Baltimore looks for red carpet-caliber smiles, and the good news is that the same cosmetic dentistry stars rely on is open to everyone. When you see photos of your favorite celebrities, you may wonder how anyone looks that polished. Can ordinary people from Baltimore County and York County get a smile like that? When it comes to a bright, even smile, the answer is a resounding yes.
Many proven cosmetic dental treatments can make a real difference, alone or combined into a complete smile redesign. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, just over the Maryland line, Dr. Steven Haywood helps patients from northern Baltimore County, Shrewsbury and York choose the treatments that suit their smile and their budget.
What makes a smile look "camera ready"
A red carpet smile is rarely about perfection. It is about balance. Cosmetic dentists look at a handful of details:
- Color: Teeth that are bright but still natural for your skin tone and the whites of your eyes.
- Shape and proportion: Front teeth that are a pleasing length and width compared with their neighbors.
- Alignment: Teeth that line up evenly, without crowding or gaps that catch the eye.
- The gumline: Gums that frame the teeth evenly, without too much showing.
- Health: Firm, pink gums and teeth free of decay. No cosmetic work looks good on an unhealthy foundation.
Dr. Haywood trained in cosmetic dentistry through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum and has been seen on ABC's Extreme Makeover. Before any treatment, cosmetic imaging can help you preview the kind of change you might expect.
Teeth whitening: the quickest lift
Whitening is one of the most popular and affordable ways to brighten a smile. There are several ways to do it:
- Over-the-counter strips and gels can lighten mild surface stains over a few weeks. Results vary, and poorly fitting strips can miss parts of your teeth.
- Professional whitening uses stronger, carefully applied gels while your gums are protected. In-office whitening is the fastest route, often in a single visit.
Southern York Smile Care offers professional teeth whitening and laser whitening. Whitening only changes natural enamel, so if you plan veneers or crowns on front teeth, whiten first and match the new work to your brighter shade. Some people notice temporary sensitivity, which usually fades within a day or two.
Veneers and bonding for shape and color
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover the front of teeth. They are useful for teeth that are chipped, worn, deeply stained, slightly crooked, or spaced apart. Because each veneer is shaped by hand, they can change the color, length and outline of your smile at the same time. Learn more about porcelain veneers, or ask whether prepless veneers, which need little or no removal of natural tooth, might suit you.
Cosmetic bonding uses tooth-colored resin, sculpted and polished in place, to repair small chips, close small gaps or even out a tooth's edge. It is usually done in one visit and is a gentle, budget-friendly option. See cosmetic bonding.
Enamel shaping, sometimes called contouring, removes a tiny amount of enamel to smooth a pointed or uneven edge. It is quick and painless, and is often combined with bonding.
Gum contouring and straightening
Gum contouring
If your smile shows a lot of gum, or the gumline is uneven, gentle reshaping can make teeth look longer and more balanced. Southern York Smile Care has a Picasso dental laser, which is designed for precise work on soft tissue. Read about the cosmetic gum lift.
Straightening without metal braces
Crooked or crowded teeth can make even a white smile look uneven. Dr. Haywood is an Elite Invisalign Provider, and the office straightens teeth with Invisalign clear aligners, including Invisalign Teen and Invisalign Express, as well as instant orthodontics with veneers. Metal braces are not offered. Invisalign can be paid monthly after a down payment.
Replacing missing teeth
No smile looks its best with a gap. For a missing tooth, many cosmetic dentists recommend a dental implant. An implant is placed in the jawbone and topped with a natural-looking crown. It offers strength, comfort and natural function, and it helps guard against the bone shrinkage that follows tooth loss.
Dr. Haywood is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and plans implant care with Green CT 3D imaging. Learn more about dental implants, or, for a front tooth, the front tooth implant.
Putting it together: a complete smile makeover
Many of the most striking results come from combining treatments. A makeover might include whitening, a few veneers, a gum lift and an implant, planned together so the final smile looks natural and balanced. A complete smile makeover starts with a conversation about what you like and dislike about your smile now, followed by photos, digital scans and a step-by-step plan.
You do not need to do everything at once. Many patients start with whitening or bonding and add other treatments over time. Payment plans through CareCredit and Cherry can help you spread out the cost; see financing. The office is out of network with every insurer: you pay at your visit and the team files your claim for reimbursement.
To see real results, browse our smile gallery.
Keeping your new smile camera ready
Cosmetic dental work lasts longest when the teeth and gums around it stay healthy. A few habits protect your investment:
- Brush twice a day with a soft brush and a non-abrasive toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily.
- Keep up with professional cleanings. At Southern York Smile Care, each cleaning is a full 60 minutes, with time to polish gently around veneers and bonding.
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine, and use a straw for iced drinks when you can.
- Don't use your teeth to open packages or bite fingernails. Porcelain and bonding are strong, but they can chip.
- If you clench or grind at night, wear a guard to protect both natural teeth and cosmetic work.
Whitening results fade gradually over time, especially with dark drinks, and a touch-up now and then keeps them bright. Bonding may need polishing or repair after some years. Well-cared-for porcelain veneers and implants can last many years. Dr. Haywood will explain what to expect for your own treatment, so there are no surprises.
Your red carpet moment starts here
If you live in northern Baltimore County, York or Shrewsbury and want a smile you love showing off, we would be glad to help. Southern York Smile Care is at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury, PA. Call (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment for a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Haywood.
DDS cum laude 1987, US Air Force residency, NYU cosmetic training and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists, with 35+ years in practice.
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