Cosmetic Dentistry
In Chevy Chase
Cosmetic dentistry should not be reduced to surface change
You may be happy with how healthy your teeth are, yet still feel that your smile does not quite match how polished and confident you are in the rest of your life. Drugstore whitening strips or a quick orthodontic touch-up can help, but they often do not address deeper concerns like worn edges, uneven shapes, or gaps that show in every photo. Cosmetic dentistry is for people who want their smile to feel as considered and intentional as the way they dress, speak, and move through the world.
At our practice in Chevy Chase cosmetic dentistry begins with how you want to feel when you smile: at ease in close-up conversations, relaxed when you laugh, and proud of how you look in candid photos. From there, we work backward to design subtle, natural-looking enhancements that respect your unique features instead of chasing a one-size-fits-all ideal. The goal is not a "perfect" smile, but a balanced, harmonious one that fits your face, your lifestyle, and your long-term oral health.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your teeth and smile while supporting long-term function and health. It can address concerns with color, shape, size, alignment, and overall symmetry, using carefully planned treatments that range from very minimal to more comprehensive smile makeovers.
Many patients consider cosmetic dentistry when they:
During your visit, we will talk through what bothers you most, what you like about your smile, and how cosmetic dentistry can be tailored to your goals.
A smile does not become more refined because more treatment was done to it
Beautiful cosmetic results rarely come from doing "everything" that is technically possible. More drilling, more porcelain, or more procedures do not automatically create a better smile. In many cases, the most sophisticated cosmetic plan is the one that changes the least, preserving as much of your natural tooth structure as possible while still addressing what truly bothers you.
Our philosophy is to recommend only the treatments that meaningfully improve your smile, and to decline options that would add cost, complexity, or risk without clear benefit. This conservative, evidence-based approach helps protect your teeth for decades, so your cosmetic investment looks good and functions comfortably over time.
Before any cosmetic work is started, we begin with careful planning. This includes a detailed conversation about your goals, a thorough exam, and high-quality photographs and records. From there, we design a step-by-step plan that focuses on the smallest, most conservative changes needed to achieve a noticeable improvement.
Whenever possible, we choose techniques that preserve enamel, such as minimal-prep veneers or selective bonding, instead of aggressive reshaping. We will also walk you through different paths to your ideal smile, explaining what each option involves, how long it may last, and how it affects your teeth. This allows you to make informed decisions that align with your comfort level, budget, and long-term priorities.
Cosmetic dentistry can be customized to address a wide range of aesthetic concerns. Some patients are focused on brightening a dull or yellow smile, while others want to correct uneven edges or close small spaces between teeth. Still others are bothered by old fillings or crowns that look dark or bulky compared with their natural teeth.
Common concerns that cosmetic dentistry can improve include:
Tooth color: Staining from coffee, tea, wine, smoking, or aging that makes teeth look darker or more yellow.
Shape and length: Teeth that appear short, worn, chipped, or irregular, creating an uneven smile line.
Alignment and spacing: Mild crowding, rotations, or gaps that are noticeable in photos or when you speak.
Symmetry: Teeth that do not match from side to side, or a smile that feels "off" in balance with your lips and face.
By identifying the specific elements that are out of harmony, we can design a targeted treatment plan that refines your smile without over-treating healthy teeth.
There is no single cosmetic procedure that works for everyone, which is why we offer a range of carefully selected options. Your plan may include one treatment or a combination, depending on your goals, timeline, and how your teeth and gums are currently functioning. During your consultation, we will review the choices that make the most sense for you and explain how they can be sequenced for the most efficient, predictable result.
Professional whitening is designed to safely lift stains and lighten the overall shade of your teeth more effectively than over-the-counter products. In-office whitening can provide a noticeable change in a single visit, while custom take-home trays allow you to brighten your smile more gradually under our guidance. We will evaluate the type of discoloration you have and recommend the approach that is most likely to give you a brighter, yet still natural-looking, result.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of your teeth to change their color, shape, length, or overall alignment appearance. They can be an excellent option if you want to address several concerns at once, such as discoloration, chips, and minor crowding. Each veneer is carefully designed to complement your facial features, lip line, and bite, so the final smile looks harmonious and feels comfortable when you speak and chew.
Cosmetic bonding uses tooth-colored resin to gently reshape or repair teeth. It can be ideal for small chips, worn edges, or minor gaps, especially when you prefer a conservative, single-visit solution. The material is sculpted directly on the tooth, then polished so it blends with your natural enamel. While bonding is not as strong or long-lasting as porcelain, it can be a very effective way to refine your smile with minimal change to your existing tooth structure.
Clear aligner therapy, such as Invisalign, gently moves teeth into better alignment using a series of removable, nearly invisible trays. This option can improve crowding, spacing, and bite issues without traditional braces, which many adults appreciate for professional and social reasons. Straightening your teeth can also support gum health and make cleaning easier, so the cosmetic improvement often comes with meaningful functional benefits.
All-ceramic crowns restore teeth that are weakened, cracked, or heavily filled while also improving their appearance. Unlike older metal-based crowns, modern ceramics can be closely matched to the color and translucency of your natural teeth. When a tooth needs full coverage for strength, an all-ceramic crown can protect it and still blend smoothly into your smile.
When a tooth is missing, implant-supported crowns, bridges, or dentures can restore both function and appearance. A dental implant acts as an artificial root, supporting a custom restoration that looks and feels like a natural tooth. Replacing missing teeth in this way can prevent shifting, support your bite, and complete your smile in a way that feels stable and secure.
For some patients, the gums play as big a role in the smile as the teeth themselves. Gentle gum contouring can refine a "gummy" smile or even out an irregular gumline so the teeth appear more proportional and balanced. Using precise techniques, we can reshape small amounts of tissue to enhance symmetry and frame your teeth in a more flattering way.
When multiple concerns are present, a comprehensive smile makeover may combine several cosmetic and restorative treatments in a carefully sequenced plan. This might include whitening, veneers, crowns, and alignment therapy, all coordinated to support both aesthetics and function. Throughout the process, we prioritize comfort, predictability, and long-term stability, so your new smile feels as good as it looks.
Once your exam, photographs, and digital records are complete, Dr. Azin Ghesmati will walk you through a clear, customized plan. She will explain why each option is being recommended, what the sequence of visits will look like, and how the proposed changes will affect both the appearance and function of your teeth. You will have time to ask questions, review visuals, and consider alternatives so you can move forward only when you feel fully informed and confident.
Our goal is to help you choose the smallest, smartest set of treatments that truly align with your priorities... and to support you at every step with transparent communication and meticulous care.
Advanced digital tools allow us to plan and deliver cosmetic dentistry with a high level of precision. Intraoral scanners, high-resolution photography, and 3D imaging help us study your teeth, gums, and bite from multiple angles without relying solely on traditional impressions. With this information, we can design restorations that fit more accurately, preview potential changes, and communicate clearly with our dental labs.
Digital workflows also support more comfortable visits and, in many cases, fewer appointments. By combining technology with Dr. Ghesmati’s clinical judgment, we can create cosmetic outcomes that are carefully tailored to your unique anatomy and long-term oral health.
After cosmetic dentistry treatment, most patients first notice how much more at ease they feel when they smile, speak, or see themselves in photos. Depending on the procedures you have, you may experience a brief period of adjustment as your lips, tongue, and bite get used to the new shapes or positions of your teeth. Mild sensitivity or tenderness is common with some treatments and usually improves within days to a few weeks.
As you settle in, everyday activities like sipping coffee with friends, presenting at work, or attending social events often feel more comfortable. Many patients share that they smile more freely and worry less about how their teeth look in close-up situations. Our team will review specific aftercare instructions with you so you know how to protect your results and what to watch for as you heal.
The lifespan of cosmetic dentistry varies depending on the type of treatment, your bite, and your daily habits. Professional whitening may need periodic touch-ups to maintain brightness, especially if you regularly enjoy coffee, tea, or red wine. Bonding can last several years but may eventually need to be refreshed or polished as it picks up stain or shows wear.
Porcelain veneers, all-ceramic crowns, and implant-supported restorations are designed for long-term use, but they still rely on healthy gums, good home care, and regular professional visits. Wearing a nightguard when recommended, avoiding using your teeth as tools, and addressing any grinding or clenching can significantly extend the life of your cosmetic work.
During your routine checkups, we will monitor your cosmetic restorations and make small adjustments as needed to keep them functioning well and looking their best. If you ever notice a change in how your teeth feel, such as a new rough edge or sensitivity, we encourage you to contact us promptly so we can evaluate and protect your investment.
Cosmetic dentistry at our Chevy Chase practice is guided by Dr. Azin Ghesmati’s blend of scientific rigor and artistic sensitivity. With advanced training in digital dentistry, microscopy, CBCT imaging, and comprehensive restorative care, she approaches each case as both an engineer and an artist. Her focus is on "functional aesthetics"... creating smiles that look beautiful because they work in harmony with your bite, joints, and facial features.
Patients often describe her as calm, attentive, and deeply thorough. She takes time to listen to your concerns, explain options in clear language, and show you how each choice may affect your teeth over time. Continuous education is central to her philosophy, and she regularly studies with leading organizations to stay current on the safest, most precise techniques in cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry.
If you are considering cosmetic dentistry in Chevy Chase, a personalized consultation is the best way to understand your options. During this visit, we will discuss what you would like to change, perform a detailed exam, and outline a tailored plan that respects both your goals and your oral health. You will leave with a clear understanding of possible treatments, timelines, and investment, without pressure or obligation.
To explore what is possible for your smile, please contact our office or request an appointment online. Our team will be happy to help you schedule a time that fits your calendar and answer any initial questions you may have.
