Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic Dentistry in Sandy, Oregon

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and it can significantly impact your confidence and how others perceive you. At Blue Bird Dentistry, we believe everyone deserves a smile they’re proud to share. Our comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services can address virtually any aesthetic concern, from discolored teeth to complete smile makeovers.

Dr. Russell Bird and Dr. Scott Becker combine artistry with advanced dental techniques to create beautiful, natural-looking results that enhance your unique features. Whether you’re looking for a subtle improvement or a dramatic transformation, we’ll work closely with you to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Serving patients throughout Sandy, Boring, Gresham, Damascus, and the Mt. Hood area, we’re your partners in creating confident, beautiful smiles.

Our Specialists

Dr. Russell Bird

OWNER, D.D.S

Dr. Scott Becker

D.D.S

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What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth, gums, and smile. While many cosmetic treatments also provide functional benefits, the primary goal is enhancing aesthetics. Modern cosmetic dentistry offers solutions for:

  • Discolored or stained teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Misshapen or uneven teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Missing teeth
  • “Gummy” smiles
  • Worn or short teeth

 

The best part? Most cosmetic dental treatments are more comfortable, affordable, and faster than ever before thanks to advancing technology and techniques.

Our Cosmetic Dentistry Services

Professional Teeth Whitening

A bright, white smile can take years off your appearance and boost your confidence. Our professional teeth whitening options deliver results far superior to over-the-counter products:

In-Office Whitening:

  • Dramatic results in just one appointment
  • Teeth can be whitened 4-8 shades in about an hour
  • Safe, effective treatment under professional supervision
  • Ideal for special events or when you want quick results

 

Take-Home Whitening:

  • Custom-fitted trays for comfortable, precise application
  • Professional-strength whitening gel
  • Whiten on your own schedule
  • Results visible in 1-2 weeks
  • More economical option
  • Trays can be reused with additional gel for touch-ups

 

Which Option Is Right for You?

During your consultation, we’ll evaluate your teeth and discuss your goals to recommend the best whitening approach. We can also combine both methods for optimal results.

Important Note: Whitening works on natural teeth but won’t change the color of existing crowns, veneers, or fillings. If you have visible dental work, we can discuss replacing it after whitening to match your brighter smile.

Porcelain Veneers

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front of your teeth, creating a perfect smile. They’re the ultimate solution for:

  • Severe discoloration that won’t respond to whitening
  • Chipped or broken teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Misshapen or uneven teeth
  • Minor misalignment
  • Worn or short teeth

 

The Veneer Process:

  1. Consultation: We’ll discuss your goals and determine if veneers are right for you
  2. Preparation: A small amount of enamel is removed to make room for the veneers
  3. Impressions: We take precise impressions or digital scans
  4. Temporary Veneers: You’ll wear temporary veneers while your custom porcelain veneers are crafted
  5. Placement: Your permanent veneers are carefully bonded to create your new smile

 

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers:

  • Natural, translucent appearance
  • Stain-resistant material
  • Durable (typically last 10-15 years or more)
  • Minimally invasive
  • Immediate, dramatic results

Many patients choose veneers for a complete smile makeover, transforming 6-8 or even all visible teeth for a Hollywood-worthy smile.

Dental Bonding

Bonding uses tooth-colored composite resin to repair or enhance teeth. It’s a versatile, economical option for:

  • Repairing chipped teeth
  • Filling small gaps
  • Reshaping irregular teeth
  • Covering stains
  • Protecting exposed tooth roots

 

The Bonding Procedure:

Bonding can often be completed in a single appointment:

  1. The tooth surface is gently prepared
  2. Composite resin is applied and shaped
  3. A special light hardens the material
  4. Final shaping and polishing create a natural look

 

Advantages of Bonding:

  • Conservative (minimal tooth preparation)
  • Affordable
  • Completed in one visit
  • Natural appearance
  • Can be repaired if damaged

While bonding is less durable than veneers and more prone to staining, it’s an excellent option for minor corrections and can last 5-7 years or more with proper care.

Dental Crowns (Tooth-Colored)

While crowns serve both functional and cosmetic purposes, modern all-ceramic crowns provide exceptional aesthetics for:

  • Severely damaged teeth
  • Teeth with large fillings
  • Teeth after root canal therapy
  • Misshapen teeth
  • Severely discolored teeth
  • Supporting dental bridges

 

Our advanced CEREC technology can create custom crowns in a single visit—no temporary crown, no second appointment!

Learn more about our restorative crown options.

Smile Makeovers

A smile makeover combines multiple cosmetic procedures to completely transform your smile. We create a customized treatment plan addressing all your concerns:

Common Smile Makeover Combinations:

  • Teeth whitening + veneers
  • Crowns + gum contouring
  • Dental implants + veneers
  • Bonding + whitening
  • Orthodontic alignment + veneers

 

During your smile makeover consultation, we’ll:

  • Discuss your goals and concerns
  • Analyze your facial features and smile characteristics
  • Use digital smile design to preview potential results
  • Create a phased treatment plan
  • Provide cost estimates and financing options

Gum Contouring

Sometimes the problem isn’t your teeth—it’s your gums. Gum contouring reshapes your gum line to:

  • Reduce a “gummy” smile
  • Create symmetrical gum levels
  • Make teeth appear longer and more proportionate
  • Improve overall smile balance

 

Using precise laser technology, we can sculpt your gum line with:

  • Minimal discomfort
  • Quick recovery
  • Immediate results
  • No sutures needed

 

For some patients, combining gum contouring with Botox provides optimal results for a gummy smile.

Tooth Reshaping (Enameloplasty)

Minor tooth irregularities can be corrected by conservatively reshaping the enamel:

  • Smoothing rough edges
  • Shortening overly long teeth
  • Creating better symmetry
  • Rounding pointed teeth

 

This quick, painless procedure provides subtle improvements that enhance your overall smile harmony.

Closing Gaps and Spaces

Gaps between teeth (diastema) can be closed using:

  • Bonding for small gaps
  • Veneers for larger spaces or multiple concerns
  • Orthodontic treatment for comprehensive correction

 

We’ll recommend the best approach based on the size of the gap and your overall smile goals.

The Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation

Your journey to a beautiful smile begins with a consultation where we’ll:

Listen to Your Goals: What bothers you about your smile? What do you want to change?

Comprehensive Examination: We’ll evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health. Cosmetic work must be built on a healthy foundation, so we’ll address any underlying dental issues first.

Digital Smile Design: Using advanced imaging technology, we can show you a preview of your potential results, helping you visualize your new smile before treatment begins.

Treatment Planning: We’ll explain which procedures will achieve your goals, how long treatment will take, and what to expect.

Cost Discussion: We provide transparent pricing and discuss financing options to make your dream smile affordable.

No Pressure: Take time to consider your options. We want you to feel confident and excited about your decision.

Ready to explore your smile transformation options? Schedule your complimentary cosmetic dentistry consultation today. We’ll help you understand what’s possible and create a plan that fits your goals and budget.

The Difference Between Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry

While there’s overlap, here’s the distinction:

Cosmetic Dentistry primarily focuses on improving appearance, though many cosmetic treatments also provide functional benefits.

Restorative Dentistry primarily focuses on restoring function and health, though modern restorations are also aesthetically pleasing.

Many procedures fall into both categories. For example:

  • Crowns restore damaged teeth (restorative) while improving appearance (cosmetic)
  • Dental implants replace missing teeth (restorative) and look completely natural (cosmetic)

 

At Blue Bird Dentistry, we believe form and function go hand-in-hand. Why choose between a healthy smile and a beautiful one when you can have both?

Maintaining Your Cosmetic Results

Your investment in cosmetic dentistry deserves protection. Here’s how to maintain your beautiful results:

Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene:

  • Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled brush
  • Floss daily
  • Use non-abrasive toothpaste
  • Rinse after consuming staining foods or drinks

 

Regular Dental Visits: Professional cleanings and exams every six months help maintain your cosmetic work and overall oral health.

Protect Your Teeth:

  • Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth
  • Use a mouthguard during sports
  • Avoid biting hard objects
  • Don’t use teeth as tools

 

Minimize Staining:

  • Limit coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas
  • Don’t smoke or use tobacco
  • Rinse or brush after consuming staining substances
  • Consider whitening touch-ups as recommended

 

Address Problems Promptly: If you notice any issues with your cosmetic work, call us right away. Early intervention prevents minor problems from becoming major ones.

With proper care, most cosmetic dental work lasts many years. Veneers can last 10-15+ years, bonding 5-7 years, and whitening results 1-3 years depending on lifestyle factors.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Right for You?

Wondering if you’re a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry? The best way to find out is through a personal consultation, but here are some general guidelines:

You May Be a Good Candidate If:

  • You’re bothered by the appearance of your teeth
  • You have good overall oral health (or are willing to address existing issues first)
  • You have realistic expectations about results
  • You’re committed to maintaining your results with good oral hygiene
  • You understand the time and cost investment involved

 

Important Considerations:

Oral Health First: Any cavities, gum disease, or other dental problems must be treated before cosmetic work. Cosmetic procedures are most successful when built on a healthy foundation.

Realistic Expectations: While cosmetic dentistry can create dramatic improvements, it’s important to have realistic goals. We’ll be honest about what’s achievable and help you understand the process.

Commitment to Maintenance: Cosmetic dental work requires the same care as natural teeth—regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits.

Want to learn if cosmetic dentistry can help you achieve your smile goals? Schedule a consultation to discuss your options. We’ll provide honest recommendations tailored to your needs.

Why Choose Blue Bird Dentistry for Cosmetic Dentistry?

Artistic Vision Combined with Technical Skill

Creating beautiful smiles requires both artistry and precision. Our doctors have the aesthetic eye to design attractive smiles and the technical skill to deliver exceptional results.

Advanced Technology

We invest in the latest cosmetic dentistry technology:

  • Digital smile design for previewing results
  • CEREC same-day crowns
  • Digital impressions (no messy molds!)
  • Intraoral cameras for detailed visualization
  • Shade-matching technology for perfect color

Natural-Looking Results

We create smiles that enhance your unique features rather than giving everyone the same “cookie-cutter” look. Your cosmetic work should look like beautiful natural teeth, not obviously fake or overdone.

Comprehensive Care

From simple whitening to complex smile makeovers combining multiple procedures, we provide all aspects of cosmetic dentistry under one roof.

Comfortable Experience

For patients who experience dental anxiety, we offer sedation options to make your cosmetic treatment completely comfortable and stress-free.

Transparent Pricing and Financing

We provide clear cost estimates before treatment begins, with no hidden fees. Flexible financing options make your dream smile affordable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry

Does cosmetic dentistry hurt?

Most cosmetic procedures involve minimal discomfort. We use local anesthesia when needed, and sedation options are available for anxious patients.

How long do cosmetic dental treatments last?

Longevity varies by treatment: veneers (10-15+ years), bonding (5-7 years), whitening (1-3 years), crowns (10-15+ years). Proper care significantly extends the life of cosmetic work.

Will people be able to tell I've had cosmetic dentistry?

When done well by an experienced dentist, cosmetic work looks completely natural. People will notice your smile looks great—they won't realize you've had work done unless you tell them!

Can cosmetic dentistry fix gaps between my teeth?

Yes! Depending on the size and location of gaps, we can use bonding, veneers, or recommend orthodontic treatment for comprehensive correction.

How much does a smile makeover cost?

Costs vary widely depending on the procedures involved. During your consultation, we'll create a treatment plan with transparent pricing. We offer financing to make treatment affordable.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Yes! Professional whitening under dental supervision is very safe. We protect your gums and use proven products that won't damage enamel.

Do I need to replace my cosmetic work when it wears out?

Most cosmetic work can be replaced when needed. Veneers, crowns, and bonding can all be refreshed to maintain your beautiful smile.

Does insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?

Most insurance plans don't cover purely cosmetic procedures. However, treatments that are also restorative (like crowns) may have some coverage. Our team will help you understand your benefits.

How do I choose between veneers and bonding?

We'll help you decide based on your goals, budget, and specific situation. Veneers are more durable and stain-resistant but costlier. Bonding is more affordable but less permanent. We'll explain the pros and cons of each option.

Can I get cosmetic dentistry if I have dental anxiety?

Absolutely! We offer various sedation options to ensure your comfort throughout cosmetic procedures.

Before and After: Real Patient Transformations

The best way to understand the power of cosmetic dentistry is seeing real results. Visit our About Us page to see patient testimonials and learn about our community giveback programs, including Michael’s life-changing All-On-4 smile transformation.

Ready to Love Your Smile?

You don’t have to live with a smile you’re embarrassed to show. Modern cosmetic dentistry can address virtually any aesthetic concern, giving you the confidence to smile freely and make great first impressions.

Contact Blue Bird Dentistry today to schedule your complimentary cosmetic dentistry consultation. Call (503) 668-1300 or request an appointment online.

Serving Sandy, Boring, Gresham, Damascus, Estacada, and the Mt. Hood area. Let’s create the smile you’ve always wanted—together.

Your beautiful smile is waiting. Let’s make it happen!