A captivating smile can be a powerful asset, influencing first impressions and boosting confidence. While a perfect smile was once considered a matter of genetics, cosmetic dentistry now makes it achievable for everyone. As awareness of smile aesthetics grows, cosmetic dentists offer an expanding range of services to address various concerns.
Whether you’re dealing with a chipped tooth from childhood, discoloration from years of coffee consumption, or the effects of cavities, cosmetic dentistry provides solutions. These procedures can range in cost, from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the complexity.
Popular cosmetic dental procedures include bonding for front teeth, whitening for yellowed teeth, and tooth-colored fillings that blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. Here’s a closer look at some key cosmetic dental procedures that can enhance your smile:
**Teeth Whitening (Bleaching):** Over time, enamel and dentin can become stained. Bleaching effectively treats moderately stained or discolored teeth. A custom-made mouth tray is filled with bleaching material and worn for a few hours daily, typically yielding noticeable results within two weeks.
**Bonding:** This involves applying a tooth-colored resin to repair fractured, worn, or chipped teeth. Bonding can also conceal discoloration or close small gaps between teeth. The dentist prepares the tooth, applies a bonding liquid, and uses a light to harden the resin. The material is then shaped and polished. Bonding can last for 3 to 5 years before requiring repair.
**Veneers:** Porcelain laminate veneers offer a stronger alternative to bonding for repairing broken teeth, covering discoloration, and altering tooth shape or size. Veneers are known for their long-lasting luster.
**Recontouring:** This procedure reshapes uneven teeth to create a more uniform appearance.
**Braces:** Braces, provided by an orthodontist, correct poorly positioned teeth. Fixed or removable appliances gently move teeth and bone into the desired alignment. This process typically takes 18 to 30 months or longer to achieve the desired results.