Dr. John Krell offers comprehensive cosmetic dentistry services to patients who want to resolve dental issues and do so in the most aesthetically pleasing way possible. Whether you have a cavity that needs to be filled, yellow or stained teeth, crooked or gapped teeth, or major smile issues in need of a complete makeover, our team can help.
Why Choose Cosmetic Dentistry?
Our practice performs a variety of procedures that can address underlying issues while simultaneously improving the aesthetics of your smile. Cosmetic dentistry can enhance your oral health, self-esteem, and the appearance of your smile all at the same time. Below, you can learn about some of the treatments we use every day to give people the smile of their dreams.
How to Choose Your Cosmetic Dentist
When choosing a cosmetic dentist to perform your treatments, it’s important that you recognize that just about any dentist can call themselves a cosmetic dentist without having any qualifications or certifications that prove their abilities or knowledge. That’s why it’s essential that you keep these following points in mind as you choose a cosmetic dentist:
Ask them about their previous dental work with other patients.
See if they belong to any organizations dedicated to staying updated on cosmetic dental treatments and techniques, such as the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
See if the dentist is actually willing to listen to all of your needs, rather than assume you need a specific treatment that you didn’t mention.
Do they have the specific treatments that you’re looking for? Are their options varied? Do you find yourself settling for treatments you weren’t initially trying to have completed?
Will they be able to complete your smile makeover within your schedule? Do they have multiple vacations planned that prevent you from getting it done quickly?
Sick and tired of looking at your crooked teeth? Want to get them straightened but can’t imagine facing the world with metal braces? With Invisalign, you don’t have to! This system uses clear plastic aligner trays to give you the perfect smile you want and help you look great while doing it. It’s sleek, it’s simple, and you can always take the trays out when it’s time to eat or brush. More and more people are choosing Invisalign because of its look and convenience, and it’s easy to see why.
Porcelain veneers are one of the most comprehensive cosmetic treatments available today. With just one simple treatment, we can:
Instantly whiten your teeth
Fix chips and cracks
Close obvious gaps
Make teeth appear straighter
It’s the best way to enhance a smile that has multiple cosmetic flaws. Each set of porcelain veneers is custom-made, so they can provide everything from a minor touch-up to a complete smile makeover—it’s completely up to you. What are porcelain veneers and how can they do this? Click on the button below to learn more.
If you damage one of your front teeth, we know it requires extra special care. The appearance of your smile is vital, and we take it very seriously. For this kind of situation, we will only use natural-looking, metal-free restorations such as crowns, inlays, and onlays.
These are completely made out of color-matched dental ceramic, which will allow us to help your restored tooth look just like it did before. Plus, since they are metal-free, you won’t have to deal with any lasting sensitivity to hot or cold.
Is your smile looking a little dull and yellow lately? Do you have persistent stains that make you hesitate when you smile? Thanks to our professional teeth whitening treatments, we can turn the clock back on your smile and make it shine brighter than ever.
You can either have a complete treatment performed in our office that only takes an hour, or we can give you a customized take-home kit to whiten at your own pace. Both treatments are safe, effective, and provide much better results than anything you can buy at the store today.
Ask about our Free Bleach for Life offer if you’d like to enjoy a fresh white smile for decades to come!
Sometimes, the reason a smile might not look its best isn’t because of the teeth, but the gums! An excess of gum tissue can create an unbalanced look and even make the teeth appear short and stubby. We can remedy this using a quick procedure called gum recontouring/crown lengthening. Utilizing a soft tissue laser, we can precisely remove any unwanted gum tissue to reveal more of your beautiful teeth. We’ll help you get that perfectly proportioned look.
Our practice understands that sometimes multiple treatments are needed to address several dental issues at a time. Of course, you shouldn’t be expected to build this treatment plan on your own. That’s why Dr. Krell, an experienced cosmetic dentist, is more than prepared to help you determine the best treatments going forward. Whether you need to have multiple restorations or veneers placed, several rounds of teeth whitening performed, or gum recontouring to make more of your smile visible, you can get it done at his office. If you want to address multiple imperfections in your smile, you’re likely the perfect candidate for a smile makeover!
Why Choose John H. Krell, DDS, for Your Cosmetic Dentistry Needs
Dr. Krell is a talented cosmetic dentist who uses state-of-the-art technology and equipment. He stays up to date on the latest techniques and advancements in dentistry so he can offer his patients the best possible treatment and care. He has earned the Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry and is an active member of the Texas Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and numerous other organizations.
Dr. Krell is dedicated to his patients and the dental community, offering the highest quality of care with a balance of professionalism, ethics, and a welcoming bedside manner. He is an excellent choice for your cosmetic dentistry needs.
Cosmetic Dentistry Testimonials from Real Patients
“Dr. Krell is the ABSOLUTE best dentist ever! I have been coming to Dr. Krell for several years now. I am so thankful I found him! He makes sure I am comfortable throughout any procedure each and every time I come to his office. He is genuinely honest and caring, along with performing excellent work that looks natural, is done correctly, and lasts. His staff is always friendly and kind. If I need a dentist, I would drive any distance to get to him because he and his staff are worth the drive. Thank you, Dr. Krell and your wonderful staff!”
– Ann Giron
“This office runs like a well-oiled machine!!! From the warm greeting of every staff member to the precise knowledge of my dental requirements, …they were on it! With ultra-modern high-tech equipment coupled with state-of-the-art technology, my comfort level was always maintained. Dr. Krell is very personable and generous with his time, explaining everything in terms that makes sense to me. I just couldn’t ask for more!”
– Paula Peterson
“Dr. Krell and his staff are wonderful! The entire experience is so effortless – from setting the appointment online to an easy treatment session, they make it a pleasure to visit the dentist! They think of everything, and Dr. Krell is so thoughtful to personally follow up to make sure everything was just right. I recommend them to everyone!”
– Stacey Lafitte
Cosmetic Dentistry FAQs
Cosmetic dentistry in Houston is an investment in more than just an attractive smile. It’s also an investment in your confidence. Research shows people who like the appearance of their teeth tend to have a more positive outlook on life. Not to mention, you’ll give the right impression when meeting new people for the first time. Although you know it will benefit you in several areas, it’s normal to have several questions before you’re ready to commit to a treatment. Your dentist will take the time to address your concerns during your initial consultation. In the meantime, here are the answers to a few of the most common questions we hear to help you make the best choice.
Can teens get cosmetic dentistry?
Believe it or not, there are some cosmetic procedures suitable for teens, like direct bonding, teeth whitening, Invisalign, or all-ceramic restorations. In some cases, your teen may need to have all their permanent teeth, but your dentist in Houston will perform a comprehensive examination to ensure cosmetic dentistry is right for them.
What treatments will I need?
Your dentist performs a comprehensive examination and discusses the results you want to achieve to create a personalized plan. Depending on your concerns, you may only need a simple whitening treatment, while others may have several flaws they’d like to improve. If you have multiple issues you’d like to have resolved, you may be a candidate for porcelain veneers. They instantly improve the color, size, shape, and proportion of a tooth to fix several aesthetic concerns using a single procedure. In as little as 2 appointments, you can have your dream smile.
How long will the process take?
There is no easy way to tell how long the process will take without first having a consultation because it’s determined by your individual plan. For patients who only want to make minor improvements, like fix a chipped tooth or reverse discoloration, you can have the results you want after one appointment. For those who want a straight smile or need significant alternations made to their teeth, it can take several weeks to months depending on your treatment plan. We understand your time is valuable, which is why we use the latest technologies and maintain flexible office hours to streamline the process.
Will my dental insurance pay for cosmetic dentistry?
It’s rare for an insurance company to pay the entire cost of a cosmetic treatment, but there are some instances when it may cover a portion of the total. If your dentist deems a cosmetic procedure necessary to improve your dental health, like an all-ceramic restoration, your insurance carrier may pay for some of the cost.
You’ll need to pay your annual deductible to access your yearly allowance. We will work on behalf with your insurance company to file the necessary claims and paperwork, so you have one less thing to worry about. We will take the time to discuss your payment options for any remaining balance, like using third-party financing with CareCredit.
Am I a Good Candidate for a Cosmetic Procedure?
Generally, you need to be in good oral health before receiving veneers, teeth whitening, or any other cosmetic procedure. You also need to be willing to maintain that health by brushing and flossing every day.
When it comes to deciding whether you’re a candidate for a specific procedure, it mainly depends on the kind of changes you want to make. For example, whitening is primarily used to improve the tooth’s color, but a porcelain veneer can make several corrections at once. If you’re not sure what kind of treatment you’ll need, schedule a consultation with Dr. Krell. Once he knows exactly what you want in your new smile, he can start designing an appropriate treatment plan for you.
How Many Porcelain Veneers Will I Need?
The two major factors that decide the number of porcelain veneers you’ll need are the size of your smile and the extent of the corrections you want to make. How many teeth do you see when you smile? The more that are visible, the more that need to be considered when getting veneers. Once you’ve done that, think about the changes you want to make. Are you trying to improve the color of your smile? If so, you’ll probably need to have every visible tooth covered. On the other hand, if you’re fine with the color but want to cover a crack on a specific tooth, you’ll likely only need one veneer to get the job done.
Does Teeth Whitening Have Any Side Effects?
Teeth whitening is considered a very safe procedure, thanks in no small part to the oversight of a dentist. Dr. Krell will take several protective measures to prevent your gums from being damaged by the bleaching agents. There shouldn’t be any long-term issues, although you might notice some temporary sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Keep in mind that the bleaching agents used by our dentists have been approved by the American Dental Association. That means that in general they’re far more reliable and less likely to cause unintended damage than at-home remedies such as charcoal whitening.
Can Whitening Always Effective?
While a professional whitening can reliably get rid of extrinsic and intrinsic stains, there are certain kinds of discoloration that might not be affected. For example, if you were given the antibiotic tetracycline as a child, you might have grown up with severely stained teeth. Tetracycline usually changes the color of the dentin (the layer between the enamel and the pulp); since whitening is primarily used to remove stains in the enamel, it may not be able to effectively treat tetracycline stains in the dentin. Fortunately, you can still brighten your smile dramatically by covering your discolored teeth with porcelain veneers.
Will My New Smile Be Permanent?
Every cosmetic treatment requires maintenance if you want the effects to last. In most cases, that means brushing and flossing every day. You’ll also need to return to our office for regular checkups; this gives Dr. Krell a chance to touch up the results of your treatment.
Is cosmetic dentistry reversible?
Some cosmetic dentistry procedures are reversible, such as cosmetic bonding, which uses composite resin to improve the shape and appearance of minor tooth flaws. Composite veneers can be reversible because they use a thinner material than porcelain, which requires little to no enamel reduction. However, dental crowns, metal-free restorations, porcelain veneers, laser gum recontouring, and dental implants provide permanent, irreversible results. Teeth whitening treatments are irreversible, but the effects are not permanent, lasting one to three years on average.
Will my cosmetic dentistry procedure be painful?
Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are non-invasive, do not require anesthesia, and are relatively pain-free. Complex cosmetic cases may have some discomfort due to long appointments and significant changes. Dr. Krell can use a local anesthetic to minimize pain and may split treatment appointments into smaller time blocks. Our cosmetic dentist also offers sedation dentistry for patients who are fearful or anxious about their procedure or treatment.
Can my porcelain veneers stain?
Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant, but composite veneers may be more susceptible to discoloration over time. The natural teeth surrounding the cosmetic prosthetic can also stain. You can lower your risk of tooth discoloration and stains by brushing, flossing, and rinsing often and scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings to fight stains. Limiting food and beverages, such as red wine, coffee, tea, tobacco, and bright-colored juices and sauces, can prevent tooth stains.
Are clear aligners better than metal braces?
When it comes to achieving a straighter smile, many patients are curious about which treatment is best for their orthodontic issue. Both treatments can successfully straighten the teeth, but lifestyle, personal preferences, and other factors can determine which option is most beneficial. Consider the following:
Visibility: Traditional metal braces are a highly visible orthodontic treatment. Metal braces can impact your appearance and can even change the way you interact with others. Invisalign® clear aligners are virtually invisible, which is ideal for patients who prefer an inconspicuous way to straighten their teeth.
Comfort: The wires and brackets that come with metal braces can be uncomfortable, especially after having them tightened. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are plastic trays that fit over the teeth. While there may be some initial discomfort right after switching from one tray to another during the course of your treatment, clear aligners are generally more comfortable.
Convenience: Once placed, metal braces can only be removed by a professional, and only when treatment is complete. This is in contrast to Invisalign® clear aligners which can be removed by the patient at their convenience. This convenient option can also make it easier for patients to maintain their oral health during treatment since brushing and flossing can be completed daily as usual. While dental hygiene can be maintained with metal braces, the patient will need to be committed to a longer routine that includes special tools to thoroughly clean the teeth.
Diet: Metal braces can make it more difficult to eat certain foods. A major benefit of Invisalign® clear aligners is that patients will not need to make significant dietary changes. Clear aligners can be removed to enjoy all of your favorite foods and beverages.
Will my veneers look fake?
Veneers are a custom cosmetic dentistry procedure that is designed to cover imperfections and enhance your natural smile. They will be created with your exact dental anatomy to help you achieve a brilliant smile that complements your appearance. Choosing an experienced and highly skilled dentist, such as Dr. Krell, for your veneer treatment can help ensure the desired result.
What is the best way to keep my new smile healthy?
After your cosmetic dental service, it is important to maintain the health of your smile. If you do not currently have an oral hygiene routine, you will need to put one in place that keeps your teeth and gums clean and free from disease. Preventative dentistry, such as professional cleanings and X-rays, is a great way to stay ahead of any dental issues.
