A beautiful smile can make a life-long first impression. 

Having pearly white, evenly shaped teeth can boost your confidence, and it can help shape the rest of your day. When people are happy with themselves, it shows by the way they move and smile at everyone. Smiling itself is a wonderful way to boost your mood and lift your spirits. Studies show that the act of smiling can help you immediately feel better, and smiling at perfect strangers can lift their spirits as well as yours. 

When you have a smile you don't like to show, which can cause you to avoid smiling altogether, this can negatively impact your outlook and your overall well-being. Like Little Orphan Annie used to sing, "You're never fully dressed without a smile." 

With today's cosmetic dentistry procedures, you no longer have to live with a smile you hide behind your hand. There are plenty of options for getting the smile you wish you had been born with. Dr. H. Justin Harlow of Harlow Dental at Steele Creek offers a broad spectrum of cosmetic dental procedures that can give you a smile you can't wait to show everyone. We promise you won't stop smiling after your cosmetic procedure! 

You can even "try on" your new smile before we ever touch your teeth. We'll take a mold of your mouth and present you with a mock-up of your new smile so you can see exactly how it will look beforehand. That way, you don't have to guess how the smile will blend in with your features. Call us to find out how to get a confidence-boosting, beautiful smile!

You have your reasons for hiding your smile. Maybe you are embarrassed about teeth that are chipped, cracked, or discolored. Perhaps your teeth are oddly spaced or misshapen. These dental issues, along with others, can be treated with cosmetic dentistry. Even if you're not sure if the imperfections in your smile can be fixed, give us a call. 

Come in for a consultation with cosmetic dentist Dr. Harlow to find out which procedures might be able to give you a smile you have always wanted—and deserve!

What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

While general and preventative dentistry focus on your oral and general health. Cosmetic dentistry is concerned with the beauty and attractiveness of your teeth and gums. Dr. Harlow considers many variables, such as the symmetry and shape of your teeth, the color, and shade of your enamel, if your teeth are spaced apart evenly, and more. Even if your teeth and gums are perfectly healthy, you may not be delighted with the way it looks. Some common things cosmetic dentistry can fix are: 

• Unsightly gaps 
• Stained teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth 
• Crooked or protruding teeth 
• Misaligned bite 
• Misshapen teeth 

Cosmetic dentistry isn't just for models or Hollywood actors! You, too, can have a picture-perfect smile. 

Your Charlotte, NC dentist, Dr. Harlow, can design your smile to reflect your personal style and the angles of your face. What might be the perfect smile for someone else may not look right for you, which is why cosmetic dentistry is a science of balance and beauty.

Teeth Whitening in Uptown Charlotte, NC 

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures around. It is safe and affordable. There is no reason not to have a smile that is bright and beautiful! 

We use the Zoom teeth whitening system, which gives you noticeably whiter results in just a one-hour appointment. You will walk out of our Charlotte dental offices with teeth that are several shades brighter than when you walked in. For those patients who prefer the comforts of home when they undergo whitening, our take-home whitening kits are just as effective. 

Keep in mind, however, that results will take place over a period of days rather than minutes. White teeth are usually associated with youth and health, whereas yellow and stained teeth generally happen with age. By erasing your stains, you can melt years off your appearance and look younger in just one dental visit!

If you thought orthodontics was your only option for straightening your teeth, think again. Porcelain veneers, sometimes called "instant orthodontics," can give you a beautifully straight smile almost immediately. 

Veneers are thin shells of ceramic with the translucency of your natural teeth. They attach to your teeth, masking an uneven, crooked, chipped, or stained smile. Unlike your natural teeth, they are not prone to stains, and with the proper care, they can last you for many years. 

Because some preparation of your teeth is necessary before they are placed, porcelain veneers are permanent, so Dr. Harlow always educates his patients about each procedure so they can make informed decisions about life-long procedures.

Dental Crowns in Charlotte, NC

Dental crowns are a common tooth restoration. They are used to cap off a dental implant, to strengthen a tooth after a root canal, or to repair a tooth cracked from an extensive filling. They also have their cosmetic uses because they blend in so seamlessly with the rest of your teeth. 

They are an excellent option for camouflaging a tooth that is shaped oddly or discolored. Dental crowns are permanent restoratives that will strengthen your remaining tooth structure.

How Does Cosmetic Dentistry Work?

Cosmetic dentistry treatments are safe and can change everything about your smile. Dental crowns can help stabilize weakened or damaged teeth, porcelain veneers can straighten your teeth without the use of orthodontics, and dark-colored metal fillings can be replaced with tooth-colored composite fillings. 

There is a wide variety of dental treatments that can address every dental issue. Once you make an appointment with Harlow Dental at Steele Creek, Dr. Harlow will take the time to address your dental concerns and let you know the different options you can receive based on your time and budget. We can work with you time-frame and go through financing options, whatever you need we will fit your treatment. We understand that many of these dental procedures are life-long and permanent, so it's vital that our patients are educated and informed about the process of each treatment. 

Songs, epic poems, dances are devoted to the beauty of smiling and connecting with others. A smile can tell you so much about a person's compassion, kindness, and peace with themselves. Having an imperfect smile does not mean you are imperfect, but if you aren't comfortable or happy with it—that can reflect in the way you move and hide it. We are here to help you feel satisfied and comfortable with the way your teeth are shaped and shaded; our goal is to make you feel proud of the way you are.

Transform Your Smile with Your Charlotte Dentist

Most of us were not born with a perfect smile, but that doesn't mean we cannot get one through cosmetic dentistry! If you are done closing your mouth when you smile or hiding behind your hand, invest in yourself and your appearance. Come in for a consultation at Harlow Dental in Uptown Charlotte!