You, Only Better

You, only better: that is the goal of natural-looking cosmetic dentistry, a brighter smile that still looks completely like you. At Southern York Smile Care in Shrewsbury, PA, we plan every smile around your face, your teeth and your goals. Here are the treatments that can help, including a few you may not have heard of.

A brighter smile that still looks natural

Many people want the brightest smile possible but worry it will look fake. That worry is fair. Teeth that are too white, too flat or too uniform can look out of place. Good cosmetic dentistry avoids that. It looks at the shape of your face, your lips, your skin tone and the way you smile, then designs changes that fit.

We use effective, modern methods and tools to create the best smile for each person. The aim is simple: when people see your new smile, they should notice that you look great, not that you had dental work.

What makes a smile look natural?

Natural teeth are not all the same. The front teeth are usually a little longer than their neighbors, edges have slight variations, and color shifts gently from the gumline to the tip. A natural shade of white also suits your skin tone and the whites of your eyes. Dr. Haywood pays attention to these details, so the new smile reads as healthy and real, not artificial.

Why more adults are choosing cosmetic dentistry

You may have noticed people on local TV or in your own circle whose smiles look bright and healthy for their age. More professionals and public figures are choosing cosmetic dentistry to refresh their appearance.

A smile changes with age. Teeth darken, edges wear down, gums shift and old dental work starts to show. Cosmetic dentistry can address each of these changes. You can have a smile that is bright and healthy at any age. We will not make empty promises, but we will show you what is realistic for your teeth and help you get there.

Popular cosmetic treatments

You have probably heard of many of these:

Teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening lifts stains from coffee, tea, wine and age. In-office laser whitening can brighten teeth in a single visit, and custom take-home trays keep results fresh.

Porcelain veneers

Thin, custom porcelain shells cover chips, stains, gaps and uneven edges. Porcelain veneers are shaped and shaded to look like natural enamel.

Crowns

A crown covers and protects a damaged or heavily filled tooth. All-porcelain crowns restore strength while matching the color of your natural teeth.

Straightening with Invisalign

Clear aligners straighten crooked or crowded teeth without metal braces. Dr. Steven Haywood, DDS, is an Elite Invisalign Provider. Learn more about Invisalign clear aligners.

Dental implants

Implants replace missing teeth with a strong root in the jaw and a natural-looking crown on top. Dr. Haywood is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

Many patients combine two or more of these. A smile that is whitened, straightened and finished with a few veneers can look very different from where it started, yet still look entirely natural.

Lesser-known ways to refresh your smile

Laser gum contouring

Sometimes the teeth are fine but the gumline is uneven or covers too much of each tooth. Gum contouring reshapes the gums to frame your teeth better. Our Picasso laser allows precise shaping, often with less bleeding and a quicker recovery. See our cosmetic gum lift page.

Replacing silver fillings

Old amalgam (silver) fillings can make a smile look dark when you laugh. We can replace them with tooth-colored, BPA-free composite fillings matched to your teeth. Our office is mercury-free, and we do not place silver fillings. Learn more about white dental fillings.

Implant-anchored dentures

If you wear dentures, implants can help hold them firmly in place. Implant-anchored dentures can improve both your smile and your ability to eat comfortably. See snap-on implant teeth.

Bonding

Tooth-colored resin can repair small chips and gaps in a single visit, often with little or no removal of tooth structure. Bonding is a good way to try a change, such as closing a small gap, before committing to porcelain. Learn more about cosmetic bonding.

How we design your new smile

We start with a conversation

What do you love about your smile? What would you change? Do you want a subtle refresh or a bigger change? Your answers shape the plan.

We check your health first

A beautiful smile needs a healthy foundation. We examine your teeth, gums and bite, and treat any decay or gum disease before cosmetic work.

We show you a preview

With cosmetic imaging, you can see a preview of your possible new smile before treatment begins. It is an easy way to make sure the result feels like you.

We plan the steps

Many smiles combine treatments, such as whitening first, then gum contouring, then veneers. We plan the order so each step supports the next. For bigger changes, a complete smile makeover brings everything together.

Experience behind the artistry

Dr. Haywood has more than 35 years in practice. Dr. Haywood's training includes a DDS degree cum laude from the University of Detroit, a US Air Force advanced residency and cosmetic training through the NYU Aesthetic Continuum. Dr. Haywood's work has been seen on ABC's Extreme Makeover. You can see real results in our smile gallery.

Caring for your new smile

Cosmetic work lasts longest with good care. Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth daily and keep your regular cleanings, which are a full 60 minutes at our office. Avoid chewing ice or opening packages with your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom night guard can protect veneers, crowns and bonding. We will check your work at each visit and polish or adjust it as needed.

Along with cosmetic dentistry, we offer restorative dentistry and preventive care, so your new smile is cared for long after treatment.

Cosmetic treatment is usually not covered by insurance. We are out of network with every insurer; you pay at the visit and our office files any claim for reimbursement. CareCredit and Cherry payment plans are available, and Invisalign can be paid monthly after a down payment. Kelley Fisher, our Patient Care and Treatment Coordinator, can walk you through it. See our financing page.

Schedule your cosmetic consultation

Ready to see a smile that looks like you, only better? Call Southern York Smile Care at (717) 235-3871 or request an appointment at 4 S. Main St in Shrewsbury. We welcome patients from York, southern York County and northern Baltimore County, MD.

About the authorDr. Steven Haywood, DDS

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.

Meet Dr. Haywood →