Everyone wants a movie star smile; whiter teeth, a perfect grin without any gaps or imperfections, in general, the kind of smile that everyone else admires. One way to go about getting that perfect smile is through cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dentistry generally includes anything that improves or tries to improve, the teeth's appearance.

Dental fillings are one of the more inexpensive and simpler versions of cosmetic dentistry. Using a porcelain or composite materials that correctly match the natural color of the teeth, the dentist can fill any gaps or cavities in the tooth.

Bonding refers to a procedure where enamel is applied to the surface of the teeth to hide any cracks or chips, though they can become stained and need replacing.

Dental veneers work like bonding, by hiding gaps or covering up chips and cracks on the surface, but can break off and need replacing. For that reason, some people should look at teeth whitening instead. With teeth whitening, dentists use bleach to reduce any stains and make teeth whiter. The downside of the process is that it requires time; the whitening process takes several treatments to fix, and then periodic treatments to maintain the color. It is also important to note that in some extreme cases, teeth whitening along isn't enough, and will require veneers as well. With the advent of at home systems though, some people might want to try it themselves before seeing the dentist.

The most complex procedure is a "smile makeover" because it applies every several different techniques to completely transform your smile. Prior to beginning the makeover, a dentist will examine the patient's mouth, teeth, and smile and ask about the patient's needs and wants.

Working together, the two will decide on a treatment plan that deals with one procedure at a time until the smile is transformed. Dental implants can also be expensive, but are also sometimes covered by insurance. The process replaces missing or broken teeth with an artificial one that mimics a real tooth.

Before beginning any type of cosmetic dentistry, the patient needs to decide on exactly what they want. A better smile? Straighter teeth? To hide the gaps between teeth? A whiter smile? Knowing what they want before the first exam, can save time and money in the dentist's chair. None of the procedures listed are cheap, but some are less expensive than others, with a filling or teeth whitening at the bottom of the list. Even then expect to pay at least $500 for a serious cosmetic dentistry procedure.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Eblin.
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