Cosmetic Dentist in San Mateo
Smile design, porcelain veneers, bonding, whitening and Invisalign, planned by a prosthodontist so the result looks natural and lasts.
Your cosmetic dentist is a prosthodontist
Most cosmetic dentistry is done by general dentists. At Deccan Dental it is led by Dr. Samir Nanjapa, DDS, MS, a prosthodontist. Prosthodontics is the dental specialty focused on restoring and replacing teeth, and it takes three to four years of residency training beyond dental school. The look of a smile, the way teeth meet, and the materials used are the core of that training.
Dr. Nanjapa founded Deccan Dental in 2011, has taught dentistry for more than 20 years, and is a professor at the UCSF School of Dentistry. Every cosmetic plan in our San Mateo office is designed or reviewed by him, whether it is a single bonded chip or a full smile makeover.
Cosmetic treatments
Smile design
A personalized plan for your whole smile. We photograph and study your teeth, then combine whitening, bonding, veneers or alignment in the right order, with options at different budgets.
Porcelain veneers
Thin porcelain shells for chipped, worn, deeply stained or uneven front teeth. Stain-resistant and shaped tooth by tooth. Learn about veneers.
Dental bonding
Tooth-colored resin that fixes chips, small gaps and minor imperfections, often in a single visit and without drilling healthy enamel.
Professional teeth whitening
Stronger and more even than store kits, with your gums protected and sensitivity managed. Learn about whitening.
Invisalign clear aligners
Straighten crowded or rotated teeth discreetly, on their own or before veneers and bonding so less tooth structure is changed. Learn about Invisalign.
Maryland bridges
A conservative way to replace a missing front tooth, bonded to the backs of the neighboring teeth with little or no drilling.
What cosmetic dentistry can fix
How smile design works
Consultation
You tell us what bothers you about your smile. We examine your teeth and gums, take photos, and listen before we plan.
Your plan
You get options, from a one-visit touch-up to a full makeover, with fees in writing and the trade-offs of each explained plainly.
Treatment
Work happens in the right order, whitening before shade-matched bonding, alignment before veneers, so each step supports the next.
See the results
Before and after photos of Invisalign, veneers and smile design cases are in our gallery.
Frequently asked
How much does cosmetic dentistry cost in San Mateo?+
It depends on the treatment. Dental bonding is usually the least expensive option, professional whitening sits in the middle, and porcelain veneers are priced per tooth. After your consultation you get a written treatment plan with exact fees before anything begins, and payment plans are available.
Does dental insurance cover cosmetic dentistry?+
Treatment done purely for appearance usually is not covered. Many treatments also repair damage, though. A crown on a broken tooth or bonding on a chipped tooth often has partial coverage. We check your benefits and tell you what your plan pays before you commit.
Should I choose bonding or veneers?+
Bonding is a quick, lower-cost fix for small chips and gaps, often finished in one visit. Porcelain veneers cost more but resist stains, hold their shape for many years, and make a bigger change. Many patients start with bonding and move to veneers later.
How long do porcelain veneers last?+
Usually 10 to 15 years, often longer with good home care and regular checkups. A night guard helps protect them if you grind your teeth.
How long does bonding last?+
Typically four to eight years. It can chip or stain over time and is easily repaired or refreshed.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?+
Yes. In-office whitening uses stronger gels than store products, but your gums are protected and the treatment is supervised, so results are more even and sensitivity is managed. We also check for cavities and gum problems first, which whitening kits cannot do.
How many visits will I need?+
Bonding and in-office whitening are often done in a single visit. Veneers usually take two to three visits. A full smile design depends on the treatments involved, and you get a clear timeline at your consultation.
Will cosmetic work look natural?+
That is the whole point. We design shape, shade and proportions to suit your face, not a one-size template, and nothing is cemented until you have approved how it looks.
Where do I start?+
Book a smile design consultation. We listen to what you want to change, examine your teeth and gums, and map out the simplest way to get there.
Deccan Dental serves cosmetic dentistry patients from San Mateo, Foster City, Burlingame, Belmont and Hillsborough. Reviewed by Samir Nanjapa, DDS, MS, Prosthodontist. Last updated October 2026.
Related treatments
Ready when you are
New patients welcome, emergencies seen promptly, and PPO insurance accepted.