Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. Common cosmetic dental treatments include teeth whitening, dental bonding and veneers.

 
   

Cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the visual appeal and aesthetics of your smile. Typical cosmetic dental treatments involve teeth whitening, dental bonding, and veneers.

If your teeth and gums are in good health, you can consider cosmetic dental treatments. However, if you have significant cavities or gum disease, your dentist will likely prioritize addressing those issues first. Once your smile is back to health, you can then choose which cosmetic treatments you'd like to explore.

Cosmetic dentistry strives to achieve a well-balanced, symmetrical, and visually pleasing smile. Typical cosmetic dental services include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, as well as tooth and gum contouring.

As time passes, dark-colored foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and berries can stain your teeth. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to significantly lighten the shade of your teeth and enhance your smile.

Dentists often provide both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options. In-office whitening typically takes about an hour, while at-home whitening usually requires a couple of weeks to show results.

Dental bonding is a process where tooth-colored composite resin is applied. Your dentist uses this material to cover and conceal cracks, craze lines (hairline cracks), discoloration, and other cosmetic imperfections. Dental bonding can also alter the shape of a tooth, making it longer, wider, or more uniform.

Typically, dental bonding may need to be replaced every five to seven years. Importantly, it doesn't involve removing natural tooth enamel, making it a completely reversible procedure.

Crafted from medical-grade ceramic, porcelain veneers are thin, sturdy shells that attach to the front surfaces of your teeth. Similar to dental bonding, veneers are effective in hiding various cosmetic flaws like chips, cracks, and discoloration.

Veneers come in various types, including traditional and minimal prep. While all veneers involve some removal of natural enamel, their reversibility depends on the type chosen. Typically, porcelain veneers may need replacement approximately every 10 years.

This process involves removing small amounts of enamel to alter the shape of your teeth. Since your natural enamel is limited, there's a restriction on how much tooth structure your dentist can modify. Tooth contouring is typically completed in a single office visit.

Certain individuals are born with an abundance of gum tissue, which can give the impression of a "gummy" or unbalanced smile. In gum contouring, your dentist eliminates excess gum tissue and adjusts your gum line to create a more symmetrical and balanced appearance.