Cosmetic dentistry is a field focused on improving the appearance of a patient’s smile through procedures like teeth whitening, composite fillings, veneers, crowns, bridges, and implants. At T. Kirk Crane, DDS, we are proud to offer our patients the full scope of cosmetic dentistry services to improve their smiles' health and appearance.

While our primary goal is to preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible, we understand that sometimes, damage can occur to the teeth that require restorative treatment. When this happens, our cosmetic treatments can help patients improve their smiles and regain confidence in their appearance while restoring full function to their teeth. With a wide range of treatments and procedures available, our team can help patients achieve optimal oral health and beautiful, natural-looking smiles. 

Lumineers®

Lumineers are a type of porcelain veneer that is very thin yet extremely strong. Because of this, they are often the ideal choice for patients who want a minimally invasive procedure to improve their smile’s aesthetic appearance. These thin veneers are bonded to the front of the teeth to add length or correct minor misalignments.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a thin shell covering a tooth's surface to improve or strengthen its appearance. It’s typically made from porcelain, which is stain-resistant and durable. Veneers can be made to cover one tooth that’s chipped or cracked, multiple teeth that are discolored, or even all the front teeth to make them appear the same size.

To apply the veneer to your tooth, our dentist will remove a small amount of your enamel. Next, they will prepare the tooth by buffing it down, so there’s room for the shell to be placed. Once the tooth is ready, the dentist will take an impression sent to an off-site lab so the veneer can be custom-created to fit your mouth perfectly. This usually takes about two weeks. 

When your veneer is ready, you’ll return to the office to place it. The veneer will then be bonded to your prepared tooth using a special cement.

Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is a custom treatment plan based on your needs and goals. It can include one or more cosmetic dental procedures to improve the appearance of your teeth. Some patients choose a smile makeover to address aesthetic concerns, while others may want to focus on one area of concern. Either way, a smile makeover can help you look and feel your best! 

Teeth Whitening 

Teeth whitening is a straightforward process that can lighten your teeth by several shades in as little as an hour. First, our dentist will apply a special bleaching gel to your teeth. They’ll then shine a light onto the gel to accelerate its action. 

Most patients experience little to no tooth sensitivity with bleaching gels, although some may experience mild discomfort that resolves on its own within a day or two of treatment. Our dentist may recommend limiting your exposure time to light to avoid over-bleaching. 

Visit T. Kirk Crane, DDS, at 104 Exchange Pl, Suite A Lafayette, LA 70503, or call (337) 232-3873 to learn more about cosmetic dentistry or schedule a consultation with our dentist.