Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular across the globe and the cosmetic dentist industry is expected to reach a market value of USD 32.73 Billion by 2026. Cosmetic procedures are now more affordable than ever and easy to schedule with your dentist.

But what exactly is cosmetic dentistry? What are the benefits and how can I schedule an appointment today? 

Don’t worry! At Dr. Pettinato’s office in Scranton, PA, have you covered. We have outlined everything you need to know about cosmetic dentistry and how to get started with a procedure today. So, without further ado, let’s get started!

What Are the Different Types of Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry takes years of schooling, training, precision, and an artistic eye. Our team of experienced dentists at Pettinato Dental Care always provide stellar dental work that looks natural and beautiful. Although some procedures take a bit more time and special care to complete, all of our cosmetic dental procedures are simple to have done in our office. Let’s take a look at the different types of procedures we provide:

Teeth Whitening
This is one of our most popular procedures and is guaranteed to give you a brighter, cleaner smile! Your cosmetic dentist will initially cleanse your teeth, removing any plaque and/or tartar that is visible. Then, a bleaching and whitening solution will be applied to your teeth. 


• Show off your teeth after just one session; you will notice the difference immediately.
• It is fairly common to experience sensitivity after the teeth whitening process is completed. This disappears within a couple of days after the procedure.


Dental Veneers 
Dental veneers are custom-made, usually out of porcelain or resin, and they are usually applied to the surface of one’s teeth. After removing a bit of enamel, they are bonded to the tooth and can be used to change the size and shape of a tooth. They are used to correct the following dental issues: 


• Cracked enamel

• Filling the gap between two teeth

• Crooked teeth

• Chipped or broken teeth

Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is when a cosmetic dentist applies a resin mold that is tooth-colored, similar to veneers, but is then solidified with ultraviolet-light bonding the material to one’s tooth. At the end of the procedure, your dentist will do some precise trimming and shipping to make the bonding appear as natural as possible. Bonding procedures are performed for patients with:

• Sharp or irregular shaped teeth
• Chipped teeth
• Cracked teeth
• Decayed or dead teeth

Dental Implants
Dental implants are becoming more and more popular due to the affordability and longevity of results. Dental implants are usually made of titanium and are the perfect replacement for decayed or damaged teeth. Here’s a bit more on how that’s done:

• Surgery will be scheduled and a small screw is carefully inserted into your jawbone

• Once you are completely healed from the initial procedure, the screw will become the support for the new implant. 

• Although the process will take multiple appointments to complete, dental implants are the most successful restorative procedure available today and 98% of all dental implants last a lifetime.

Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a simple and painless procedure in which a protective cap is wrapped around the entire tooth. Depending on the material you choose to use, dental crowns are known to last for quite a while. Porcelain crowns can potentially last about 10 years, while those made of metal alloy typically last well over 20-30 years. Dental crowns are usually made of the following materials:

• Metal

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal

• Ceramic

• Or resin

Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and onlays, also known as indirect fillings, are made out of porcelain, composite materials, or gold and are used to fill decayed teeth. They are often carefully crafted in a dental lab and then molded into place by your cosmetic dentist.

• When the filling at the midpoint of the tooth it is called an inlay.

• When bonding includes filing multiple parts of the tooth it is called an onlay.

What Are Some of the Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry?
Some people believe that cosmetic dentistry is only for the rich and famous, but we are here to tell you that times have changed and the benefits of cosmetic dentistry are becoming much easier to afford now. Here are some of the benefits you can receive from cosmetic dental procedures and sessions: 


1. Enhance Overall Appearance – Whether you have endured years of discolored teeth, crooked teeth, or other dental carries, we are prepared to help you achieve that perfect smile. We have helped thousands of patients improve their quality of life, and let’s face it—it’s no secret that a majority of our patients turn to cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance of their teeth. 

2. Improved Nutrition – This is an often overlooked benefit but it is just as important as the appearance of your teeth; improved nutrition. For example, if someone is missing their vital back molars, they are likely not eating the meats and other foods that require the grinding and chewing of food more thoroughly. Ultimately, this can cause one to lack the nutrients the body needs to operate effectively.

3. Practice More Efficient Oral Health –When one’s teeth are taken care of and not overlapping, chipped, or decayed, it is easier to floss and brush teeth effectively. Not only will personal dental hygiene be easier to handle, but it will benefit you in the dentist’s office as well. With a clean and properly shaped set of teeth, the dental team can complete most future procedures easily, with less hassle or pain. 

4. Replace or Improve Any Problem Teeth – The most widely, known benefit of cosmetic dentistry is the ability to repair any “problem teeth.” Chipped, miss-shaped, broken, discolored, or decayed teeth; we will take care of you with no problem. Our team of experienced cosmetic dentists can repair your dental carries, making you feel excellent, eat better, and your teeth look incredible when completed! 

5. Improve Your Tooth Alignment – We understand it can be a long and painful process dealing with teeth that are crooked or misaligned. It can cause headaches, mouth pain, and jaw-bone issues. Whether you need to be referred to an orthodontist or can have treatments done in our office, we are here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions:
We asked our patients what their most frequently asked questions are regarding cosmetic dentistry and the procedures we provide. Below we have provided the most popular questions and the answers to follow. Let’s take a look!

Q: How much does it cost exactly?
A: This all depends on the total time needed to perform the procedure and how severe the damage is. If you would like to find out the exact pricing for the perfect smile, schedule a free consultation with our dental team and we can discuss the total cost of services. 


Q: Will my veneers stain after a while?
A: Veneers are designed to never stain. As long as you practice proper dental hygiene, your veneers should stay good as new with a shine that lasts.

Q: How long do the benefits of a teeth whitening procedure last?
A: The maximum effect of teeth whitening can last anywhere from 8 months to two years. To protect your freshly cleaned teeth from further staining, we recommend limiting the amount of tobacco or coffee products used by our patients. For more information on how to keep your teeth white and healthy, give us a call and we can give you the tips you need!

Q: Is teeth whitening safe?
A: Teeth whitening procedures are entirely safe when performed by a dental professional. We also will provide a calcium-based remineralizing gel to help with sensitivity after whitening procedures.

Q: Will my new and improved smile be a permanent fix? 
A: With proper maintenance and care, cosmetic dental fixes can last for decades. Talk with your dentist to develop a proper dental maintenance routine and schedule regular visits for cleanings and checkups. 

Schedule Your Scranton Cosmetic Dentistry Visit Today

Well, there you have it! You now know the basics of cosmetic dentistry and the benefits one can receive from cosmetic dental procedures. Now it’s time to schedule a visit and achieve the smile you have always wanted. At Pettinato Dental Care, we are a full-service dental practice ready to take on any of your cosmetic dental needs — Give us a call to schedule your appointment at our Scranton office today!