Cosmetic Dentistry in Raleigh, NC

Cosmetic dentistry can address more than tooth color. It includes procedures that may improve the shade, shape, size, spacing, alignment, and overall balance of your smile. Whether you want to brighten stained teeth, repair a chip, close a small gap, reshape worn edges, or straighten misaligned teeth, suitable options depend on your oral health and goals. 

At Adams, Cheek, and Holt Dentistry, we provide personalized cosmetic dentistry in Raleigh, including professional teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, composite bonding, Invisalign® clear aligners, cosmetic crowns, and smile makeovers.  

Our dental team evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, facial features, and existing dental work. This comprehensive approach allows us to coordinate care that supports dental function and creates natural-looking changes that complement your appearance. 

Cosmetic Dentistry Services We Offer 

Cosmetic dentistry includes several procedures that address different concerns. Some change tooth color, while others alter shape, spacing, alignment, or proportion. Depending on your goals, the dentist may recommend one service or coordinate several procedures as part of a smile makeover. 

Personalized Smile Makeovers 

A smile makeover combines two or more cosmetic services in a coordinated plan. It may include whitening, veneers, bonding, Invisalign®, or cosmetic crowns based on the changes you want to make. 

Before planning your care, the dentist evaluates your teeth, gums, bite, facial features, and existing dental work. The order of procedures also matters. For example, Invisalign® may be completed before veneers, while whitening may take place before new bonding or crowns are matched to your tooth color. This planning helps the completed smile appear balanced and natural. 

Porcelain Veneers 

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surfaces of selected teeth. They can change tooth color, size, shape, length, and proportion. 

Veneers may be considered for stubborn discoloration, small gaps, chips, worn edges, irregular shapes, or minor positional concerns. Porcelain reflects light similarly to natural enamel and resists many common stains. Because placement may require some enamel preparation, the dentist will examine your teeth and discuss whether veneers are appropriate for your needs. 

Professional Teeth Whitening 

Teeth can become stained by coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, certain medications, and natural aging. Professional teeth whitening uses dentist-supervised products to lighten eligible natural teeth. 

Our office offers ZOOM!® in-office whitening and custom take-home trays. In-office whitening provides a more immediate change, while take-home trays allow patients to whiten gradually according to the dentist’s instructions. Whitening does not change the color of veneers, crowns, bonding, or fillings, so an evaluation is important when existing dental work is visible. 

Dental Bonding 

Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to modify relatively small areas of a tooth. The dentist applies, shapes, and polishes the material, so it coordinates with the surrounding enamel. 

Bonding may be used for small chips, minor gaps, uneven edges, localized discoloration, or slight irregularities in tooth shape. It generally requires less alteration of the natural tooth than veneers or crowns and can often be completed in one appointment. Composite resin can stain, chip, or wear, so it may require polishing or replacement over time. 

Invisalign® Clear Aligners 

Invisalign® uses a planned series of clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth. It may be considered for crowded teeth, spaces, orthodontic relapse, and certain bite concerns. 

Patients can take the aligners out for meals and daily brushing and flossing. However, they must wear them for the prescribed number of hours each day for tooth movement to progress as planned. Invisalign® may also be completed before whitening, bonding, veneers, or crowns when improved tooth position would support the planned cosmetic changes. 

Cosmetic Dental Crowns 

A cosmetic dental crown surrounds the visible portion of a tooth. Unlike a veneer, which covers mainly the front surface, a crown provides broader support for a tooth that has lost substantial structure.  

All-ceramic crowns may be considered for teeth that are worn, fractured, weakened, heavily restored, or irregularly shaped. The ceramic can be selected to coordinate with neighboring teeth in color and proportion. Because placing a crown requires reshaping the tooth, the dentist will first determine whether a crown or a more conservative option is appropriate.