Irvine patients drive 25 to 30 minutes on the 405 to Safari Dentistry and Implants for cosmetic dentistry with a periodontist checking the gums first. Veneers, bonding, whitening, gum reshaping and Invisalign are designed on a scan in the Huntington Beach office, previewed with a trial smile, and quoted in writing per tooth, follow-up visits included.
What does a cosmetic dentist do?
A cosmetic dentist changes the color, shape and alignment of teeth with whitening, bonding, porcelain veneers, ceramic crowns and, where the gum line is the problem, gum reshaping. At Safari Dentistry and Implants the plan for Irvine patients is designed on an intraoral scan with a digital preview, and the periodontist in the office checks the gums before anything is bonded, because a new smile on inflamed or receding gums does not last.
- Teeth whitening: in-office whitening in about 90 minutes, or custom take-home trays over two weeks.
- Bonding: tooth-colored resin sculpted onto a chip, gap or worn edge in one visit.
- Porcelain veneers: thin ceramic shells over the front teeth to change color, shape and minor alignment, in two visits.
- Ceramic crowns: full coverage for teeth that are broken or heavily filled.
- Gum reshaping: esthetic crown lengthening for a gummy smile, done by the periodontist.
- Invisalign: clear aligners when the real problem is crowding or spacing; see the Invisalign page.
Why Irvine patients choose Safari for cosmetic dentistry
Irvine patients are usually comparing two or three veneer or makeover quotes and want a plain answer on what is necessary. The office says so: bonding on one tooth if that is the problem, whitening alone if the shape is fine, a short course of Invisalign instead of veneers if the teeth are only crooked. When veneers are the right answer, the gum line is treated first by the periodontist so the edges stay hidden for years.
What does cosmetic dentistry cost for Irvine patients?
Whitening and bonding are flat fees quoted at the consultation; veneers and crowns are priced per tooth and written down with the full plan before anything starts. Cosmetic work is elective and not covered by insurance, but crowns on broken teeth often are, and the front desk separates the two so you know what your PPO or HMO plan will pay. Monthly payment plans are available.
What to bring to your first visit from Irvine
- Photos of a smile you like, and one of your own smile from a few years ago.
- Any quote or plan from another cosmetic office, to compare line by line.
- Your insurance card; crowns and gum treatment are often covered, cosmetic work is not.
- Questions about longevity and upkeep; the answers are written into the plan.
Getting to the office from Irvine
Safari Dentistry and Implants is at 16511 Goldenwest St, Unit 101, Huntington Beach, CA 92647, about 14 miles from Irvine and usually 25 to 30 minutes by car. From Irvine take the 405 north to the Goldenwest St exit, then head south about two and a half miles to Heil Ave. The office is on the corner at 16511 Goldenwest St with free parking. Outside rush hour the trip is 25 to 30 minutes; appointments are between 10 AM and 4 PM, so the drive rarely hits the worst of the 405.
- Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10 AM to 4 PM. Same-day emergency time is held each open day.
- Parking: free, in the lot at the door, with a level entrance.
- Patients come from: Woodbridge, Northwood, Turtle Rock and University Park near UCI and the Irvine Spectrum and Great Park neighborhoods.