Cosmetic Procedures

Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance and aesthetics of your smile. Common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding and veneers.

What’s the difference between cosmetic dentistry and general dentistry?

A general dentist is a primary dental care provider. They offer preventative care, like teeth cleanings, and restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental fillings, crowns and bridges. Most dental treatments restore appearance as well as health and function. However, a cosmetic dentist focuses on beautifying your smile. They offer treatments aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth and gums.

Who benefits from cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry might be an option if you have:

Chipped or cracked teeth.
Small gaps or spaces between your teeth.
Tooth discoloration and staining.
Misshapen teeth.
Misaligned teeth

What are examples of cosmetic dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry aims to create a more balanced, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. Common cosmetic dental services include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and tooth and gum contouring.

Teeth whitening

Over time, dark-colored foods and drinks (like coffee, tea and berries) can stain your teeth. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically and safely lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile.

Many dentists offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. In-office whitening takes about one hour to complete. At-home whitening usually takes a couple of weeks.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding involves the application of tooth-colored composite resin. Your dentist uses this material to cover up and conceal cracks, craze lines (hairline cracks), discoloration and other cosmetic imperfections. Dental bonding can change the shape of a tooth to make it longer, wider or more uniform.

Dental bonding usually needs replacing every five to seven years. It doesn’t require the removal of natural tooth enamel either, which means it’s completely reversible.

Porcelain veneers

Made of medical grade ceramic, porcelain veneers are thin, strong shells that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. Like dental bonding, veneers can conceal a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including chips, cracks and discoloration.

There are many types of veneers, including traditional and minimal prep. All veneers require at least some removal of natural enamel, which means they could be reversible depending on which kind you choose. In most cases, porcelain veneers need replacing every 10 years or so.

Tooth contouring

This procedure removes small amounts of enamel to change the shape of your teeth. Because you only have so much natural enamel, there’s a limit to how much tooth structure your dentist can remove. Your dentist can complete tooth contouring during a single office visit.

Gum contouring

Some people are born with excess gum tissue. When this happens, it can make your smile appear “gummy” or unbalanced. During gum contouring, your dentist removes excess gum tissue and reshapes your gum line for a more symmetrical, balanced appearance.