Cosmetic dentistry helps to enhance the appearance of teeth. Through a variety of procedures you can have straighter teeth and a brighter smile. Cosmetic dentistry is purely elective and isn't usually covered by most dental insurance. What follows is an overview of most cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Whitening

There are several different cosmetic dentistry procedures employed to whiten teeth. Your dentist will let you know which methods work best for your situation. How white your teeth become after a certain procedure depends on the original state of your teeth and the procedure itself.

Bleaching
Teeth bleaching is the process of using a chemical bleaching agent to whiten teeth. The procedure is so simple, the dentist might even give you a whitening kit to use at home rather than in the office. The bleaching agent is placed in a tray which is fitted over the teeth. In most cases the tray has to be kept on the teeth for at least 30 minutes. Depending on the state of your teeth before the procedure, you might have to bleach your teeth more than once. Since it's not permanent, you may also have to repeat the procedure in a couple of years.

Laser Whitening
Using lasers to whiten the teeth can be a bit pricey. Still, it might be worth it to those who wish to have a bright smile. This procedure is done in the cosmetic dentistry office and involves spreading a bleaching gel over the teeth and utilizing a laser to activate the bleach. Typically the results are so drastic, only one visit is necessary. Be forewarned, the results of this procedure will be immediately noticeable to others.

Veneers

Veneers can be used to brighten and change the appearance of one's teeth. Good candidates for veneers are those with crooked or chipped teeth or those who suffer from severe tooth discoloration. Since veneers don't stain, they're a popular choice among those who smoke, drink a lot of coffee and engage in other habits that can consistantly stain the teeth.

Veneers can be made of plastic or porcelain and are glued over the teeth to change their appearance. In many cases, pieces of the original tooth will need to be removed to accommodate the veneers.

To make the veneers, the dentist will need a mold of your original teeth. Once they're tacked in place, he might have you try out the teeth with a temporary adhesive to make sure they fit your mouth properly. If this is the case, he will adhere them later with a more permanent cement. Most veneers last about a decade.

Bonding

Bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure using a resin to fill the teeth. It can be used to lighten teeth, reshape them, and fill in holes, cracks and imperfections. Bonding is done in your dentist office and can take up to three hours.

Explore Your Cosmetic Dentistry Options

There are many cosmetic dentistry options available. Before committing, research your options to see which are best for you. In addition to the Internet, your dentist is sure to have literature detailing each procedure. Be sure to research the pros as well as the cons to learn the downside of each procedure.