Cosmetic Dentistry in Lincolnwood, IL

A healthy mouth supports your overall well-being, and every branch of dentistry contributes to that goal in its own way. But people sometimes underestimate the impact an improved smile can have on daily life. For many people, the way their teeth look influences far more than photographs or casual conversations. It can shape how comfortable they feel in a room, how readily they speak up, and how they view themselves in moments that matter. When someone finally sees a smile that aligns with how they want to feel, that shift can be deeply meaningful. It is a branch of dentistry that recognizes the connection between oral health, appearance, and emotional well-being. Cosmetic dentistry offers tools that help people move through their lives with a bit more ease and self-assurance.

The Basics of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your smile, but its place within the larger field becomes easier to understand when you look at dentistry as a whole. Every branch adds something unique to how the mouth stays healthy, functional, and visually appealing. When we zoom out, dentistry protects oral health. When we zoom in, we see specialties that address specific needs. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on how teeth and gums look.

When you move one step closer, this branch directs attention to details such as brightness, shape, proportion, and alignment. Dr. Hatland evaluates how these features work together whenever you speak or smile. His goal is to improve how the smile presents itself in daily life. These treatments focus on aesthetics, but they can also support comfort or function when they create better balance or symmetry.

As we narrow the lens further, cosmetic dentistry stands apart because it starts with appearance. Other categories of care, such as preventive and restorative dentistry, address issues like gum health, decay, or structural problems. They help you maintain a stable, disease-free mouth so you can chew and speak properly. Cosmetic treatments build on that foundation. Once oral health is stable, you can refine how your teeth look through procedures that brighten, reshape, or straighten them.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatment Options

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers allow us to reshape what you see on the surface of a tooth without touching the inner structure. Dr. Hatland bonds an ultra-thin covering to the front of the tooth, creating a new outer “face” that reflects the color, shape, and proportions you want. Instead of rebuilding the tooth from within, veneers upgrade the part of the tooth that shows the most when you speak or smile.

Veneers function like a refined cosmetic layer: they correct visual issues that whitening or minor reshaping cannot fix. Deep discoloration, worn edges, small fractures, and uneven contours can all affect the way your smile looks, even if the tooth underneath is healthy. Veneers provide a clean, consistent surface that masks these irregularities.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns sit at the crossroads of cosmetic and restorative care. While they often protect and rebuild teeth weakened by decay, fractures, or root canal treatment, they can also refine the appearance of teeth that fall outside the range of whitening or veneers. When a tooth is misshapen, severely discolored, or noticeably worn, a crown gives the entire tooth a new outer structure that supports both strength and appearance.

Since crowns provide a new outer structure that matches the tooth’s natural shape, Dr. Hatland addresses both appearance and stability. For example, if a tooth has been worn down, the crown restores its height so you can chew comfortably. That added height naturally supports a more even smile line. And a tooth with deep internal discoloration may be healthy but still noticeable, so a crown can provide a consistent outer surface that blends with the surrounding teeth.

Teeth Whitening

At Raymond G. Hatland, DDS, we use the Pola whitening system to lift stains that regular brushing and store-bought products cannot fully remove. Pola is formulated to brighten your teeth safely by targeting stain buildup without weakening your enamel.

The whitening gel has a high water content and a neutral pH, which helps keep your teeth and gums comfortable during treatment. It also contains fluoride, which supports enamel strength and reduces the risk of sensitivity afterward. Once the gel is applied, it moves into the outer layer of the tooth and breaks apart deeper stains. Your saliva then clears away the dissolved stain particles as the whitening process works.

Professional whitening systems like Pola often deliver stronger results because the whitening ingredients are carefully controlled and applied to reach the entire tooth surface. The process is monitored so the strength, timing, and coverage stay appropriate for your teeth. This helps you achieve a brighter, healthier-looking smile with a system designed to be both safe and effective.

Mini Dental Implants

Dental implants are small titanium posts that Dr. Hatland places in the jawbone to support a crown, bridge, or denture. They act as replacement roots, giving your restoration a stable foundation. At Raymond G. Hatland, DDS, we primarily use mini dental implants. These implants provide the same dependable support while being much smaller, which allows them to fit comfortably in areas with limited space or thinner bone.

Mini dental implants can be considered a part of cosmetic dentistry because they close visible gaps with restorations that match the surrounding teeth in shape and color, so the smile looks complete rather than repaired. When Dr. Hatland attaches the final restoration to an implant, it becomes part of a natural-looking smile line.

Implants also help maintain facial structure. Once the post is placed in the bone, it provides the stimulation needed to support bone volume and lip position. This helps prevent the hollowed facial changes that can follow tooth loss.

How Cosmetic Dentistry Shapes a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover is a coordinated plan that combines multiple cosmetic treatments to improve the overall look of your teeth and gums. Instead of addressing one issue at a time, the makeover considers how each part of your smile works together so the final result suits your features and reflects your goals.

The process usually begins with an evaluation that includes photos, x-rays, and a conversation about what you want to change. This helps identify key elements such as tooth color, proportions, length, and gum display. With that information, we build a plan that organizes treatments in a sequence that supports both health and appearance.

The makeover then moves forward step by step. Foundational concerns are addressed first, followed by cosmetic refinements that enhance shape, brightness, and alignment. Each treatment is chosen to contribute to a balanced, cohesive smile.

Talk With Us About Your Smile Goals

If you are considering ways to enhance the appearance or comfort of your smile, our team at Raymond G. Hatland, DDS can walk you through the options and explain what each treatment can achieve. We take the time to understand your goals so the recommendations you receive feel thoughtful and tailored.

When you want to explore these possibilities more closely, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Discover what cosmetic dentistry can do for you!

Frequently Asked Questions