To choose a cosmetic dentist in Burien, check their training in the treatment you want, look at their own patient results, and make sure they explain your options and costs clearly. The right dentist listens to what you want to change and walks you through the plan before you agree to anything.
You don’t need to know which procedure you want before you book a consultation. It does help to know what to look for when you compare cosmetic dentistry offices.
Key Takeaways
- Look for training and experience with the treatment you’re considering.
- Ask to see the dentist’s own results on patients with concerns like yours.
- Compare treatment options and written estimates before you commit.
- Pick an office where you’re comfortable asking questions and coming back for care.
What to Look for in a Burien Cosmetic Dentist
1. Check Training and Experience With Your Treatment
Start with the work you’re considering. A dentist who whitens teeth every week may plan veneers only now and then, so ask about continuing education and the kinds of cases they treat most often.
A dental degree, an association membership, and advanced clinical training each tell you something different. Look for specifics, and confirm the dentist’s license through Washington’s provider credential search.
Our team page lists both of our dentists’ backgrounds. Dr. Daniel La Rota earned his DMD at the University of Louisville and completed a residency in hospital dentistry at VA Puget Sound. His training covers complex care and oral rehabilitation, including aesthetics.
Dr. Jonathan Everett earned his DDS at the University of Washington. He has been a member of the American Dental Association and served on the DentPAC board for the Washington State Dental Association.
2. Look at Real Before-and-After Results
Ask to see the dentist’s own cases, ideally ones that started with a concern like yours. If you’re worried about one worn front tooth, a gallery of whitening results won’t tell you much.
Look past how white the teeth are. Notice tooth shape, proportions, and how the result fits the rest of the smile. Photos taken with similar lighting and angles are easier to compare.
Ask what treatment each patient had and why it suited them. Photos help you point to what you like, but they can’t promise the same result on your teeth. You can see results from our office on our cosmetic dentistry page.
3. Ask About Options That Fit Your Goals
Describe what bothers you before you ask for a specific treatment. You might only want a chipped edge repaired, not a whole new smile.
Professional teeth whitening lightens overall discoloration. Dental bonding often handles a single chip or small gap. Porcelain veneers change shape and color across several teeth, and Invisalign moves crowded or crooked teeth.
If straightening is your main goal, our guide to choosing between clear aligners and braces explains how the two compare.
The dentist should explain which options fit your teeth and why. Ask how much natural tooth structure each one changes. Veneers usually require removing a thin layer of enamel, and that change is permanent. Bonding needs little to none. If a simpler option can handle your concern, you should hear about it before you choose something more involved.
4. Notice How the Dentist Explains the Plan
You should be able to follow the recommendation without knowing dental terms. Does the dentist show you the problem, explain what treatment would change, and leave time for your questions?
If you prefer to discuss your care in Spanish, Dr. La Rota speaks Spanish.
Technology helps when it makes that conversation clearer. We use intraoral cameras to show you close-up images of what we’re seeing, and digital scans to plan treatment. For clear aligners, our iTero scanner can preview how your teeth might look after treatment. Ask what any preview shows and how it relates to the plan in front of you.
5. Read Reviews for Specific Experiences
A star rating is a starting point. The details tell you more. Look for comments about how the dentist explained treatment, handled concerns, or helped a nervous patient relax.
For cosmetic work, comments about how the result looks are useful, but check that the reviewer actually had cosmetic treatment. Not every five-star review is about veneers or whitening.
Read several reviews and look for patterns instead of relying on one glowing or angry comment. Our patient reviews cover treatment discussions as well as routine visits.
6. Compare Written Plans and Costs
When you compare quotes, make sure they cover the same work. Two estimates can look far apart because they include different procedures, numbers of teeth, or visits.
Ask for the proposed treatment and its cost in writing. Check what’s included, what could add to the total, who will do the work, and what follow-up visits are planned.
If monthly payments matter to you, ask about eligibility, terms, and the total you’ll pay. We offer financing through Sunbit and Cherry, and our new patient information explains payment options.
7. Choose an Office You Can Return To
Think past the first consultation. Do the appointment times fit your schedule? How long is the drive? How easy is it to reach the office if something comes up?
Our office is at 115 S. 177th Place in Burien, in Normandy Park near the QFC, with free on-site parking. We’re open weekdays, as early as 7:00 a.m. on Fridays and until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Take our office tour to see the space before you visit.
If you’re coming from SeaTac, Des Moines, or White Center, think about making that trip several times. Convenience shouldn’t be your only reason to choose a dentist, but it makes finishing a treatment plan easier.
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
- Have you treated cases like mine?
- Can I see your own before-and-after photos of similar cases?
- Why this plan instead of a simpler option?
- What can the images or scan show me?
- What will my written estimate include?
- Who will treat me, and how do I contact you afterward?
Why Choose Burien Dental for Your Smile
Burien Dental has cared for Burien and Normandy Park for over 35 years. We’re a general practice, so healthy teeth come first. We treat any decay or gum disease before we plan cosmetic work.
We’ll recommend the most conservative option that fits. If a chip can be fixed in one visit, we’ll tell you that instead of quoting a set of veneers. We’re also a Certified Gold Invisalign Provider. If dental visits make you anxious, ask us about sedation and whether it’s a good fit for you.
Read what our patients say about Burien Dental!
Great work, very professional and attentive. They did an amazing job telling me in detail about my teeth and helping me figure out the best solution and treatment I need.
Been looking for a new dentist, and I’ve found them! From the scheduling to the cleaning and then creating the plan, super informative and the dentist ensures that you understand every step moving forward. I was wondering why the first appt is 2 hrs, but trust me, it’s worth it. Low key want to gate-keep but if you’re like me, always nervous about dentist visits, this is the dentist for you!
I had a really positive experience with Burien Dental. I had Invisalign done with Dr. Everett. Later on, I needed cosmetic dentistry on my front teeth after years of wear. I was nervous about how noticeable the work might be, but the results turned out great and look very natural. One thing I really appreciate is how reliable they are when something unexpected happens. I have had a few dental emergencies. Burien Dental is excellent about getting appointments on the same day. Each time something urgent came up, they were able to see me quickly, which made an already stressful situation much easier to deal with. Overall, the care feels skilled, thoughtful, and consistent. If you are looking for a cosmetic dentist in the Seattle area or researching dental implants near Seattle, this is a practice I would confidently recommend. Burien Dental is a place I have come to trust. The care feels thoughtful, the work is high quality, and they have been dependable when it really counted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a second opinion before cosmetic dental work?
It's worth getting one if the work is extensive or can't be reversed, or if you're unsure about the recommendation. Another exam can help clarify your options.
How long do cosmetic dentistry results last?
It depends on the treatment, your habits, and your oral health. Whitening may need touch-ups. Bonding can stain or wear sooner than porcelain, and veneers may eventually need repair or replacement.
How do I maintain my results after cosmetic treatments?
Brush twice a day, clean between your teeth, and keep up with regular checkups and cleanings. Follow any aftercare instructions for your specific treatment.
Can I combine different cosmetic treatments?
Yes. Some plans combine treatments, and the order matters. If tooth position is part of the plan, Invisalign usually comes before bonding or veneers. Many patients only need one treatment.
Will teeth whitening change the color of crowns or veneers?
No. Whitening lightens natural teeth, not crowns, veneers, or bonding. If you're planning new restorations, your dentist may recommend whitening first so their shades match.
Ready to Talk to a Cosmetic Dentist in Burien?
Tell us what you’d like to change about your smile. We’ll check your teeth and gums, explain the options that fit, and give you a written estimate so you can decide what’s right for you. Book a Smile Consultation or call (206) 242-1500.
