While much of the emphasis is on dental work that keeps your teeth healthy, there are procedures that improve your smile at the same time. Many people are unaware of al the cosmetic dentistry solutions that are available to them. If you would love to be more comfortable with the way your teeth look, talk with your dentist about these possible solutions. One of the may be exactly what you need.

Teeth Whitening

You see whitening products on display in supermarkets, pharmacies, and just about any other retail location where toothpaste is sold. What makes going to a dentist for whitening treatments a better approach? One has to do with the fact that a professional is monitoring the results of each treatment. With a dental professional managing the process, there are no opportunities for a product to damage the enamel.

Another benefit is that the dentist will use methods that produce results faster than home products. Patients who need to improve their smiles because of some upcoming event will find this solution is more practical as well as more timely. The fact that you can get results without having to learn how to use an over the counter kits makes things all the better.

Dental Bonding

Small gaps in between teeth can ruin an otherwise beautiful smile. If this is the type of issue you’re facing, know that cosmetic dentistry has a solution. Dental bonding fills in those spaces while still assuring that your teeth a visually in proportion. The bonding agent is tinted to match the exact shade of your teeth. While people may notice there’s something different, it may take some time to realize that the tiny gaps between your teeth are gone.

Veneers

Dental veneers are adhered to the front side of the teeth. They are helpful if much of the enamel is no longer present, or if you have a tooth with a fine crack. Once in place, you can expect the veneers to last for quite a few years. In the meantime, your teeth are even, a natural shade of white, and look great.

Keep in mind that applying veneers does mean the dental professional must remove a thin layer of each tooth. If your teeth are already in poor condition, that won’t really matter. Just remember that the day will come when the veneers will need to be replaced with a fresh set. Fortunately, replacing older veneers is a relatively simple procedure today.

Crowns

Dentists sometime recommend crowns to repair or even out damaged teeth. This is true if you have a molar with a lot of decay. Once the filling is in place, the dentist may recommend a crown to restore a natural appearance to the tooth. The same is true if you’ve chipped a tooth or sustained some type of crack. Depending on the nature of the damage, the dentist may recommend a combination of crowns and veneers to restore the appearance of those damaged teeth.

Teeth Straightening

If you didn't have the opportunity to wear braces when you were younger, don't assume that there is nothing that can be done about your crooked teeth. One of the most practical solutions for adults of all ages is the invisible aligner. Out of these, Invisalign is one of the most popular options.

The aligner is clear, so there’s minimal impact on your appearance. You remove them at night for comfort. They can also be removed for meals. As each aligner repositions the teeth slightly, you’ll move on to the next one in the series. When you finish with the last aligner, your teeth will be straight.

Dental Implants

If a tooth has to go for any reason, a dental implant is worth considering. An individual implant is designed to fit into the socket where the tooth root was once found. It’s topped with what’s known as a cap or crown configured to look like the type of tooth the implant is replacing. As with veneers, the material used for the crown is tinted to match the surrounding teeth. No one will know the implant isn’t the real thing.

From Invisalign to straighten your teeth to veneers that restore the shape and hue, there’s a cosmetic solution out there that’s right for you. Learn more about how each of these procedures are used and what sort of results to expect. You may find that one or possibly a combination of procedures will allow you to feel more comfortable about your smile than you have in years.