Cosmetic Dentistry
While your oral health is important, the aesthetic elements of your smile can have an equal impact on how you look and feel.
Dr. Megan Shelton can enhance your teeth and give you the smile of your dreams with natural-looking cosmetic dentistry.
Learn what the skilled cosmetic dentistry team at Bay View Dental in Clairemont, CA, can do for you.
Don't Wait Another Day A Stunning Smile Is a Phone Call Away
With over 40 years of experience in cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Shelton is trusted by patients in Pacific Beach, Clairemont, and nearby. Learn more about our modern dental care and get started on your treatment today. Request a consultation at our San Diego dental office online or by calling: (858) 274-4400
Top-Notch Service! "Everyone is friendly, professional and like family."
Erica Keller
San Diego, CA
2023
Today was my first time at Bay View and it was a wonderful experience. The staff is very kind and comforting. I feel like this was the first time I had gone to the dentist and not felt scammed. Everyone was great and I look forward to going back. I highly recommend!
View on Googlemary conley
San Diego, CA
2023
I have been coming to Bay View for a number of years and sad when Dr Emerson retired. He encouraged my family to stay with office, the staff would remain and have 2 female dentists come in. I had to change my dental plan to stay on and I’m glad I did ! Everyone is friendly, professional and like family. Thank you Bay View
View on GoogleIs Cosmetic Dentistry Right for Me?
While we want every patient to experience a beautiful smile, not everyone is initially a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry treatments. You may be a good candidate if you:
Are in Good Oral Health
You must be in good dental health and free from issues such as gum disease or tooth decay. Your dentist will examine your mouth during your initial consultation to determine if your mouth is healthy enough for cosmetic treatments. We can address your needs in-office or refer you to a trusted specialist for treatment.
Have Cosmetic Issues
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on enhancing the appearance of your smile. If you have issues that primarily impact your oral health and function, other methods of dentistry may be a better option for you.
Which Treatments Should I Choose?
Dr. Shelton will help you choose the best procedure for your needs during your consultation at our Clairemont office. Popular options include:
| Popular Cosmetic Treatments | Surface Stains | Intrinsic Stains | Minor Misalignment | Cosmetic Damage | Structural Damage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teeth Whitening | ✔ | ||||
| Dental Bonding | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Porcelain Veneers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | |
| Dental Crowns | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Smile Makeover | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
A Closer Look at Our Services
Invisalign
Do you often wish for straighter teeth, but hesitate at the thought of braces? Then consider Invisalign®, a discreet alternative to traditional orthodontics. The Invisalign system uses clear aligner trays to progressively shift the teeth into their proper position. Patients wear each aligner every day for about two weeks and then move on to the next in the series. Invisalign is easy and flexible, giving you the opportunity to remove while eating and taking pictures. Best of all, the trays are virtually invisible, so you maintain your self-confidence on the journey to straighter teeth.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the fastest and most affordable forms of cosmetic dentistry at our San Diego dental office. We can remove years' worth of stains and discoloration in just one comfortable procedure. Our dentist applies a professional-strength bleaching formula to the surface of your enamel and monitors until your teeth reach the desired shade of white. If you can't find the time for an in-office whitening session, ask the dentist about our take-home options. We offer custom-made whitening trays for you to use conveniently at home when you want to brighten or touch up your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
A chipped, cracked, misshapen, or discolored tooth can distract from the overall appearance of your smile. We can correct all of these problems and more with natural-looking porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front surface of your teeth to mask a variety of dental flaws. Our dentist expertly designs our restoration to blend in seamlessly with the color of your enamel and the shape of your natural teeth. In just two appointments, we can correct a problem tooth or improve the aesthetics of all your teeth with durable veneers that can last well over a decade.
Dental Bonding
If you are looking for a less permanent way to treat cosmetic flaws, then consider dental bonding. Bonding is an enamel-colored dental resin we apply to the surface of your teeth to disguise minor imperfections. Our dentist will coat the problem area with bonding and carefully sculpt the material to match the shape and size of your natural teeth. While bonding will not last as long as a veneer, there are distinct advantages. You can complete treatment in just one appointment for rapid enhancement and don't have to commit to upkeep since bonding will not permanently alter your teeth.
Dental Crowns
While dental crowns are often used in restorative dentistry to improve your oral health, they also serve important cosmetic purposes. Unlike veneers, crowns cover the entire surface of a tooth, giving you complete cosmetic coverage and structural protection. Our Clairemont office is equipped with state-of-the-art CEREC technology, allowing us to craft your custom crown and restore your tooth in just one office visit. They are a great option for patients looking to replace an outdated metal filling, repair cracks, or cover intrinsic discoloration.
"They have the best and welcoming practice in San Diego. And one of the most through & gentle hygienists on the planet that’s why I won’t go anywhere else. Thank you for making my visit so comfortable."
Jounina Boka
Get Started on Your Smile Journey Request a Consultation Today
Do you live in Pacific Beach or nearby? Are you hiding your smile due to cosmetic imperfections? Our cosmetic dentist can help you achieve the smile of your dreams and boost your self-confidence. The first step is a consultation at our Clairemont practice. To get started, request an appointment by filling out our online form or by calling us today.
(858) 274-4400
Embarrassed About Tooth Loss? Restore Your Teeth and Feel Confident in Your Smile
Correcting tooth loss is important not only for your oral health but for your self-esteem and quality of life, as well. We are proud to help patients in the greater San Diego region restore their smiles with state-of-the-art dentistry...
Dental Implants The Ultimate Restorative Solution
While traditional procedures can restore the crowns of your teeth, dental implants go further to replace your missing tooth roots. By repairing the underlying structure, implants prevent painful oral conditions like gum recession and bone atrophy and help you maintain a more youthful appearance.
Dental implants are a highly stable and comfortable solution to tooth loss and are quickly becoming the most sought-after method of tooth restoration in the field of dentistry.
Dental implants are just the beginning. Next, our cosmetic dentist will design an incredibly life-like restoration to complete your smile.
Custom Restorations
Dental implant patients missing a single tooth will receive a custom dental crown. While crowns are often used to protect your natural teeth, an implant-supported crown will replace the entire tooth without needing support from adjacent teeth.
Patients with two or more consecutively missing teeth are good candidates for a dental bridge. Our dentist offers both traditional and implant-supported dental bridges and will help you choose the best fit for your needs and budget.
San Diego patients missing all or most of their teeth are best suited for dentures. While traditional dentures can be more affordable, implant-supported dentures are the most stable and comfortable and will never click or slip out of place.
Sometimes one technique is not enough to address all of your dental flaws...
Consider a Smile Makeover
So you have made the decision to enhance your smile. The next step is choosing a procedure to achieve your goals. However, you may not always find a single cosmetic dentistry technique to address all of your needs. Fortunately, we offer an efficient solution for our Pacific Beach and Greater San Diego patients looking to correct multiple dental problems at our Clairemont dental practice.
A smile makeover combines several techniques found in cosmetic and restorative dentistry into a single streamlined treatment. Your treatment is completely custom, allowing you to pick, choose, and refine only the services you want. In addition to being convenient, a smile makeover can also save you money on dental care. We can offer discounted rates on combined treatments giving you a better value for the same final results. Ask our dentist about a smile makeover at your next visit: you will not be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry
Q. Will insurance cover my cosmetic treatments?
A. Most insurance providers will not cover treatments like whitening or veneers as they are cosmetic. They will only cover treatments that are medically necessary. We will verify your coverage before your treatment begins to maximize your benefits. For example, dental crowns have both functional and aesthetic applications and are usually partially or fully covered.
Q. Do you offer financing?
A. Our Clairemont dental practice accepts CareCredit® financing, which allows patients to break the cost of their treatments into flexible monthly payments.
Q. Do cosmetic treatments hurt?
A. No. Treatments like teeth whitening and veneers are practically painless. For procedures like dental crowns, your cosmetic dentist will numb the area to ensure you are completely comfortable during treatment.
"Professional, clean, and inviting. What a great first experience!" Patients Love Our Clairemont Practice
Heather&Jason W
San Diego, CA
2023
Dr. Shelton and her staff were very professional, the office is very clean and inviting, and Dr. Shelton’s chairside manner is nothing short of charming. What a great first experience! Confident in returning for future care!
View on GoogleKristina Navickaite Momchilova
San Diego, CA
2023
Great Dental office. Megan Shelton is great. Everyone is very friendly, knowledgeable and easy to work with. Anyone that is not a big fan of dentists should be coming here, because they will make you feel comfortable and at ease before during or after your procedure. They do an amazing job with every procedure. Thank you
View on Google
