Quick Answer

What can cosmetic dentistry do for my smile?

Cosmetic dentistry improves the appearance of your teeth through whitening, porcelain veneers, tooth-colored bonding, and ceramic crowns. Most cosmetic improvements are non-invasive and preserve your natural tooth structure.

At Chemung Family Dental in Elmira, NY, we take a conservative approach - the goal is a smile that still looks like you, just refreshed. Our unique Trial Smile Preview lets you see and feel your proposed result before committing to any permanent treatment. Call (607) 734-2045 for a free cosmetic consultation.

Confident Smiles Begin with Thoughtful Cosmetic Dentistry

Subtle improvements. Natural results. A smile that still looks like you.

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile while maintaining the health and strength of your natural teeth. When done well, cosmetic dentistry does not look artificial or overdone. It looks natural, balanced, and effortless.

At Chemung Family Dental, our approach to cosmetic dentistry is conservative and personalized. Every smile is different, and the right cosmetic treatment should enhance what already works while correcting the things that hold your smile back.

Whether you want to brighten your teeth, repair small imperfections, or completely transform your smile, our goal is simple. Create results that look beautiful, feel natural, and last.

What Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve

Cosmetic dentistry can address a wide range of concerns that affect the appearance of your smile.

Common cosmetic concerns include:

Stained or discolored teeth
Chipped or cracked teeth
Gaps between teeth
Worn or uneven edges
Slightly crooked teeth
Teeth that appear too small or irregularly shaped

In many cases, cosmetic improvements can be achieved with simple treatments that require minimal changes to your natural teeth.

Professional Teeth Whitening

One of the fastest ways to refresh your smile is professional teeth whitening.

• Gaps or spacing
• Smile symmetry

Each veneer is custom designed to complement your facial features and natural smile.

Smile Design and Consultation

Every cosmetic treatment begins with a thoughtful consultation.
During your visit we will discuss what you would like to improve about your smile, evaluate your oral health, and review the options available to achieve your goals.

We believe cosmetic dentistry should enhance your smile, not change who you are. The best results come from careful planning, honest recommendations, and a focus on long term health.
Our role is to guide you through the process so you can make confident decisions about your care.

A Natural Approach to Cosmetic Dentistry

The most successful cosmetic dentistry is often the most subtle.
Instead of creating smiles that look artificial or overly perfect, our goal is to create balance, brightness, and harmony with your natural features. The result should look effortless, as if your smile has always looked that way.
When cosmetic dentistry is done well, people notice your confidence before they notice the dentistry.

Ready to Love Your Smile Again?

If you are thinking about improving your smile, the first step is a consultation. We will take the time to understand your goals and help you explore the options available.

Contact Chemung Family Dental today to schedule your cosmetic consultation and take the first step toward a more confident smile.

The dentist who still knows your name

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Cosmetic Treatments We Offer

Professional teeth whitening

Fastest way to refresh a smile. In-office Beaming White can brighten teeth up to 4 shades in about an hour with minimal sensitivity. Take-home custom trays are also available for gradual whitening. Learn more about teeth whitening.

Porcelain veneers

Thin, custom-crafted shells bonded to the front of teeth. Ideal for concerns that whitening alone cannot fix: chips, small gaps, worn edges, permanent discoloration, or subtle shape issues. Well-made veneers can last 15+ years with proper care.

Trial Smile Preview (unique to Chemung Family Dental)

Before any veneers are ever placed, we can create a temporary tooth-colored acrylic mock-up of your proposed smile. You wear it, look in the mirror, take pictures, ask friends. If we need to adjust the shape, we adjust. Only when you love it do we move forward with permanent restorations.

Cosmetic bonding

A tooth-colored resin sculpted directly onto the tooth to close small gaps, repair chips, or reshape edges. Fast, affordable, and reversible.

Ceramic crowns (same-day CEREC)

For teeth that need both structural and cosmetic improvement. Color-matched and completed in a single visit. Read about dental crowns.

How Much Does Cosmetic Dentistry Cost?

Cost varies significantly by treatment and case complexity:

Professional teeth whitening: typically the most affordable cosmetic option
Cosmetic bonding: mid-range, minimally invasive
Porcelain veneers: highest per-tooth investment, longest-lasting cosmetic option

Most cosmetic dentistry is not covered by dental insurance because it’s elective. We provide clear written estimates before any treatment begins and offer Cherry and CareCredit financing.

Our Approach: Conservative and Natural

Cosmetic dentistry gone wrong looks obvious - teeth that are too white, too straight, or too big for the face. Cosmetic dentistry done well looks like nothing at all - just a healthier, more rested version of your own smile.

Dr. Richard B. Dunn, DDS, FACD has 37 years of experience in Elmira and takes a conservative approach: preserve natural tooth structure whenever possible, and only recommend treatment that meaningfully improves the smile without compromising long-term dental health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cosmetic Dentistry

Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?

Generally no. Dental insurance typically covers restorative work (fillings, crowns after decay, gum treatment) but not purely cosmetic work like whitening or veneers. Some cases straddle both - for example, a crown that’s both restorative and improves appearance may be partially covered. We verify benefits and provide a written estimate before any treatment starts.

Do porcelain veneers ruin your teeth?

Modern veneers are minimally invasive. A very thin layer of enamel is removed to make room for the veneer - usually less than a millimeter. The remaining tooth structure is preserved, and the veneer protects and beautifies what’s underneath. That said, veneers are a permanent commitment: once the enamel is prepared, you’ll always need something covering the tooth.

How long does professional teeth whitening last?

Results typically last 1-2 years, depending on habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco all contribute to re-staining. Many patients do touch-up whitening treatments every 6-12 months, either in-office or with take-home trays. More on teeth whitening.

What is the Trial Smile Preview?

A temporary tooth-colored acrylic mock-up of your proposed cosmetic result, bonded temporarily to your teeth for a few days. It lets you preview the shape, size, and appearance of a veneer or crown plan before we do any permanent work. Adjustments are easy at this stage. It’s the closest thing dentistry has to a "before you commit" preview.

Can I finance cosmetic dentistry?

Yes. We work with Cherry and CareCredit, which offer low-monthly-payment financing with quick approval. Ask us for details at your consultation.

Where do I start?

A free cosmetic consultation. We look at your smile, listen to what you want to change, and honestly discuss what’s possible - and what’s not worth doing. Call (607) 734-2045 or request an appointment.