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How We Have Transformed Smiles

 
Watch Chris’s Story

 

Cosmetic Dentistry – Rancho Bernardo, CA

Visit an Expert on Beautiful Smiles

Not only does Dr. Howard offer many different dental treatments to enhance your smile’s appearance, but he is one of only 466 dentists in the world that are
Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. This on top of his many years of experience helping neighbors in Rancho Bernardo and beyond achieve the smile of their dreams is exactly what makes him stand out from the rest in terms of cosmetic dentistry in Rancho Bernardo, CA. To start planning your smile makeover,
give him a call!

Actual patient with flawless smile after cosmetic dentistry

Why Choose Nelson Y. Howard, D.D.S. for Cosmetic Dentistry?

  • Durable, Natural-
    Looking Ceramic
    Materials
  • Convenient
    Take-Home Whitening
    Available
  • AACD-Accredited
    Dentist Serving
    You Care

Porcelain Veneers

Patient's smile after porcelain veneers

One of the most comprehensive solutions for imperfections in teeth are Porcelain Veneers. These ultra-thin sheaths of dental ceramic are customized in every single way, ensuring that they look like a natural part of your smile and look lifelike next to your existing teeth. Everything from the color to the shape to the size are personalized to your smile, so no one other than you and your dentist will know that you have veneers placed!

Learn About Veneers

Metal-Free Dental Restorations

Closeup of smile after metal free dental restorations

Cosmetic dentistry wouldn’t be very effective it the restorations used weren’t made from tooth-colored materials! Instead of utilizing metal materials like silver, gold, nickel or copper to create dental restorations, we always utilized high-quality ceramics and composite resins. In the case of dental crowns, ceramics are molded and shaped to best fit over your damaged teeth, then custom-shaded so they blend in with your smile as closely as possible. With proper care, your metal-free restorations should last for many years.

Dental Bonding

Closeup of smile after dental bonding

When you only have minor imperfections you want to address, such as permanent stains that teeth whitening can’t fix, cosmetic cracks and chips that do not need dental fillings or crowns, or gaps that you’d prefer to fill without using orthodontics, direct bonding is a great solution. This treatment uses composite resin to treat small imperfections in teeth and often takes just one appointment to complete. With regular brushing and flossing, direct bonding can last for up to many years without any issues.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Patient using at home teeth whitening kit

Considered to be one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry out there, at-home teeth whitening is a fantastic solution for addressing tough stains on teeth that no amount of brushing seems to resolve. This whitening kit from Opalescence is filled with professional-grade teeth whitening gel that you won’t be able to find in stores. It’s much more powerful than the ingredients found in whitening strips and “whitening toothpastes” and gives your smile a professionally whitened appearance after about two weeks of daily use.

Gum Recontouring/ Crown Lengthening

Actual patient smiling after gum recontouring

Is there too much gum tissue above your teeth? Feel like you have more gum tissue on your teeth than what is normal? While this appearance can develop as a result of genetics, it does not cause any harm to your oral health. However, if you wish more of your natural teeth were visible in your smile, gum recontouring is a perfect solution! To complete this treatment, we utilize our in-house soft tissue diode laser. If you need to have a restoration placed but gum tissue is getting in the way of treatment, we may also perform this procedure.

Understanding the Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry

Closeup of dental tools on money representing cost of cosmetic dentistry Rancho Bernardo

Are you ready to visit an expert on beautiful smiles? When you come see us for a cosmetic consultation, we’ll discuss your goals for your smile and evaluate your oral health. Then, we’ll be able to fully explain all your treatment options, including their estimated price. Even though cosmetic dentistry isn’t usually covered by dental insurance, we’re proud to offer a variety of services at different price points so anyone can improve their smile without breaking the bank! Read on as we cover some important information about the cost of cosmetic dentistry in Rancho Bernardo.

What Cosmetic Dental Service is Right for Me?

woman enjoying her smile after paying for cosmetic dentistry Rancho Bernardo

What are you looking to change about your teeth? Cosmetic dentistry can help you improve their size, shape, color, or even a combination of these factors! We’re happy to offer numerous different cosmetic services that can help you get the smile of your dreams while still fitting into your budget. A few of our most popular options include:

  • Dental Bonding – This quick, easy, and cost-effective service is ideal for correcting minor flaws in the teeth, like chips, cracks, stains, and gaps. It’s important to keep in mind that it will need to be redone every several years.
  • At-Home Teeth Whitening – Our teeth whitening treatments are a reliable and affordable way to make a big difference in your smile from the comfort of home! While the whitening will take years of staining off your smile for up to a year, it naturally won’t change the shape or size of your teeth.
  • Veneers – Veneers are one of the more costly cosmetic services available, but for good reason. They can correct all manner of dental imperfections with truly flawless results. Plus, veneers are stain-resistant and can last 15 years or longer.
  • Gum Recontouring – If your teeth seem small or your smile looks “gummy,” gum recontouring can quickly and easily remove excess tissue to reveal the natural beauty of your smile. While this won’t physically change anything about your teeth, it can make a huge difference in your appearance, as well as your candidacy for other cosmetic services.

Cosmetic Dentistry Can Be An Investment Worth Making

hand holding tooth and coins representing cost of cosmetic dentistry in Rancho Bernardo

Cosmetic dentistry is about so much more than improving the appearance of your smile. In fact, getting the pearly whites of your dreams could potentially boost nearly every aspect of your life! Studies show that those with a beautiful smile are statistically more likely to make a good first impression, get a second date, and land a job or raise. Plus, you’ll be naturally more inclined to smile, which researchers have found to be linked to lower stress, higher self-confidence, and better overall health.

How to Make Cosmetic Dentistry Affordable

receptionist and patient discussing how to pay for cosmetic dentistry in Rancho Bernardo

Dental insurance rarely covers cosmetic dentistry. However, that doesn’t mean that your smile has to be financially out of reach! We’re proud to partner with CareCredit, a third-party financing company, to offer a variety of payment plans. These low- to no-interest plans can help break up the cost of your treatment into smaller, more manageable chunks that fit into your monthly budget. To learn more about the cost of improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry or to apply for CareCredit financing, don’t hesitate to contact us online or at (760) 599-6559.

Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs

Man with veneers in Rancho Bernardo smiling in dentist’s office

Want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry? Luckily, we can help! For specific answers to specific questions, we encourage you to reach out to our team to schedule a consultation. If, on the other hand, you’d simply like to learn the answer to a few FAQs from patients, then read on!

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Expensive?

Oftentimes, patients automatically assume that cosmetic dentistry is too expensive. In reality, that’s not always true! With financial options like CareCredit, you can space out your payments instead of paying for your treatment in one lump sum. For qualified patients, there are even low-to-no interest options. So, achieving the smile of your dreams won’t break the bank.

Is Cosmetic Dentistry Safe?

When planned and executed by a skilled, licensed, and experienced cosmetic dentist, yes. With that being said, no one treatment is right for everyone. That’s why your dental team will take the time to assess your dental needs and learn about your smile goals before putting together a treatment plan.

It’s worth also mentioning that this is why oral health conditions need to be treated beforehand: safety. Administering a teeth whitening treatment on decayed teeth can lead to further damage. Similarly, applying veneers without treating inflamed, infected gums can be disastrous too. For these reasons, it’s of the utmost importance that you treat cavities, gum disease, and the like before pursuing cosmetic dentistry.

Does Cosmetic Dentistry Hurt?

Worried that the smile-transforming treatment you have your heart set on will be painful? Don’t worry – our cosmetic dentist will go above and beyond to ensure you are calm and comfortable throughout your appointment. Plus, many treatments (like teeth whitening) are non-invasive and don’t require a local anesthetic. With more involved treatments, we will numb your mouth beforehand. Afterward, you may experience some soreness following your procedure. The good news is that this is typically short-lived, and you can alleviate symptoms like these with an over-the-counter pain reliever.

How Can Cosmetic Dentistry Change Your Life?

At first, it may seem like cosmetic dentistry just changes your smile. In reality, it changes your life too! Perfecting your teeth can boost your confidence, causing you to feel happier on a day-to-day basis. Plus, several studies have shown that investing in your smile can benefit your professional life too. In fact, one study found that job applicants were more likely to receive an offer if they underwent a teeth whitening treatment before the interview. Lastly, there are several cosmetic treatments that improve the look and function of your smile. For example, veneers can reinforce chipped, cracked, and otherwise damaged teeth, enhancing your oral health in the process.

 

 

Chris’ teeth were noticeably worn down due to years of biting his fingernails, and they were so bad that Dr. Keuning initially thought he was grinding them. In order to repair his enamel (and make his smile look better at the same time), Chris decided to get veneers. What made the process especially easy was that he got a crown at Juno Beach Smiles in the past, and that went so smoothly that he knew his makeover would both look great and be a breeze.

Read Chris’s Story
Watch Vivian’s Story

 

Vivian found us through a very trusted source—her mom! Vivian, in her words, was a “terrible” teeth grinder, and her mom was really starting to notice the decline in the health of her smile. The first place she called was Juno Beach Smiles, and Vivian was able to get in right away. In addition to having severely damaged teeth, she also had a bad infection in her mouth that had likely been dormant for years. With the help of an endodontist, Vivian was able to take care of all of her health issues, and then Dr. Riley rebuilt and refined her teeth to give her a smile she loves.

Read Vivian’s Story
Watch Terri’s Story

Terri has the kind of personality that brightens up any room she’s in, but behind the confidence was doubt about one thing—her smile. She knew she needed to get her teeth fixed for years, but she kept putting it off because she thought it would be too expensive. She ended up developing a medical issue and needed to see a dentist fairly quickly, and after going through her smile transformation, she wishes she didn’t put it off for so long. According to her, the Juno Beach team made the process as easy as possible, and she absolutely loves her new smile.

Read Terri’s Story
Watch Sandra’s Story

Sandra had been unhappy with her crooked teeth for her entire life, and then, right before her wedding, she chipped a few. This was fate telling her that it was finally time to do something about her smile! She says that Dr. Riley was able to work around her fears and anxiety to make sure she was comfortable at every moment. Sandra was amazed by how easy the process was, and her only regret is that she didn’t start it sooner.

Read Sandra’s Story
Watch Edmond’s Story

Edmond is naturally the center of attention in every room he enters, so the appearance of his teeth is very important. However, after years of “living well in Europe” with plenty of red wine and strong coffee, they were noticeably discolored, plus he had issues with his gums that caught Dr. Riley’s attention. With the help of a periodontist, Edmond was able to improve the health of his gums, and then Dr. Riley gave him the kind of bright, head-turning smile that suits him perfectly.

Read Edmond’s Story
Watch Cara’s Story

Cara, by her own admission, is a very particular person. So, when it was time for her veneers to be replaced, she was a bit nervous. Would a dentist be able to meet her high standards? To her surprise, she was blown away by what Dr. Keuning was able to do for her, and she enjoyed her experience here so much that she now brings her children to come see us.

Read Cara’s Story
Watch Elaine’s Story

Elaine’s teeth were fine for the majority of her life, but after suffering a few illnesses back to back, her teeth were quickly and extensively damaged, turning them into what she called “little nubs.” According to Dr. Keuning, “It was probably the most severe wear case that we had seen.” Fortunately, Elaine and Dr. Keuning were able to sit down, put together a treatment plan, and follow through to rebuild Elaine’s smile, both cosmetically and functionally. Now, Elaine feels like she can be herself again and says the experience at Juno Beach Smiles made her journey as easy as possible.

Read Elaine’s Story
Watch Jeanne’s Story

Jeanne was experiencing multiple problems simply due to time, as a few of her old restorations needed replacement, and some of her natural teeth were beginning to break down as well. Not a huge fan of the dentist, Dr. Riley and the team at Juno Beach Smiles took the time to explain her options and help her feel comfortable at every appointment. She felt very cared for throughout her smile makeover process, and she’s happy that she doesn’t have to worry about her teeth anymore. In her words, “This is one of the nicest practices I have ever, ever experienced.”

Read Jeanne’s Story
Watch Joan’s Story

Joan’s story is a pretty common one. She started experiencing bone loss in her upper jaw when she became pregnant with her first child, and this continued until she had to have four of her upper teeth removed on her 50th birthday. For nearly 30 years, she wore a partial denture and was told she wouldn’t be a good candidate for dental implants, but Dr. Riley didn’t believe that. Working with her and a specialist, he was able to give Joan strong and natural-looking implants that felt much more like the real teeth she had lost. These days, Joan hugs everyone when she comes into Juno Beach Smiles, and she loves that she never has to worry about her husband seeing her without teeth.

Read Joan’s Story
Watch Kathy’s Story

Kathy was experiencing chronic pain in her jaw and face for years, and despite getting temporary relief from various other treatments, nothing seemed to really last. She eventually saw on TV that Botox could be used to help her problem, so she found her way to Juno Beach Smiles. With just a few quick injections, Dr. Keuning was able to completely relieve her pain and help it stay away for an extended amount of time. For Kathy, this is the longest she’s ever gone without discomfort, and this freed her up to makeover her smile with porcelain veneers.

Read Kathy’s Story
Watch Kelly’s Story

Kelly really cares about her appearance and has a very vibrant personality, but after not taking care of her teeth for a long time, she was beginning to feel self-conscious about them. She and Dr. Riley decided that porcelain veneers would help her achieve the pristine look she was hoping for. Today, Kelly says she’s able to feel confident from head to toe. She appreciated that the staff was so helpful throughout the process when she felt doubt about following through with treatment, and the procedure itself was “the easiest thing I’ve ever done” thanks to Dr. Riley’s light touch and selection of music!

Read Kelly’s Story
Watch Steve’s Story

Steve has known the dentists here at Juno Beach Smiles since 1999, so when his teeth started to become noticeably worn, he knew exactly who to call. He needed over a dozen dental crowns, and he felt nervous about getting so much dental work at once, but Dr. Riley and the team were able to answer all his questions, walk him through the process, and help him feel completely comfortable. Steve was really impressed with the entire team, not just Dr. Riley, and now he enjoys getting compliments about his smile on a regular basis.

Read Steve’s Story
Watch Dr. Hinman's Story

Dr. Hinman was actually the first dentist right here at Juno Beach Smiles, and while enjoying his retirement, he eventually began to experience problems related to worn down teeth that led to a misaligned bite and frequent TMJ-related headaches. He turned to Dr. Riley and Dr. Keuning who recommended he get a full-mouth reconstruction. While Dr. Hinman was only concerned about getting out of pain, he was amazed at how great the final result both looked and felt, giving him a perfectly functional smile he’s always eager to show off.

Read Dr. Hinman’s Story
Watch Donna's Story

Donna had gotten porcelain veneers placed on her upper teeth by another dentist in the past, and she was never really happy with the work. Eventually, the veneers themselves started to fail and cause her problems, affecting both her oral function and confidence in her smile. At the suggestion of her husband (who had previously gotten a smile makeover from Dr. Riley), she came to Juno Beach Smiles to have them redone. Now, she couldn’t be happier with the results, and she says they make a positive impact on her life every day.

Read Donna’s Story
Watch Ruthye's Story

Ruthye was experiencing problems common for many denture wearers: despite having dental implants, her prosthetic just wouldn’t stay in place, and this led to quite a bit of oral discomfort. She was constantly worried that her teeth were literally going to fly out of her mouth! Thankfully, Dr. Keuning was able to remove the failing dental implants and give her a new denture that stays firmly in place. Ruthye never has to worry about her teeth any more, and she says her smile is now ready for Hollywood.

Read Ruthye’s Story
Watch Randi's Story

Randi’s teeth had started to develop cracks, and Dr. Riley was concerned that this would eventually lead to broken teeth. He was able to use porcelain veneers to not only stabilize and strengthen her teeth, but drastically improve their overall look as well. Randi is so thankful that she found Juno Beach Smiles and feels nothing but confidence when she goes out into the world.

Read Randi’s Story
Watch Augustine Family's Story

Matt and Heather Augustine are perfect examples of how just a little dentistry can make a dramatic difference for the smile. Matt underwent Invisalign in order to straighten some of his teeth that had shifted since getting braces as a child, and he said the process was easier than he could ever imagine. Heather, on the other hand, wanted to improve her teeth’s appearance without going overboard. Using porcelain veneers, Dr. Keuning was able to give her subtle results that are both beautiful and natural-looking, and she finds herself smiling more often as a result.

Read Augustine Family's Story
Watch Sylvia's Story

Sylvia is a longtime patient of Juno Beach Smiles, and over the years, her teeth had begun to wear down, and they were starting to make her feel self-conscious. Dr. Riley was able to not only restore her teeth using a combination of crowns and veneers, but enhance her smile’s overall appearance at the same time. Sylvia couldn’t be happier with her experience at the practice, which is why she’s encouraged her entire family to come visit us! 

Read Sylvia’s Story

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