
Cosmetic Dentistry
Chips, stains, and gaps can leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. You may be reluctant to be yourself around others.
A cosmetic dentist can give your smile a total makeover, enhancing your confidence and even improving your dental health in the process.
Dr. N. Summer Lerch helps the people of New Haven, CT, look and feel great using the latest techniques in cosmetic dentistry.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on the aesthetics of the smile. Rather than changing the form and function of the patient's smile, cosmetic dentistry focuses on changing the appearance. While better function may result from cosmetic dentistry procedures, this is not the end goal.
What Cosmetic Dentistry Can Do for You
Cosmetic Flaws a Dentist Can Treat
Chips and Cracks
Tooth Discoloration
Gaps and Crowding
Crooked Teeth
Uneven Teeth
Periodontal Problems
Want to Give Your Smile a Cosmetic Makeover? Contact the Center for Esthetic Dentistry
The Center for Esthetic Dentistry offers high-quality cosmetic treatments that can rejuvenate your smile. Our custom smile makeovers combine cosmetic and restorative dentistry approaches, including veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, and more.
Dr. N. Summer Lerch was the first female cosmetic dentist in New England to receive board accreditation. This distinction demonstrates her history of commitment to patients. Dr. Lerch and her team use state-of-the-art dental equipment and remain up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the field of dentistry.
To discuss your options with an experienced dentist, contact our dental practice online. You can also reach Dr. Lerch's New Haven, CT, office by phone.
Call Our Dental Office: (203) 624-5256

An Experienced Dentist Committed to New Haven, CT
The best dentists office I’ve been to in years. I saw dental hygienist, Dung (pronounced young) at the beginning of the week. She was so kind and explained everything that she saw in my ex-rays. Gave me tips on flossing and other things. Today I received a filling and Dr. Lurch was just as lovely and thorough. 10/10 would recommend.
View On GoogleDefinitely one of my best dentist experiences. Dr. Dung is very knowledgeable and made sure that I was comfortable throughout the entire process. She also taught me a lot about taking care of my oral health and broke down the applicable anatomy. Highly suggest this office for anyone looking for a new dentist.
View On GoogleCosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding allows dentists to paint over imperfections in one quick, pain-free visit. Using a strong dental resin that is color-matched to your natural teeth, Dr. Lerch can conceal stains, minor chips, and cracks. The final results are quite effective and difficult to detect. During the procedure, a little bit of the tooth structure is slightly scuffed. This rough surface helps the dental resin stay in place. Once the tooth-colored resin has been applied and hardened with a curing light, Dr. Lerch polishes the bonding material so it blends in seamlessly with the natural tooth structure.
Teeth Whitening
Dr. Lerch uses Philips Zoom!® teeth whitening to bleach away surface stains affecting your teeth. In-office whitening treatment is more effective than the over-the-counter bleaching products you can buy at the store. In just one hour-long visit to our practice, your smile can be whitened by several shades. We also offer professional at-home whitening kits. These at-home kits consist of a comfortable whitening tray worn overnight or for a few hours a day. The at-home Philips Zoom! bleaching system can help brighten your smile or provide a touch-up to ensure your whitening results last.
Dental Veneers
Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile treatment options available today. These ultra-thin shells of tooth-colored ceramic material are adhered to the front surfaces of the teeth. Once in place, a veneer masks imperfections from view. With veneers, a dentist can cover up cracks and stains. Dentists can also use veneers to subtly improve the size, shape, and spacing of a patient's teeth. Our veneers are custom-made from IPS e.max®. This durable glass ceramic looks just like your natural teeth and allows you to bite and chew normally.
Invisalign
Invisalign® is a major step forward in orthodontics and cosmetic dental care. Rather than using brackets and wires like traditional braces, Invisalign uses clear plastic aligner trays. Patients wear their aligners for at least 22 hours a day, removing them only while eating and when it's time to brush and floss. Every two weeks, patients discard their current aligner and start wearing the next aligner in the treatment plan. Invisalign is an excellent orthodontic option for adults and teens, especially those who are hesitant to wear metal braces. This invisible orthodontic procedure could be just what you need for a more beautiful smile and better oral health.
Step-by-Step Process of Planning a Smile Makeover
Dr. Lerch will plan and re-plan your cosmetic dentistry treatment, refining it at each stage to attain the results you desire.
Do You Have Questions?
Think You Can Benefit
From Cosmetic Dentistry?
Request a Consultation
A smile makeover or a single cosmetic dentistry procedure can significantly boost your confidence when skillfully done. While many doctors call themselves cosmetic dentists, Dr. Lerch has the credentials to back up her title.
Dr. Lerch was the first female dentist in New England to be accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the fourth female dentist in the world to attain this prestigious level of accomplishment. She offers a one-stop shop for nearly every dental need her patients have.
Dr. Lerch strives to change her patients' lives by giving them the smile of their dreams. Call to request a consultation at our New Haven office and begin to love your smile:
(203) 624-5256
"Superb Dentist with a Terrific Staff" 5-Star Reviews From New Haven, CT, Patients
What a wonderful dental practice! I’ve never received such amazing and personal care at a dentist office and/or most other medical offices. This team works well together and is happy to let you know as many details as you’re interested in knowing about what’s going on in your mouth. Everyone is on the ball, responsive, and just a pleasure to chat with! I rarely post reviews and found myself asking where I can do so for this office due to the high level of service I received. Thank you everyone and I look forward to my next cleaning ;)
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I have been seeing Dr. Lerch for more than 20 years. She is a superb dentist with a terrific staff. Everything about your problem or how your goals can be met is explained clearly and effectively. Her equipment is state-if-the-art. She is very highly regarded in her field.
If you love your teeth, Dr. Lerch will keep the love affair alive. If you hate them, she will find a way for you to love them. Not bad, eh?
Putting You at Ease
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Dr. Lerch has two passions: keeping her patients healthy and keeping her patients comfortable. She does everything possible to make sure you know what your procedures entail and that you are confident about the treatment process. Communication is key at the Center for Esthetic Dentistry. You will be listened to and heard, and that will help us meet your needs.
The Cost of Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry can transform your confidence and sense of self. However, the cost is a factor that must be considered when thinking about treatment. Dr. Lerch can often give you a custom quote during your consultation at our New Haven, CT, office. Our smile design consultations cost a flat rate of $140. Things to consider:
Insurance
Insurance won't cover the cost of cosmetic dentistry unless it can also be counted as a medically necessary procedure, which is not usually the case. However, our dental office can often help patients overcome this obstacle with our financing options.
Financing
The lack of coverage from insurance turns many patients away from receiving cosmetic dentistry. Our office makes cosmetic dentistry accessible to a wider audience by accepting CareCredit® financing.
Combining Treatments
Our office offers a discount to patients who combine multiple treatments in their cosmetic dentistry plan. By combining multiple procedures, you can save more than if you spread procedures out over time.
"Always a Great Experience" Patient-Centered Dental Care in New Haven, CT
I had Invisalign treatment at the Center for Esthetic Dentistry. I had orthodontics in my 20s and my teeth shifted back. I was very happy with the process of Invisalign treatment. I was surprised how much faster Invisalign was compared to traditional orthodontics. My smile came out exactly the way in wanted it. I was able to bleach my teeth during the process as well which was great!!
View on GoogleI sat up in the chair again yesterday and cried tears of joy for the amazing work Dr. Lerch did on my two front teeth. One was cracked; one was chipped. They look better than they ever did, and all the work was covered by insurance. She is an artist, and visiting this cozy and loving practice is always a great experience.
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