Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. It encompasses a variety of procedures that can enhance your dental aesthetics. These dental services range from teeth whitening and veneers to complete smile makeovers. Our cosmetic dentistry improves how your smile looks, and boosts your confidence. Dr. Justin Maxwell is a cosmetic dentist in Ellicott City that can help you reach your aesthetic goals for your smile.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Ellicott City, MD
Cosmetic dentistry is all about making your teeth look their absolute best. We can whiten, straighten, and fix any little imperfections that bug you. At Major League Smiles, Dr. Justin Maxwell doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. He sits down with you to create a personalized plan that’s perfect for your unique smile and goals.
We offer a whole lineup of cosmetic procedures to help you get the confident smile you’re looking for.
Teeth Whitening
If you dream of a brighter, more dazzling smile, professional teeth whitening is a great place to start. This popular treatment can brighten your teeth by several shades. Dr. Maxwell offers powerful in-office whitening that gives you dramatic results in just one visit. For those who prefer to go at their own speed, we also provide custom-made at-home whitening kits. They’re easy to use and still deliver a super bright smile.
Dental Veneers
For a complete smile transformation, get porcelain veneers. We permanently bond these super-thin shells to the front of your teeth. They instantly cover stubborn stains, chips, gaps, or minor crookedness.
Dr. Maxwell removes a tiny amount of enamel, then takes a digital impression of your teeth to design your perfect new smile. Once they’re ready, he attaches the veneers to your teeth. Veneers are a long-lasting way to get a picture-perfect smile that looks both natural and stunning.
Dental Bonding
Have a small chip, crack, or a tooth that’s a weird shape? Dental bonding is a quick and affordable fix. The process uses a tooth-colored resin material that Dr. Maxwell carefully applies and sculpts directly onto your tooth. A special blue light hardens and bonds the material securely in place.
The whole procedure can often be done in just one visit without drilling or anesthesia. With good care, this simple solution can beautifully repair your tooth and last for many years.
Clear Aligners
To straighten your teeth without the look and feel of metal braces, get clear aligners. Dr. Maxwell offers these nearly invisible and removable trays to gently shift your teeth into their ideal positions. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss normally, which makes keeping your teeth clean much easier than with traditional braces. This modern treatment can fix crowded teeth, gaps, bite issues and more to give you a straighter smile on your own schedule.
Botox & Dermal Fillers
Your smile isn’t just about your teeth. It’s about your whole face. That’s why we also offer Botox and dermal fillers to help you look as refreshed as you feel. Botox works by relaxing the specific muscles that cause dynamic wrinkles, like crow’s feet and frown lines.
Fillers, on the other hand, are like a volume boost for your face. They restore plumpness to areas like your lips and cheeks. Together, these non-surgical treatments offer a way to achieve a youthful and rejuvenated look without any downtime.
White Fillings
Tooth-colored fillings, made from composite resin, are used to repair cavities while maintaining a natural look. Unlike traditional amalgam fillings, these match the color of your teeth. They provide a strong and discreet solution to tooth decay and can offer an instant smile makeover when replacing old silver or dark fillings.
If you have a cavity or an old metal filling you don’t like, white fillings are a natural-looking alternative. Made from a durable composite resin, we custom-color these fillings to blend in perfectly with your natural tooth shade. They bond directly to your tooth, so they’re much stronger than amalgam fillings.
Replacing old dark fillings with white ones is actually a strong fix for decay. Best of all, it gives you an instant and discreet smile makeover at the same time.
Maintaining Cosmetic Results
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial for preserving your cosmetic dental work. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging any restorations. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Justin Maxwell are essential. These visits help to monitor your oral health and ensure that your cosmetic dental work remains in top condition. Professional cleanings can also remove any stains and keep your smile looking bright.
Some foods and beverages, like coffee, tea, and red wine, can stain your teeth. Limiting these can help maintain the whiteness of your smile. Using a straw and rinsing your mouth with water can also reduce the risk of stains. Your new smile is an investment in your oral health, so maintaining your results will offer longevity and good dental health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cosmetic dentistry and regular dentistry?
Regular dentistry focuses on keeping your teeth healthy, while cosmetic dentistry improves how your smile looks. However, many procedures like tooth-colored fillings do both. They fix problems while making your teeth look better. Fortunately, Dr. Maxwell specializes in both the health and appearance of your smile.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Professional whitening typically lasts 6-12 months, but it will depend on your habits. Avoiding coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco helps your results last longer. We offer touch-up treatments and take-home whitening kits to keep your smile bright between visits.
Are veneers right for you?
Veneers are great for fixing stained, chipped, or slightly crooked teeth. During your consultation, Dr. Maxwell will examine your teeth and discuss if veneers are your best option. They’re custom-made to look natural and can last 10-15 years with proper care.
Does dental bonding look natural?
Yes, Dr. Maxwell uses tooth-colored resin that blends perfectly with your natural teeth. Bonding is great for small repairs like chips or gaps. It’s done in one visit and looks so natural that most people won’t know you’ve had dental work.
How do clear aligners compare to braces?
Clear aligners like Invisalign straighten teeth without metal brackets. They’re nearly invisible and removable for eating, but you have to wear them for 20-22 hours a day. Braces might work better for complex cases. Dr. Maxwell can recommend what’s best for your goals.
Is Botox at the dentist safe?
Absolutely! Dentists are experts in facial anatomy. Dr. Maxwell uses Botox to smooth wrinkles and can also help with TMJ pain and teeth grinding. Treatments are quick, with minimal discomfort and no downtime.
Will my dental insurance cover cosmetic procedures?
Some procedures, like tooth-colored fillings, may be partially covered if they’re also medically necessary. Purely cosmetic treatments typically aren’t covered, but we’ll help you understand your benefits and payment options. Many patients use flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for cosmetic work.
Are you ready to elevate your look by improving flaws in your smile? Schedule an appointment with Dr. Justin Maxwell today. Call us at (443) 335-8726 to learn more about how we can help you.