(317) 898-3384 8602 E. 10th St, Indianapolis, IN 46219

Cosmetic Dentistry – Indianapolis, IN

Perfecting Your Smile

woman with red hair smilingIs your beautiful smile hiding behind chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth? The cosmetic dentists at Indianapolis Family Dentistry use modern esthetic services to produce beautiful, natural looking results. Your smile is an important part of your self-image. Flawed teeth diminish your appearance and decrease your confidence. Dr. Farthing or Dr. Tepner evaluates smiles and discusses expectations. We then create a treatment plan to transform your appearance. Our esthetic therapies deliver fantastic results. From porcelain veneers to full smile makeovers, we have cosmetic dentistry in Indianapolis, IN.

Teeth Whitening

This safe and effective cosmetic treatment is also one of our most popular, and it’s no wonder. For a reasonable cost, you can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. With teeth whitening, you’ll be able to say goodbye to those annoying stains caused by such things as coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce, and berries. Tobacco stains and even deep discoloration from a traumatic injury can also be erased.

Depending on your needs, Dr. Farthing or Dr. Tepner will recommend the teeth whitening system that is best for your smile. We offer both in-office whitening and a take-home kit. Both achieve the same dazzling results, but at a different pace.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

Technically speaking, a tooth-colored filling is a restorative procedure to repair and rebuild a tooth that has been damaged by decay. But a tooth-colored filling is also cosmetic because of the way it seamlessly blends with the natural shade of a tooth. A tooth-colored filling is made of composite resin material that the dentist blends to precisely match your tooth. Gone are the days of silver fillings that stood out in your smile. Now, you and your cosmetic dentist will be the only ones to know that you have a filling!

Inlays & Onlays

Inlays and onlays are also used to repair cavities, but they are usually reserved for teeth that have a large amount of decay. Both are a more conservative option than a dental crown, which requires removing more natural tooth structure in order to fit between adjacent teeth.

Inlays are positioned between the cusps (bumps) of a tooth, while an onlay is placed over one or more cusps. Both are fabricated in a dental lab and sent back to our dental office for placement.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding & Shaping

The same composite resin material that we use for a tooth-colored filling can also be used to rebuild or reshape a tooth cosmetically. If you have a tooth that is chipped, moderately fractured or slightly crooked, cosmetic bonding may be the easiest solution. During this procedure that requires only one appointment, the cosmetic dentist applies a small amount of composite resin and molds the material to reshape your tooth. The result is a strong tooth with a more pleasing appearance.

Porcelain Veneers

If you have a number of flaws detracting from your smile—chips, cracks, fractures, permanent stains or slightly crooked teeth—then why not hide them behind porcelain veneers? These can be used to create a whole new smile or to correct one or two teeth that are imperfect. After your teeth are prepared, your Indianapolis cosmetic dentist bonds the veneers to the front of your tooth. When designing your porcelain veneers, we consider the location and shape of each tooth, the size of your mouth and lips, and your unique facial features.

Smile Makeovers

A few or several of the above discussed cosmetic dentistry treatments can be combined in a smile makeover, which is a step-by-step plan to rejuvenate your smile. The process begins with a consultation and a dental examination. Then, your Dr. Farthing or Dr. Tepner will recommend the procedures that will transform your teeth, recreate your smile and boost your confidence.

Teeth Whitening Tooth Colored Fillings Veneers Smile Makeovers Bonding and Contouring Inlays and Onlays

Learn more about our esthetic services, and then call Indianapolis Family Dentistry today to schedule your appointment with Dr. Farthing or Dr. Tepner, skilled cosmetic dentists. Our conveniently located dental office provides personalized service and one-on-one care to residents of Lawrence and beyond.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

young woman smiling against turquoise background

Are you considering using cosmetic dentistry to attain your dream smile? If so, you very likely have a few questions about the process. To help you make a more well-informed decision and give you a better idea of what to expect, we’ve answered some frequently asked questions about cosmetic dentistry below.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?

Unfortunately, most dental insurance providers won’t cover cosmetic services, as they are often deemed elective procedures. However, there are always exceptions. Our friendly front desk team members are wonderful at looking over your plan and maximizing any benefits you may have. If you don’t have dental insurance, or you need help funding your treatment, we offer an in-house Membership Plan. For a low, flat annual fee, you can receive FREE preventive care as well as a 15-20% discount on other services, including cosmetic treatments.

When Is a Service Considered Cosmetic?

While the majority of dental treatments are designed to ensure your smile stays healthy, cosmetic services have one goal in mind: to improve the way your smile looks. Some cosmetic services may toe the line with other kinds of dentistry, such as restorative, their primary focus is on your smile’s aesthetics.

Can Cosmetic Dentistry Improve My Oral Health?

In many cases, cosmetic dentistry can actually make your smile healthier. For instance, fillings, inlays, and onlays can protect your tooth from further damage while also improving its appearance. Porcelain veneers can close gaps between your teeth, preventing food from getting trapped in there and attracting bacteria. Even a simple teeth whitening treatment can result in a healthier mouth, as you’re more likely to brush and floss in order to keep your pearly whites bright.

What Is the Quickest Way to Improve My Smile?

There are some cosmetic procedures, such as a personalized smile makeover, that can take anywhere from a few months to several months or even longer to complete. However, if you’re looking to improve your smile as quickly as possible (like if you have an upcoming wedding, job interview, etc.), porcelain veneers and teeth whitening are great places to start. Veneers generally take a couple of appointments over the course of two or three weeks. For an even faster smile transformation, ask your cosmetic dentist about in-office teeth whitening. This procedure can brighten your smile by multiple shades in about an hour.

Is Everyone a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Because there are so many different cosmetic dentistry options, one of our services is bound to be right for you. The only way to know for sure, though, is to schedule a consultation with either Dr. Farthing or Dr. Tepner. They will examine your oral health and determine which, if any, services they could use to improve your smile.

More often than not, most people who wish to beautify their smiles make great candidates for cosmetic dentistry. However, your mouth must be healthy first. Any health problems like cavities or gum infections must be treated prior to undergoing cosmetic treatment.