At My Dentist in Bakersfield, we understand that while cosmetic procedures often bring to mind enhancements to the cheeks, eyes, or nose, your smile plays a vital role in your overall appearance. There are certain aesthetic improvements that only a skilled cosmetic dentist can provide—those related to your teeth and gums. As more individuals seek to boost their confidence through smile makeovers, cosmetic dentistry and periodontal treatments are increasingly popular. In fact, a survey by the American Academy of Periodontology revealed that smile enhancement procedures outnumber eyelid surgeries by five to one.

​

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry highlights a study where participants viewed before-and-after photos of patients who underwent smile-enhancing treatments. Those with improved smiles were rated not only as more attractive but also as more popular, friendly, successful, and sensitive.

​

If you're considering enhancing your smile, My Dentist in Bakersfield offers a variety of services to help you achieve your goals.

 

Here are some of the most common treatments we provide

Gummy or Crooked Smile
If your gums show excessively when you smile, causing your teeth to appear short, you're experiencing a gummy smile. Conversely, if your gum line is uneven, making some teeth look shorter than others, it's a crooked smile. Both issues can be effectively corrected with a gum lift or crown lengthening procedure. We carefully remove excess gum tissue and reshape your gums to lengthen your teeth's crowns and create a natural, balanced gum line.

​

Exposed Roots
Gum recession, caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing, grinding, age, or genetics, can expose the roots of your teeth. This not only affects the appearance—making teeth look longer—but also increases sensitivity and risk of decay and bone loss. We can perform a soft-tissue graft, commonly called a gum graft, where tissue from your palate or another source is transplanted to cover the exposed roots. This restores your gum line, protects your roots, and helps prevent further recession.

​

Missing Teeth
Missing teeth create gaps that can be unsightly and lead to other oral health issues. At My Dentist Bakersfield, we recommend dental implants to restore your smile and function. An implant involves a surgically placed synthetic root into the jawbone, supporting a natural-looking crown. With proper care, dental implants can last a lifetime, providing both durability and a beautiful appearance.

​

Gum Indentations
When a tooth is lost or removed, an indentation may form in the gums and jawbone at the site. This occurs because the bone gradually shrinks or atrophies in response to the missing tooth. To address this, we offer ridge augmentation—an advanced procedure that smooths out the indentation and restores the natural contour of your gums and jaw. This often involves bone grafting to rebuild lost bone and is sometimes performed prior to implant placement to ensure a solid foundation.

 

At My Dentist in Bakersfield, we're committed to helping you achieve a healthier, more confident smile. Contact us today to learn more about our cosmetic and periodontal services.