. I kind of don’t want others to know so that I can always get in as quickly as I do. Thanks again!

Bridgette L., Google Review

Everything from the dentist to the hygienist is wonderful, Dr. Musselman takes the time to explain all the work he will be performing and answer any questions besides doing great dental work! I highly recommend him.

Blanca F., Facebook Review

My hygienist today, Valerie, was such a delight to meet and took excellent care of me! I shared with her my recent health changes and she was extra gentle and checked in with me often. Such a lovely lady! Dr. Musselman and the staff are exceptional in service and so kind.

Thank you for taking such good care of me.

Denise H., Google Review

Before visiting Dr. Musselman I had not been to the dentist in years. Dr. Musselman was very through with my exam and built a plan to get my teeth and oral health up to par. The office staff is also amazing Heidi is prompt and helpful and Ruth is God Sent. I can’t rave enough about my visits, so grateful!

Jaclyn A., Google Review

Wonderful and friendly service from the whole staff. Dr. Musselman did a fantastic job matching my front tooth color.

Connie T., Facebook Review

Musselman Dentistry always makes it very easy for my mom to make her appointments. On her last appointment, they were able to do a teeth cleaning and dental procedure on the same visit. This helped us both as my mom no longer drives. The staff is so very friendly and helpful. They answer all of our questions thoroughly and are quite accurate with time estimates.

Candice S., Google Review

My tooth crown fell out. I called the office and they were ready to see me in a couple of hours. I highly recommend Dr. Musselman. The hygienist and staff are great! A great team. Once my blood pressure was high. They called my Dr. and made me comfortable with a warm blanket.

Highly recommend Dr. Musselman. God bless him and his wonderful staff.

Angie M., Facebook Review

I have been going to this office since I was a child (Dr. Frederick Lau, the dentist who started this practice was one of my father's former students). I have continued going to this office, which is now in the fine, skilled hands of Dr. Musselman. He does great work and is a pleasure to work with. The long-time staff at this office are always friendly and helpful, providing excellent, prudent dentistry. From Heidi, the receptionist, to Ruthie, my hygienist, to the assisting staff for dental needs beyond regular cleaning, everyone at this practice provides top-notch care with both treatment and cost well-explained to you so you always know where you stand.

Brett M., Google Review

All of the staff were so friendly and helpful. Made the registration process stress free. Dr. Musselman was very informative about the process. He was very gentle and I loved that he was as openly pleased with his work as I was.

Karen G., Facebook Review

I haven’t been to the dentist in 10 years. The minute I stepped into Musselman Dentistry I felt welcomed, not only by Heidi at the receptionist but by everyone involved. The waiting room exudes a quiet comforting atmosphere. The entire staff is patient and kind and talks you through everything. I am thrilled to have found them and look forward to working with them from here on out. They are a fine establishment with smart, talented, and educated staff. Thank you Musselman Dentistry! I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a new dentist.

Rianna R., Google Review

I loved Dr. Musselman’s Office! I had the same dentist for almost 25 years and had to find a new one due to unfortunate circumstances. I am terrified of the dentist. I 100% do not like the dentist and get anxiety every time I go! Dr. Musselman’s Office was amazing! They were so welcoming when I got there and made sure I felt comfortable. His staff is amazing! I trust that my mouth will be in good hands!!! If you are looking for a new dentist... Come to Dr. Musselman!!!

Christy C., Google Review

Musselman Dentistry is the best! Their front desk staff, dental hygienists, and dentists are friendly, professional, and gentle on your teeth. I’ve been going to them for over 15 years and highly recommend them to everyone. They get a five-star rating from me.

Carol G., Facebook Review

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Office Hours

Monday: 7.30a - 4.30p

Tuesday: 7.30a - 4.30p

Wednesday: 7.30a - 4.30p

Thursday: 7.30a - 4.30p

Friday: Closed

Saturday & Sunday: Closed