People come to us for all kinds of reasons. Some want to fix a chip they've been self-conscious about for years. Others are tired of stained teeth or want to close a gap before a big event. Many patients just want their smile to look a little more like them. Whatever brought you here, we're glad you're looking into it.
What Cosmetic Dentistry Actually Involves
Cosmetic dentistry covers any treatment focused on improving the appearance of your teeth, whether that's color, shape, size, or alignment. Some of it is quick and straightforward. Some involve a little more planning. Either way, the goal is the same: a result that looks natural and fits the way you actually live.
At our Monterey office, the cosmetic services we offer include:
- Professional teeth whitening for a noticeably brighter look.
- Veneers to address chips, discoloration, or shape concerns.
- Tooth bonding for minor repairs and quick cosmetic fixes.
- Invisalign clear aligners to straighten teeth without traditional braces.
- Tooth-colored fillings for a seamless, natural appearance.
How We Figure Out What's Right for You
There's no standard script here. Dr. Lois Lagier and Dr. Tala Eftekhari take a pretty direct approach: they ask questions, listen to what you actually want, and give you honest feedback about what's possible. If something isn't going to get you the result you're after, we'll say so and tell you what will.
You'll never feel pushed toward a more involved treatment than you need. Some patients come in expecting a big overhaul and find that a simple whitening or bonding appointment gets them most of the way there. Others come in for something minor and realize they want to address a few things at once. We work from your priorities, not ours.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Monterey: What to Expect at Your Visit
First visits are mostly conversation. We want to know what's been bothering you, what you're hoping to change, and what matters most when it comes to your smile. From there, we conduct a thorough exam and discuss your options in plain terms.
Nothing gets scheduled until you're clear on what a treatment involves, how long it takes, and what the result should look like. If you need time to think it over, that's completely fine. We're not going anywhere, and there's no deadline on making a decision.
Once treatment begins, we keep things as comfortable as possible. Nitrous oxide is available if you're feeling anxious, and the whole team is used to working with patients who have had rough experiences at other offices. We go at a pace that works for you.
The Case for Doing Something About It Now
Many people sit with cosmetic concerns for a long time before doing anything. That's understandable. But cosmetic dentistry in Monterey through our office is more accessible than most people assume, and the impact on how you feel day to day can be pretty significant.
Smiling more naturally in photos, feeling less self-conscious in conversations, not thinking twice before you laugh: these are small things that add up. Patients often tell us they wish they hadn't waited as long as they did.
We also want to be straightforward about something: cosmetic work isn't purely about appearances. Fixing a chip protects the tooth from further damage. Straightening misaligned teeth can reduce wear. Replacing old metal fillings with tooth-colored ones improves both look and function. Good cosmetic care and good dental care often overlap more than people think.
Paying for Cosmetic Care
Most cosmetic treatments aren't covered by dental insurance, but we offer several payment options to make things manageable. We accept Delta Dental Premier and other payment methods,, including Apple Pay. Our front desk team is happy to walk you through costs before any treatment starts, so there are no surprises.
If budget is a concern, we can also talk through which treatments will give you the most noticeable result for the investment and sequence things in a way that fits what you're working with.
Let's Talk About Your Smile
Our office is located in Monterey, and we're currently scheduling new cosmetic consultations. If you've been curious about what's possible for your smile, the best thing to do is come in and ask. Call us to book a visit, and let's have an honest conversation about what cosmetic dentistry can do for you.