Alexandria • Dumfries • Washington DC
Patient reviewing cosmetic dentistry options with the Dental Serenity team
Cosmetic Dentistry

Your smile. Your terms.

Whitening, veneers, bonding, gum contouring, and full smile design, cosmetic dentistry covers every way we can change how your smile looks, at whatever scale fits your goals and your budget.

Alexandria Dumfries Washington DC
Whitening & Veneers Digital Smile Preview Gentle, Anxiety-Free Visits Sedation Available Financing Available Three VA & DC Offices Whitening & Veneers Digital Smile Preview Gentle, Anxiety-Free Visits Sedation Available Financing Available Three VA & DC Offices
Overview

Cosmetic dentistry, from a single stain to a full redesign.

Cosmetic dentistry is the category of treatment aimed at how your teeth look, rather than only how they function. That can mean something as simple as a two-shade whitening touch-up before a wedding, or as involved as a full smile design combining veneers, contouring, and whitening into one coordinated plan.

What ties it together is that every option is elective, you're choosing to change something you don't love, not treating a problem that's putting your health at risk. That means the right starting point is always a conversation about what actually bothers you about your smile, not a standard package.

At your consultation we'll look at your teeth, your gums, and your goals, then walk you through which cosmetic treatments apply and what each one actually involves, including the parts that are irreversible or require upkeep.

5
Cosmetic Services Offered
1
Consultation to Start
100%
Elective, Your Choice
Cosmetic consultation room at a Dental Serenity office
Where To Start

Which cosmetic treatment fits what you want to change.

Most patients arrive with one specific thing they want fixed. Here's roughly which treatment addresses which concern, we'll confirm the right fit at your exam.

Teeth Look Dull or Stained

Professional whitening lifts stains from coffee, wine, and age in one or two visits.

Chips, Gaps, or Uneven Front Teeth

Porcelain veneers or bonding reshape the visible front teeth without touching the rest of your bite.

Gums Cover Too Much Tooth

Laser gum contouring reveals more of your natural tooth for a more proportional smile.

Several Issues At Once

Full smile design coordinates whitening, veneers, and gum work into one sequenced plan.

One Chipped or Discolored Tooth

Composite bonding fixes a single tooth in one visit, often without any drilling.

Not Sure What You Want, Just That Something's Off

That's exactly what the consultation is for, we'll narrow it down together.

The Process

From consultation to a smile you're excited about.

01

Cosmetic Consultation

We look at your teeth, gums, and bite, listen to what you'd change, and take photos to plan against. Nothing is scheduled at this visit unless you're ready.

02

Treatment Plan & Preview

We recommend the specific combination of treatments that gets you there, with a real cost estimate for each piece. For bigger cases, we can show you a digital preview before committing.

03

Treatment

Depending on what's included, this might be one whitening visit, a two-visit veneer process, a single bonding appointment, or a longer sequence for a full smile design.

04

Follow-Up & Maintenance

We check the result, make small adjustments if needed, and tell you exactly what maintenance, if any, keeps it looking right.

Close-up shade and contour check during cosmetic treatment

Small changes. Noticeable difference.

Cosmetic vs. Restorative Dentistry

Two different questions, and it's fine to need both.

Restorative dentistry rebuilds a tooth that's damaged, decayed, or missing so it works properly again. Cosmetic dentistry changes how a healthy or already-restored tooth looks. Many patients need one, the other, or both in sequence.

 
Cosmetic Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Goal
Improve appearance
Repair function & health
Typical Trigger
You don't love how it looks
Decay, damage, or missing teeth
Insurance
Rarely covered
Often partially covered
Urgency
Elective, on your timeline
Often time-sensitive
Examples
Whitening, veneers, contouring
Crowns, fillings, root canals
Sequencing
Usually done after health issues are resolved
Addressed first if pain or infection is present
Result When Combined
Smile design layered on a healthy foundation
Foundation that cosmetic work can safely build on
Investment

Cost, insurance & financing.

Get a Quote

Cosmetic dentistry ranges widely in cost because it covers everything from a single whitening kit to a full smile redesign. Because it's elective, most dental insurance plans provide little to no coverage for purely cosmetic work, we'll tell you plainly if that's the case for a treatment you're considering. To make it manageable, we offer financing through Lending Club and CareCredit, and members of our Membership Club receive discounts on cosmetic services.

In-Network

Most PPO Plans

Our clinic is in network with most PPOs and accepts all insurance plans. We'll verify your benefits and file the claim on your behalf.

  • Coverage & co-pay verification
  • Annual deductible review
  • Claim filed for you
Financing

Interest-Free Options

Spread payment over time with interest-free financing through Lending Club or CareCredit, so cost isn't the reason you delay treatment.

  • LendingClub interest-free financing
  • CareCredit accepted
  • Discover, Visa, MasterCard & Amex
Members Save

Dental Serenity Membership Club

Not insured? Our in-house membership plan simplifies preventative care and saves on treatment, a smart alternative when insurance isn't a fit.

Learn About Membership
Your Care Team

Four doctors. One standard of care.

Our cosmetic team plans every case around your actual teeth and gums, not a one-size template, so the result looks like a better version of your smile rather than someone else's.

AA

Dr. Assal Assadi

DMD, Tufts University

Over a decade of practice in the DC area. Certified Invisalign provider and AAFE-certified in Botox therapeutics for TMJ and facial pain.

NR

Dr. Narissa Ross

DMD, UAB · AEGD, NYU Langone

Restorative, cosmetic, and complex oral surgery. Invisalign and dental implant certified, with a special focus on patients with dental anxiety.

OT

Dr. Omar Taha

DMD, East Carolina University

Compassionate care with a friendly approach. A Fairfax native who combines clinical expertise with genuine warmth that puts patients at ease.

AT

Dr. Aadil Toor

DDS, Univ. of Nebraska Medical Center

Multi-disciplinary, comprehensive dentistry with a pragmatic approach. Passionate about patient education and staying current with advances in dental care.

Common Questions

What patients ask about cosmetic dentistry.

Not sure which treatment applies to you? Book a cosmetic consultation and we'll map it out together.

Book Consultation
Where do I even start if I want to change my smile?

Book a cosmetic consultation. We'll look at your teeth and gums, ask what specifically bothers you, and recommend the treatment or combination that addresses it, without upselling you into a bigger plan than you need.

Is cosmetic dentistry covered by insurance?

Almost never, because insurance is built around treating disease and damage, not appearance. There are occasional exceptions, like a crown that's both restorative and cosmetic. We verify your benefits and tell you exactly what to expect out of pocket.

Can I do more than one cosmetic treatment at once?

Yes, and it's common. Whitening before veneers, or gum contouring before a smile design, are typical sequences. We'll plan the order so each step supports the next rather than working against it.

How long will cosmetic work last?

It depends entirely on the treatment. Whitening fades gradually over one to three years. Veneers and bonding can last a decade or more with good care. We'll give you a realistic timeline for whatever you choose.

Will cosmetic dentistry look natural, or obviously fake?

Done well, no one should be able to tell you had work done, they should just notice your smile looks good. We match shade, shape, and proportion to your face, not to a generic ideal.

Do you offer sedation for cosmetic procedures?

Yes. Sedation is available on request for any cosmetic treatment, including longer appointments like veneer prep. Just mention it when you book.

Where to Start

Book your cosmetic consultation.

Alexandria office interior

Alexandria, VA

4660 Kenmore Ave, Suite 312
Alexandria, VA 22304
(703) 997-6307
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Sat 8am–2pm
Dumfries office interior

Dumfries, VA

17181 Wayside Dr
Dumfries, VA 22026
(703) 445-9600
Mon–Tue 8am–5pm · Wed–Thu 8am–7pm
Fri 8am–3pm · Sat 8am–2pm
Washington DC office interior

Washington, DC

1145 19th St NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 296-7455
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Sat 8am–2pm
Ready When You Are

Find out what's actually possible for your smile.

Bring us the thing you'd change. We'll tell you honestly what it takes to fix it, what it costs, and what it doesn't require, before you commit to anything.

No pressure. No obligation. Just a clear picture of what's possible.

Book a Consultation Call Any Location
Dental Serenity doctor with patient
Schedule Your Consultation

Ready to talk about your smile?

New patients always welcome. Fill out the form and we'll reach out to schedule your cosmetic consultation, or call the office nearest you.