Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. The constant search for obtaining that perfect smile has made cosmetic dentistry popular, Cosmetic dentistry is a method of professional oral care that focuses on improving the appearance of your mouth and  teeth and ensures that you get that billion dollar  smile. Most cosmetic dentistry procedures are usually elective, rather than essential. However a few of these treatments may provide benefits of restoration to the teeth as well.

Cosmetic dentistry can restore teeth that are missing, decayed or damaged and can also address concerns of stains and misshapen or mal-aligned teeth.

The major cosmetic dentistry treatments that you can choose from, are:

1.Tooth Whitening

Whitening (or bleaching) is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. It is relatively inexpensive and uninvasive, thus making it a very attractive procedure. The best results are typically achieved through in-office professional whitening treatment.

The procedure starts with cleaning the teeth and removing any plaque or accumulated debris. A whitening agent is then brushed onto the teeth. In some cases a light for activation of the agent or a whitening tray may be used. The agent is allowed to act on the teeth for 30 minutes before being rinsed. The whitening agent will continue to brighten the shade of the teeth for 24 hours after application. Various preparations of home whiteners are also available that allow self administration, albeit after proper consultation with your dentist.

Depending on the particular variety of teeth whitening treatment you opt for, you may be able to lighten teeth color by two to nine shades. Results are temporary and may last several months (depending on how well you care for your teeth).

2. Veneers

Dental veneers are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored porcelain or resin that cover the front surface of the teeth. This shell is fabricated to fit over a prepared tooth to correct worn enamel, uneven alignment/spacing, chips/cracks, and/or discoloration. Around half-millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface is removed, impressions may be taken and sent to the lab for veneer fabrication. These thin shells are then cemented onto the front of the teeth thus changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Veneers are especially useful for those for whom teeth whitening is not an option, either due to stubborn intrinsic tooth staining or other functional concerns. However, unlike whitening, veneer application is an invasive procedure that requires the permanent alteration of your natural teeth.

Traditional porcelain veneers last on average between 10 to 15 years and are often called “Hollywood teeth." 

3.Invisible braces

To achieve that perfect smile, it is not only children and adolescents who turn to braces but also adults. Braces are not only for aesthetics. This dental procedure can correct misalignment causing pain like chronic headaches as well. For those looking for an orthodontic solution without a mouth full of wire and bracket braces, invisible braces may be a consideration. There are a number of invisible braces variants, including ceramic tooth-colored brackets, inside braces (placed on the back of teeth) or clear aligners such as invisalign. Invisalign braces are a great option for adults because no one can tell you’re wearing them! Though these invisible braces cost a significant amount more than the traditional ones, the benefits truly warrant the investment.

4.Gingival Contouring

A common smile concern many people share is a  gummy smile, in which an excessive amount of gum tissue is exposed when smiling. Also called excessive gingival display, gummy smile is treatable in a variety of ways, including laser treatment, surgical lip repositioning, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery and gingival sculpting. Gingival contouring treatments often are performed by specialists such as periodontists, orthodontists or in some cases an oral surgeon.

5.Dental Bonding

6.Crowns

Crowns are also known commonly as caps and are custom made to fit your entire tooth. It is an invasive procedure and requires the dentist to cut your tooth from all sides and reduce its size. They are usually made of acrylic, ceramic or porcelain that is fused over metal and are capable of withstanding biting pressure. Crowns can be used to treat teeth that are poorly shaped, badly decayed, broken, chipped, have had large fillings or to cover spaces between the teeth. The crown fits above the gum line and restores the tooth’s shape, size, strength and appearance.