Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Altos, CA and Bay Area

COSMETIC DENTISTRY

Dr. Joseph Field has had extensive training in all areas of cosmetic dentistry. If you want to improve your smile, for any reason, Dr. Field can use advanced digital technology to show you exactly what your new smile will look like before treatment begins. If you look at some of the examples below, you can see the profound difference cosmetic dentistry can make. A brighter, more symmetrical smile can enhance your appearance and build your confidence.

There are a number of options available, from whitening and bonding to Invisalign® and veneers, or even full mouth reconstruction. Find out what a difference a new smile can make in your life. Make an appointment for a personal consultation with Dr. Field today.

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry involves procedures that improve a person’s smile’s aesthetic qualities, including stains, misalignment, gaps between teeth, and cracked or chipped teeth.

Modern cosmetic dentistry in Los Altos not only enhances appearance but also improves function and long-term oral health. Correcting misalignment, for example, removes areas where bacteria hide, reducing gum disease and tooth decay.

Our Cosmetic Dental Procedures

Below are the cosmetic teeth procedures offered at our Los Altos practice, now with expanded descriptions for clarity and patient education.

Porcelain Veneers

What is Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic bonded to the front of your teeth to create a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Our exclusive Aura Veneers are custom-crafted to ensure perfect color matching and a seamless fit.

The Procedure

Consultation (1 hour): We discuss goals and design your new smile.
Preparation (1–2 hours): Minimal enamel shaping + digital impressions.
Temporary Veneers: Optional protection while your veneers are crafted.
Placement (1–2 hours): Final fitting and bonding.

Recovery & Aftercare

Minimal discomfort that resolves within 1 to 2 days. Avoid staining foods and beverages for 48 hours.

Materials Used

Aura Veneers are made of premium feldspathic porcelain for the most natural translucency and durability.

Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair chips, cracks, discoloration, and gaps.

Ideal For:

Minor fractures
Gaps
Stubborn discoloration
Uneven edges

Bonding is quick, minimally invasive, and completed in a single visit.

Teeth Whitening

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that lifts deep stains and discoloration from enamel, helping you achieve a brighter, more radiant smile. We offer both in-office and take-home whitening solutions designed for effectiveness and comfort.

The Procedure

Consultation (30 minutes): Shade evaluation and sensitivity assessment.
In-Office Whitening (60–90 minutes): Professional-grade whitening gel is applied in cycles for rapid, dramatic results.
Take-Home Whitening: Custom trays are created for patients who prefer gradual at-home whitening.
Aftercare Instructions: Guidance on maintaining and protecting results.

Recovery & Aftercare

Some temporary sensitivity is normal for 12 to 24 hours. Avoid dark-pigmented foods and beverages for 48 hours after treatment.

Materials Used

We use professional whitening systems formulated with optimized hydrogen peroxide concentrations and desensitizing agents to protect enamel.

Dental Crowns

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are full-coverage restorations designed to protect, strengthen, and restore damaged or weakened teeth. They are custom-made to match the color and shape of your natural teeth for seamless smile enhancement.

The Procedure

Exam & Consultation: We assess tooth damage and review restorative options.
Tooth Preparation: The damaged tooth is shaped for crown placement.
Digital Impressions: A high-resolution scan ensures a precise fit.
Temporary Crown: Protects the tooth while your custom crown is fabricated.
Final Placement: The custom porcelain crown is bonded for long-term durability.

Recovery & Aftercare

Mild sensitivity for 24 to 48 hours is typical. Avoid sticky or chewy foods until fully settled.

Materials Used

We use high-strength porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused materials to ensure longevity, biocompatibility, and a natural appearance.

Dental Bridges

What are Dental Bridges?

Dental bridges replace missing teeth using a custom prosthetic anchored to adjacent teeth. They restore bite function, improve appearance, and prevent shifting of surrounding teeth.

The Procedure

Consultation & Imaging: Evaluation of missing tooth space and surrounding teeth.
Abutment Preparation: Supporting teeth are shaped for crown placement.
Impressions: Digital scans to create a precise, natural-looking bridge.
Temporary Bridge: Protects the area while your permanent bridge is fabricated.
Final Placement: The custom bridge is bonded and adjusted for comfort.

Recovery & Aftercare

Mild gum soreness is normal for a few days. Good brushing and flossing are essential for maintaining the longevity of a bridge.

Materials Used

Porcelain, zirconia, or porcelain-fused-to-metal is selected based on strength, aesthetics, and the location of the missing tooth.

Invisalign^®

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth discreetly without traditional braces. It is ideal for adults and teens seeking subtle orthodontic correction.

The Procedure

Orthodontic Evaluation: Photos, digital scans, and bite analysis.
Custom Treatment Plan: Advanced 3D software maps tooth movement.
Aligner Delivery: You receive a series of aligners to switch every 1 to 2 weeks.
Progress Visits: Short check-ins every 6 to 8 weeks.
Final Refinements: Additional aligners may be used to perfect results.

Recovery & Aftercare

Minor pressure and tightness for 1 to 2 days with each new set of aligners. Wear aligners 20 to 22 hours per day.

Materials Used

SmartTrack® explicit aligner material for precision movement and optimal comfort.

Smile Makeover

What is a Smile Makeover?

A smile makeover is a fully customized treatment plan combining two or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to dramatically enhance the aesthetics, balance, and harmony of your smile.

The Procedure

Comprehensive Consultation: Full exam, imaging, and smile design.
Treatment Planning: Selection of veneers, crowns, whitening, bonding, orthodontics, or implants.
Sequential Appointments: Procedures scheduled strategically for optimal results.
Final Evaluation: Review fit, function, and aesthetics.

Recovery & Aftercare

Varies depending on the combination of treatments. You will receive a personalized post-care plan.

Materials Used

A mix of porcelain, composites, and advanced digital imaging tools chosen to deliver optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Lumineers^®

What are Lumineers®?

Lumineers® are ultra-thin, no-prep porcelain shells designed to brighten and reshape teeth with minimal to no enamel removal.

The Procedure

Smile Consultation: Determine candidacy and desired outcome.
Digital Impressions: Capture detailed measurements for custom Lumineers.
Fabrication: Lumineers are created in a specialized lab.
Placement: Final placement requires little to no enamel removal.

Recovery & Aftercare

Minimal sensitivity; most patients resume normal activities immediately.

Materials Used

Cerinate® porcelain is known for extreme thinness and high translucency.

Orthodontics

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment corrects misalignment, crowding, bite issues, and jaw positioning.

The Procedure

Orthodontic Evaluation: X-rays, imaging, and bite assessment.
Treatment Planning: Braces, aligners, or hybrid options selected.
Appliance Placement: Brackets or aligners applied.
Adjustments: Periodic tightening or aligner changes.
Retention: Retainers maintain results post-treatment.

Recovery & Aftercare

Soreness for 1 to 3 days after adjustments is normal. Maintain good hygiene around appliances.

Materials Used

Metal brackets, ceramic brackets, clear aligners, and digital orthodontic planning tools.

Snap-On Smile^®

What is Snap-On Smile®?

Snap-On Smile® is a removable, non-invasive cosmetic appliance designed to instantly improve the appearance of your teeth for events, photos, or temporary smile enhancement.

The Procedure

Consultation: Evaluate suitability and shade selection.
Impressions: Digital scans are taken to design your appliance.
Fabrication: Custom Snap-On Smile appliance created in the lab.
Delivery & Fitting: The Appliance is checked for comfort and appearance.

Recovery & Aftercare

No downtime required. Clean the appliance daily and avoid excessively hot beverages.

Materials Used

Durable, flexible dental resin designed to mimic enamel.

Before & After Gallery

Real Patient Results

Case Study: Sarah’s Smile Transformation

Patient Concern: Discoloration and gaps between front teeth

Treatment: 8 porcelain veneers (upper arch)

Process: Completed over two appointments in three weeks

Result: A bright, natural-looking smile with perfect symmetry

Patient Testimonial

“I never thought my smile could look this amazing! Dr. Field and his team made the entire process comfortable, and the results exceeded my expectations.” — Sarah M.

Technology & Materials

Our practice uses leading dental technologies to improve accuracy, comfort, and safety:

Digital Smile Design
CAD/CAM technology for precision restorations
3D cone beam imaging
Intraoral scanners (no messy impressions)
High-strength porcelain and biocompatible bonding materials
Laser dentistry for soft-tissue refinement

These technologies ensure precise planning and a predictable aesthetic outcome.

Candidacy & Consultation Process

When considering cosmetic dentistry, it helps to understand how porcelain veneers compare to other popular treatment options. Here’s a clear breakdown to help you choose the best solution for your smile goals.

Are You a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry may be beneficial if you have:

Discolored teeth
Chips or cracks
Gaps or uneven spacing
Minor misalignment
Worn or irregular tooth shape

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Comprehensive exam
Digital photos & 3D imaging
Smile design preview
Review of recommended cosmetic teeth procedures
Transparent discussion of cost and timeline
Payment plan options

Costs & Financing

Cosmetic dentistry is highly personalized. General cost ranges include:

Porcelain Veneers: $1,800–$3,500 per tooth
Whitening: $350–$800
Cosmetic Bonding: $250–$600 per tooth
Dental Crowns: $1,400–$2,400

Financing Options

Monthly payment plans
CareCredit
Zero-interest options for qualified patients

All costs are reviewed during your consultation to ensure transparency.

Research-Backed Results

Our cosmetic dentistry approaches are supported by clinical evidence:

Porcelain veneers maintain a 93% success rate after 10 years with appropriate maintenance.[1]
7% of adults believe a smile is an essential social asset; 74% say an unattractive smile can hurt career opportunities.[2]
Implants have a long-term success rate of up to 98% when placed by a qualified specialist.[3]

References:

[1] Beier, U.S., et al. (2012). Clinical performance of porcelain laminate veneers for up to 20 years.
[2] AACD. (2013). Cosmetic Dentistry State of the Industry Survey.
[3] Buser, D., et al. (2012). Long-term stability of early implant placement with contour augmentation.

About Dr. Joseph Field

Dr. Joseph Field, DDS, is a board-certified dental implant surgeon and cosmetic dentistry specialist serving the Los Altos and Bay Area community for over 17 years.

Education & Credentials

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), University of Southern California (USC)
Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD)
Fellow, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (FICOI)
Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (FAAID)
Diplomate, American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (ABOI/ID)

Specialized Training

Dr. Field has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education in:

Smile design and aesthetic dentistry
Advanced implant surgery
Full-mouth reconstruction
Digital dentistry and CAD/CAM technology

Philosophy of Care

“My goal is to create natural-looking, functional results that transform not just my patients’ smiles, but their confidence and quality of life.” — Dr. Joseph Field