A cosmetic dentist improves the appearance of your teeth, gums, and overall smile through procedures like professional whitening, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, crowns, and clear aligners. According to the American Dental Association, cosmetic dentistry encompasses any dental work that improves the look (though not necessarily the function) of teeth, gums, and bite. In practice, most cosmetic procedures also improve function. A dental crown restores a broken tooth (general dentistry) while matching the color and shape of your natural teeth (cosmetic dentistry). A good cosmetic dentist does both at once.
At Smiles Chandler, Dr. Jason Dulgarian has been providing cosmetic dentistry in Chandler, AZ for over 40 years. Here is what cosmetic dentists actually do, what procedures are most popular, and how to know if cosmetic dentistry is right for you.
The Most Common Cosmetic Dental Procedures
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is the most requested cosmetic dental procedure in the United States. Coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco, and natural aging all darken teeth over time. A cosmetic dentist offers two types of professional whitening: in-office power whitening that delivers results in about one hour, and custom take-home trays with professional-grade gel for gradual whitening over 1 to 2 weeks. Both options produce significantly better results than store-bought strips or toothpastes because the whitening agents are stronger and the application is customized to your teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin ceramic shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth. They correct chips, cracks, stains that do not respond to whitening, gaps between teeth, mild misalignment, and uneven or worn teeth. Veneers are one of the most transformative cosmetic procedures because they address multiple concerns in a single treatment. Most patients complete their smile makeover in just two visits, and results last 10 to 15 years with proper care.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair minor chips, close small gaps, reshape uneven teeth, or cover discoloration. The dentist applies the resin directly to the tooth, sculpts it into shape, and hardens it with a curing light. Bonding is typically completed in a single visit and costs less than veneers, making it a good option for patients who want a quick cosmetic improvement on a budget. The tradeoff is durability: bonding lasts 3 to 5 years compared to 10 to 15 years for porcelain veneers.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers an entire tooth. While crowns are technically restorative (they protect damaged teeth), a cosmetic dentist uses high-quality porcelain or zirconia materials that match your natural teeth perfectly. This means a crown can repair a broken tooth AND improve its appearance at the same time. Crowns are also used to complete dental implant restorations and anchor dental bridges.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of clear, removable aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. Many cosmetic dentists offer Invisalign because crooked or crowded teeth are one of the most common reasons patients seek cosmetic improvement. Treatment typically takes 9 to 15 months, and the aligners are nearly invisible during wear.
Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover combines multiple cosmetic procedures into a single treatment plan designed to achieve a specific result. For example, a patient might receive teeth whitening, two porcelain veneers on chipped front teeth, and a crown on a damaged molar, all coordinated by the cosmetic dentist to create a cohesive, natural-looking result. At Smiles Chandler, every smile makeover begins with a consultation where Dr. Dulgarian discusses your goals and designs a plan that fits your timeline and budget. Families from Arrowhead Meadows, San Marcos, Downtown Chandler, and across the East Valley trust Dr. Dulgarian with their cosmetic dental care.
How to Know If You Need a Cosmetic Dentist
Consider seeing a cosmetic dentist if any of these describe you:
- You cover your mouth when you laugh or avoid smiling in photos
- Your teeth are stained or yellowed and whitening toothpaste is not helping
- You have a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth that affects your appearance
- You have gaps between your teeth that bother you
- Your teeth are mildly crooked and you want a straighter appearance without traditional braces
- You have old dental work (metal fillings, discolored crowns) that you want replaced with tooth-colored materials
- You want to look younger (worn, short teeth age your appearance)
A cosmetic dentist can address any of these concerns, often in fewer visits than patients expect.
What to Look for in a Cosmetic Dentist
Not all dentists have the same level of training or experience in cosmetic procedures. Chandler has over 200 dental practices in the 85225 and 85224 zip codes alone, so knowing what separates a skilled cosmetic dentist from a general practice matters. When choosing a cosmetic dentist in Chandler, look for:
- Years of experience. Cosmetic work requires an artistic eye and precise technique. Dr. Dulgarian has over 40 years of hands-on experience with cosmetic procedures.
- Before-and-after examples. A confident cosmetic dentist will share results from previous patients.
- Comprehensive services. The best cosmetic dentists offer the full range of procedures (whitening, veneers, bonding, crowns, Invisalign) so your treatment plan is not limited by what the office can provide.
- A consultation-first approach. Cosmetic dentistry should never feel like an upsell. A good cosmetic dentist listens to your goals, presents options, explains tradeoffs, and lets you decide.
How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?
Costs vary significantly depending on the procedure. According to the Cleveland Clinic, porcelain veneers are among the more significant cosmetic investments but also among the longest-lasting. Professional teeth whitening is the most affordable cosmetic treatment, while a full set of porcelain veneers or a comprehensive smile makeover represents a larger investment. Some cosmetic procedures (like crowns) are partially covered by dental insurance because they serve a restorative purpose. Purely cosmetic procedures (like veneers) are typically not covered.
At Smiles Chandler, we accept most major dental insurance plans and offer flexible financing through Cherry Payment Plans and an in-house dental savings plan. Dr. Dulgarian provides a detailed estimate during your consultation so you know your exact cost before committing to any treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
Is cosmetic dentistry painful?
Most cosmetic procedures involve minimal discomfort. Teeth whitening may cause temporary sensitivity. Veneers and crowns use local anesthesia during preparation, and most patients compare the experience to getting a filling. Bonding and Invisalign are completely painless.
How long does a cosmetic dental procedure take?
It depends on the treatment. In-office whitening takes about one hour. Bonding is completed in a single visit. Veneers and crowns typically require two visits spaced 1 to 2 weeks apart. Invisalign takes 9 to 15 months. A full smile makeover may take several weeks depending on the procedures involved.
Can a cosmetic dentist fix my smile in one visit?
Some treatments (whitening, bonding) are completed in one visit. Others (veneers, crowns) require two visits. Dr. Dulgarian designs treatment plans that minimize the number of appointments while delivering the best possible result.
What is the difference between a cosmetic dentist and a regular dentist?
All cosmetic dentists are general dentists, but not all general dentists focus on cosmetic work. A cosmetic dentist has additional training, experience, and artistic skill in procedures that improve the appearance of teeth. At Smiles Chandler, Dr. Dulgarian provides both general and cosmetic dentistry under one roof.
Is cosmetic dentistry worth the investment?
For most patients, yes. A confident smile affects how you present yourself in job interviews, social situations, and everyday interactions. Many cosmetic procedures also improve oral health. Invisalign straightens teeth while also making them easier to clean. Crowns protect damaged teeth while restoring their appearance. Dr. Dulgarian works with every patient to find a treatment plan that delivers meaningful results within their budget.
Schedule Your Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation in Chandler
Whether you want a brighter smile, straighter teeth, or a complete smile makeover, Dr. Jason Dulgarian and the Smiles Chandler team can help you get there. Our office at 912 W. Chandler Boulevard in Chandler, AZ 85225 has served the community for over 40 years. We welcome patients from Rialto Hills, Sierra Point North, Pecos Ranch, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, and Queen Creek. Over 40 years of experience, comprehensive cosmetic services, and a genuine commitment to personalized care make Smiles Chandler the trusted choice for cosmetic dentistry in Chandler, AZ.
Call (480) 814-1333 or schedule your consultation online today. Se habla español.