The main difference between cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry is that cosmetic dentists primarily focus on making your smile look good, while restorative dentists make sure your teeth and mouth function properly. However, sometimes cosmetic dentists perform restorative procedures as well.

Most cosmetic dental procedures are elective, not essential, but they can improve the appearance of your smile and boost your confidence. Some treatment options include:

Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening can address both extrinsic staining (from coffee, tea, wine, smoking) and intrinsic discoloration (from age yellowing, antibiotics, fluorosis). Tooth whitening involves using products that lighten the color of your teeth by removing the stains. These include cleansers with abrasives to scrub the tooth surface; bleaches that react with chromogens in the tooth enamel to lighten the color; and tooth whitening systems that have both cleaners and bleaches.

Cosmetic dentists also work to achieve a patient’s idea of the perfect smile, such as straightening the teeth or enhancing the gum line. This differs from restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental implants or crowns, which focus on repairing damaged teeth and providing function.

Cosmetic dentistry can improve your confidence and self-esteem by making you smile more often. It can also help you maintain good health by preventing future problems, such as cracked or missing teeth. Talk to your dentist about what you want to achieve, and they can recommend procedures that may be right for you.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin custom-made shells or jackets that cover the front of a tooth to help reshape, lighten, and recolor your smile. They are a much more conservative option than dental crowns and require less natural tooth structure to be removed.

A dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel, then take a mold and send it to a laboratory where the veneers are made. The dentist may also place temporary veneers to protect the teeth while waiting for the lab to finish the work.

The procedure for placing veneers is similar to bonding, but the dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin material that is hardened with an ultraviolet light. This method can fix a range of cosmetic issues including discolored, chipped or misaligned teeth. The dentist can also create Lumineers, which are ultra-thin porcelain veneers designed to be even thinner than traditional dental veneers. The result is a smile that is naturally bright, stain-resistant and attractive.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic procedure for repairing a chipped tooth, closing gaps and reshaping misaligned teeth. The procedure is non-invasive and typically requires less than an hour in the dentist chair. The bonded material is color matched to the natural tooth, and the resin is sculpted to conceal imperfections, such as chips or cracks.

Bonding can also be used to cover up exposed roots, repair minor decay and protect cracked or discolored teeth. However, this treatment is not suitable for treating more severe problems, such as a deep cavity or gum disease.

To prepare for the bonding process, your dentist will roughen the tooth’s surface and apply a conditioning liquid to ensure secure adhesion. Once the tooth is ready, your dentist will apply the bonding material and carefully sculpt it to achieve the desired appearance. The material is then hardened using a special light, and your dentist will trim, shape and polish the bonding for a seamless finish.

Dental Implants

Cosmetic dentistry can address missing teeth and other problems that lead to poor chewing. It can also help prevent bigger problems that require costly dental procedures later on.

Changing the shape or positioning of your teeth is a common procedure that can be done by a cosmetic dentist. This may involve fillings, crowns or gum grafts. It can also include the addition of or removal of dental materials, teeth whitening (bleaching), veneers and tooth replacements.

The best cosmetic dental clinics will be able to offer a wide range of procedures, from basic to more complex. They will have the training and specialists necessary to fully accomplish what you want.

Before undergoing any cosmetic dental procedures, your dentist will recommend that you get a full dental exam. This will include dental X-rays and 3D images of your mouth. Your dentist will also make models of your mouth and jaw. These will help them determine which treatment is right for you.