Cosmetic Dentistry
Your most confident smile
Cosmetic dentistry is the art and science of designing a smile that fits your face, your personality, and the life you want to live. For some patients, that means brightening teeth that have dulled with time. For others, it means reshaping or covering teeth that have always felt out of place. And for many, it means finally straightening crowded or shifted teeth without the look of traditional braces.
Whatever brought you to consider a cosmetic consultation, Gateway Smiles approaches your treatment as a partnership. We listen first. We use intraoral photography and digital previews so you can see what is possible before any work begins. And we always explain the trade-offs honestly — what is reversible, what is permanent, what will last fifteen years and what may need refreshing in five.
Dr. Zaiber graduated from Howard University with awards in restorative dentistry and has spent her career refining the techniques that produce natural, lasting cosmetic results. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all smile design. Your treatment will be tailored to your features, your goals, and your budget.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
The Gateway Smiles approach
Smile design tailored to you
We design every smile around your unique face shape, skin tone, and personal style. We avoid the uniform 'Hollywood white' look in favor of results that look genuinely yours — just better.
Preview before you commit
Modern digital tools let us show you what your smile could look like before any treatment begins. You will know exactly what to expect, and we can refine the design until it feels right.
Conservative when possible
Cosmetic results do not always require aggressive treatment. We often start with the least invasive option — whitening, bonding, or aligners — before recommending veneers or other irreversible procedures.
Materials that look and last
We use high-quality porcelain veneers, professional-grade whitening systems, and FDA-approved clear aligner technology. The materials we choose are designed to look natural and last for many years with proper care.
At your appointment.
Every patient gets the same thoughtful, unhurried care. Here is the typical flow of a cosmetic appointment at Gateway Smiles.
- 1
A complimentary or low-cost cosmetic consultation, including photos and a discussion of your goals
- 2
A preview of possible outcomes using digital smile design
- 3
An honest conversation about which procedures will best achieve your goals
- 4
A written treatment plan with clear pricing and a realistic timeline
- 5
Step-by-step treatment with check-ins at each stage to confirm you love the result
Insurance and cost
Most cosmetic procedures are considered elective and are not covered by dental insurance. However, some cases blur the line between cosmetic and functional — for example, a veneer placed to repair a chipped tooth or aligners that correct a bite issue. We will help you understand whether any portion of your treatment may be covered. We also offer flexible financing through CareCredit and other payment options so that cosmetic care fits your budget.
Frequently asked questions
General dentistry focuses on the health and function of your teeth — preventing decay, treating gum disease, restoring damaged teeth, and so on. Cosmetic dentistry focuses on appearance — making teeth straighter, whiter, more symmetrical, or otherwise more aesthetically pleasing. Many procedures, like tooth-colored fillings or porcelain crowns, accomplish both at once.
Most purely cosmetic procedures are not covered by dental insurance. However, when a cosmetic procedure also serves a functional purpose — for example, replacing a chipped tooth with a veneer — some portion may be covered. We will help you understand your coverage before treatment begins, and we offer financing options for the portion that is not covered.
It depends on the procedure. Professional whitening typically lasts 1–3 years with touch-ups. Porcelain veneers last 10–15 years or more with proper care. Clear aligners deliver permanent results as long as you wear your retainer as directed. We will give you specific expectations for the treatments we recommend.
Most cosmetic procedures involve little to no discomfort. Whitening may cause temporary sensitivity. Veneer preparation is performed under local anesthesia and is generally well-tolerated. Aligners may cause mild pressure for a few days after each new tray. We will explain exactly what to expect before any procedure begins.
Yes — in fact, we usually recommend it. Many patients are surprised by how much can be achieved with whitening, bonding, or aligners before considering veneers or other irreversible treatments. We will always present the least invasive option that meets your goals.
That is exactly what a cosmetic consultation is for. We will take photos, listen to your concerns, show you examples of similar cases, and use digital tools to preview different possibilities. There is no obligation to move forward, and our job is to help you understand your options clearly.