Skip to main content

Cosmetic Dentist John F. Weston, DDS, FAACD

MEET DR. WESTON

Cosmetic Dentist Dr. John Weston La Jolla San DiegoDr. John Weston earned his dental degree in 1989, graduating as one of the top five in his class. While a commissioned officer in the US Navy, he completed a general practice residency at Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego and served two years independent duty aboard a US Navy Warship in support of Desert Storm.

Dr. Weston is the only dentist in La Jolla and one of less than 100 worldwide to earn the rigorous credential of “Accredited Fellow” of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry; it is considered the highest level of certification for the field. As a strong advocate of continuing education, he regularly lectures, publishes articles, and teaches hands-on courses to other dentists covering all aspects of cosmetic dentistry on a local and international level. He has also served two terms as a chairman of the Professional Education Committee for the AACD’s annual Scientific Session and is currently serving a second 3-year term on the American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

  • Bachelor of Science, Bio Med – 1985 – Oklahoma State University
  • Doctor of Dental Surgery – 1989 – The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
  • General Residency – 1989-1991 – Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego
  • Accredited Member – 2001 AACD
  • Accredited Fellow – 2008 AACD

Dr. Weston is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, and the San Diego County Dental Society. In addition to being a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he serves as fellowship and accreditation examiner and mentor to others achieving the credential. He has been practicing in the La Jolla area since 1989 with a focus in cosmetic smile design using non-metal restorations. 

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS

  • American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry – Board Member
  • Omicron Kappa Upsilon Dental Honor Society – Member
  • American Dental Association – Active Member
  • California Dental Association – Active Member
  • San Diego County Dental Society – Active Member 

I have lived in about 15 states and countries over the course of my life and received dental care in each. I can say without hesitation that Scripps Center For Dental Care offers the best dental care I’ve ever received. Dr. Weston is the most competent, informed and gentle dentist I know. He is also a leader in his field, as evidenced by his work as an accrediting member of his association. Dr. Weston’s team is also exceptional; from dental hygienists to administrators. They are kind, caring and dedicated to their work. There is a focus on integrity in this practice that is apparent from the moment you walk in. I’m fortunate to live in San Diego and receive such outstanding care.

Daphne Lurie

October 01, 2015

12345

WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN AACD ACCREDITED FELLOW

The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the AACD, is the largest Cosmetic Dental Organization in the World and known for its focus on education and excellence in cosmetic dentistry. The association promotes continuing education, strict ethical standards, and superior patient care. To become a credentialed member requires a dentist to demonstrate his or her proficiency within a wide range of subjects. As an Accredited Fellow of the AACD, Dr. Weston has achieved the highest level of recognition within the organization. He joins a group of only 85 clinicians worldwide to achieve this challenging academic and clinical recognition.

Dr. Weston is an avid sportsman who enjoys kiteboarding, surfing, snowboarding, wakeboarding, boating, and scuba diving.

HONORS & AWARDS

  • AACD Accredited Fellow
  • Fellowship and Accreditation Examiner
  • Three-Time Recipient of the AACD Celebration of Excellence Award (Evy)
  • Featured Patient on Cover Case of the Journal of Cosmetic Dentistry 2011
  • San Diego “Top Cosmetic Dentist” Award 10 Years in a Row
  • Cosmetic Town “Best Cosmetic Dentist in San Diego” 2018
  • Board Member – American Board of Cosmetic Dentistry

WHAT IS A COSMETIC DENTIST?

A cosmetic dentist focuses their training and practice on a branch of dentistry dedicated to enhancing your smile and function while considering how the shape, size, color, and positioning of your teeth could be improved with regard to your unique features. General dentistry often provides a cursory introduction into different cosmetic techniques, but further training in courses dedicated to maximizing smile occlusion and facial aesthetics is typically necessary to truly provide state-of-the-art care. It is for this reason that Dr. Weston chose to pursue Accredited Fellowship with the AACD, one of the highest credentials a person can earn in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Cosmetic dentists not only focus on optimizing your smile, but they also prioritize conservative, biomimetic techniques that are mindful of your oral health and preserve as much of your natural tissue as possible. With this minimally invasive approach, a cosmetic dentist aims to provide innovative, predictable, patient-focused treatments that are as comfortable and effective as possible.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COSMETIC DENTIST

No matter how cutting-edge a dental treatment or technique is, your results are ultimately dependent on your dentist’s ability to achieve an optimal outcome based on your unique needs. For this reason, it is essential to select a highly experienced cosmetic dentist to perform your treatment of interest. We understand that the process of researching and vetting prospective dentists can be daunting, but the quality of your experience and final results rely on one’s ability to:

  • Answer all of your questions thoroughly without pressuring you into treatment
  • Willingly show you before-and-after images of patients they have personally treated
  • Make you feel comfortable and provide personalized, compassionate care
  • Utilize advanced technology, such as digital radiographs, digital dental impressions, and digital smile design software, to make your treatment more predictable and comfortable
  • Collaborate with periodontists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, and other types of dental specialists to provide the highest standard of care during your treatment 

At Scripps Center for Dental Care, our multispecialty dental team works together to create the best possible treatment plan for your unique dental goals all under one roof. Our dental professionals are extensively experienced in their fields of study, and strive to ensure you are receiving the highest standard of care at every stage of treatment. To learn more about what you can expect at our San Diego practice, please feel free to explore our before-and-after photos and online reviews. We would be happy to speak with you about any questions or concerns you may have about our various preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry treatments. 

GETTING TO KNOW DR. WESTON

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR BECOMING A COSMETIC DENTIST?

I’ve had an artistic side to my personality since I was a kid. I’ve always enjoyed art, drawing, and painting, etc., so it’s a natural fit that I enjoy the creativity and the value that appearance-related dental procedures create for patients. I am also very “project oriented” and really enjoy completing difficult cases and doing them better than anyone else can. Many patient cases we do can be a challenge but also very rewarding and fun at the same time!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT BEING A COSMETIC DENTIST?

I think the “wow” factor is always great and this is one of my favorite parts of the process. The first time a patient sees their new smile we have created for them is always a special moment and often coincides with great emotions for the patient and the doctor. Having a new smile is something many of the patients have always wanted, and for them to finally see it in their mouth is sometimes overwhelming in a positive way. We are not just changing smiles, but often we are changing lives for the patients we treat.

WHAT SETS YOU APART FROM OTHER COSMETIC DENTISTS?

I feel I am able to connect with patients on a personal as well as a professional level. I get along easily with a lot of different personalities and work very hard to understand and break down my patients’ top concerns, desires, and goals. I have also worked very hard to become as proficient as possible in the field of cosmetic and reconstructive dentistry by earning “Fellowship” with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. This is a very challenging credential held by fewer than 85 clinicians worldwide. In addition, our practice uses the very highest-quality materials, techniques, and laboratories available all in a modern, convenient multispecialty practice located in La Jolla, California at the Scripps Memorial Hospital Campus.

ARE THERE ANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS OR PATIENT CASES YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD OF?

I am proud of all my cases and each one is special and different at the same time. I am particularly proud of the ones that have been published in peer reviewed journals. Currently, I have over 25 published articles about cosmetic procedures in dental journals worldwide. I am also proud of the 50 passed clinical cases I submitted for my Fellowship credential. It’s a “Body of Work” that really represents the pinnacle of my skills and career in appearance-related dentistry and is an example of what I do on a daily basis for my patients. Many of these cases can be seen on our website smile gallery.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE COSMETIC DENTISTRY TECHNIQUE?

My favorite procedure is complete smile design in conjunction with conservative porcelain veneers. The results you can achieve are truly amazing and often can be accomplished with little to no grinding on the teeth at all. Our goal is always to conserve as much tooth structure as possible for all our patients. We can improve the shape, color, position, and chewing ability of the teeth while making them look naturally white and brand new like the day they erupted. The best smiles we make are the ones that look “natural” and healthy. We never do the Hollywood white “chicklet” teeth unless a patient specifically asks for that, as we enjoy the art of creating dental transformations that blend seamlessly with the patient’s other teeth and with their face overall. We use a process call Digital Smile Design where we can analyze a patient’s teeth and smile to determine the best shape and length of teeth for their face. We can then do a physical “Smile Trial” in their mouth so the patient can see what the planned results will look like. This technique makes sure the patient is totally in agreement with what we are doing and there are no surprises.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT IN REGARDS TO THE FUTURE OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY?

I am most excited about the digital revolution and how it’s affecting every aspect of what we do on a daily basis—from digital design to digital impressions to digital fabrication of the restorations. The future is here, and we are using these technologies every day. It’s only going to get better, faster, and more predictable. Digital tools and technology offer a higher level of satisfaction for the patients and the doctors and definitely is the direction everything is heading in the future! We are proud to offer an all-digital solution for our patients who need new crowns, implants and bridges, as well as smile design cases and veneers!

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR COSMETIC DENTIST

Your consultation is an invaluable opportunity to learn everything you need to know about your dentist’s qualifications or the range of innovative dental treatments offered at our practice. Don’t be afraid to be open and honest about your concerns and we will take every measure to accommodate you. Some preliminary questions that can help guide your consultation may include:

  • How long have you been practicing cosmetic dentistry?
  • Are you a member of the AACD?
  • How often do you perform this procedure?
  • Can you explain the treatment process to me?
  • What type of technology do you utilize with my treatment of interest?
  • When can I expect to see my results?
  • Can I see before-and-after photos of cases you have done?

For more information about Dr. Weston or if you are ready to book an appointment, please contact Scripps Center for Dental Care today.