by Charlotte Louise Nystrom

Created on: September 08, 2008   Last Updated: December 04, 2008

Cosmetic Dentistry is now more popular than ever. Men and women are actively seeking the poise and confidence which comes with an award winning smile. This popularity has motivated dentists to embrace new beautifying techniques. Some of these new techniques are quite quick and painless which other more dramatic procedures can be invasive and require several visits.

The cost of these procedures varies from fairly inexpensive to borderline outrageous. In addition, with all the new options, one can easily become confused when trying to decide which option is right for your smile. Below is a simple guide to the six most popular treatments available in cosmetic dentistry. This guide will assist you in choosing the right treatment to attain your dental dream.

1. Professional Whitening: First the dentist prepares the mouth by applying a protective shield or gel to the gums. Next, they apply a bleaching gel to the teeth. Many procedures now include a laser which reacts with the gel to whiten your teeth. Getting your teeth professionally bleached by a dentist is more effective than the home treatment methods currently on the market.

The entire procedure can be done by your dentist in about an hour and produces results that can be seen immediately. This is a very effective and inexpensive option for anyone looking to remove stains and brighten their smile. Depending on your habits and the method used by your dentist this treatment can last for as little as 6 months or as much as one and one half years.

Cost: $45-$450 (traditional); $500-2,500 (laser treatment)

2. Bonding: A material called composite resin is bonded to the tooth. The resinous substance is designed to be the same color as natural teeth. Bonding is most effective on teeth that are chipped or badly stained. It can also be used to fill gaps or cavities and other general flaws. Bonding repairs the tooth and improves its cosmetic appearance.

Bonding generally only lasts 10 years so you will likely have to repeat the process. The greatest benefit of bonding is that the composite resin is capable of expanding like your teeth's natural enamel.

Cost: $175-$750 each

3. Veneers: A custom shell is cemented to the front of your tooth to improve its appearance and/or strengthen the tooth. Today veneers are made of either porcelain or a composite. This is a good choice for someone with a tooth which is cracked, discolored, slightly crooked, or irregularly spaced.

Cost: $400-$1800 each

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4. Shaping: A dentist can in essence reshape

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