Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. Common cosmetic dental treatments include teeth whitening, dental bonding and veneers.
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance and aesthetics of your smile. Common cosmetic dental procedures include teeth whitening, dental bonding and veneers.
A general dentist is a primary dental care provider. They offer preventative care, like teeth cleanings, and restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental fillings, crowns and bridges. Most dental treatments restore appearance as well as health and function. However, a cosmetic dentist focuses on beautifying your smile. They offer treatments aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth and gums.
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Cosmetic dentistry might be an option if you have:
As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you can pursue cosmetic dental treatments. But if you have extensive cavities or gum disease, your dentist will want to address those conditions first. Once your smile is healthy again, you can decide which cosmetic treatments you want to explore.
Cosmetic dentistry aims to create a more balanced, symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing smile. Common cosmetic dental services include teeth whitening, dental bonding, veneers, and tooth and gum contouring.
Over time, dark-colored foods and drinks (like coffee, tea and berries) can stain your teeth. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically and safely lighten the shade of your teeth and brighten your smile.
Many dentists offer both in-office and at-home teeth whitening. In-office whitening takes about one hour to complete. At-home whitening usually takes a couple of weeks.
Dental bonding involves the application of tooth-colored composite resin. Your dentist uses this material to cover up and conceal cracks, craze lines (hairline cracks), discoloration and other cosmetic imperfections. Dental bonding can change the shape of a tooth to make it longer, wider or more uniform.
Dental bonding usually needs replacing every five to seven years. It doesn’t require the removal of natural tooth enamel either, which means it’s completely reversible.
Made of medical grade ceramic, porcelain veneers are thin, strong shells that adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. Like dental bonding, veneers can conceal a wide range of cosmetic flaws, including chips, cracks and discoloration.
There are many types of veneers, including traditional and minimal prep. All veneers require at least some removal of natural enamel, which means they could be reversible depending on which kind you choose. In most cases, porcelain veneers need replacing every 10 years or so.
This procedure removes small amounts of enamel to change the shape of your teeth. Because you only have so much natural enamel, there’s a limit to how much tooth structure your dentist can remove. Your dentist can complete tooth contouring during a single office visit.
Some people are born with excess gum tissue. When this happens, it can make your smile appear “gummy” or unbalanced. During gum contouring, your dentist removes excess gum tissue and reshapes your gum line for a more symmetrical, balanced appearance.
The procedures outlined above are strictly cosmetic in nature. But sometimes, restorative dentistry treatments, which repair teeth, can also improve the appearance of your smile. For example, if you repair a cracked tooth with a dental crown, it not only improves the health and function of your smile, but also its appearance.
Similarly, dental braces aim to improve your bite and your overall oral health. But braces also improve the aesthetics of your smile dramatically.
Teeth whitening is the most common cosmetic dental procedure. It allows people to make noticeable improvements to their smile without undergoing invasive treatments.
Cosmetic dentistry services can:
Cosmetic dentistry costs aren’t usually covered by insurance. This is because insurance companies don’t consider cosmetic procedures essential or necessary from a health standpoint.
You’ll also need a certain level of commitment to maintain your smile. Some treatments — like porcelain veneers — are irreversible and require replacement every few years.
It depends on the type of cosmetic procedure and the number of teeth that need treatment. For example, someone who has dental bonding on one tooth can resume normal activities immediately. However, someone who has gum contouring may need to take a day or two off work to recover. Your dentist can tell you what kind of recovery timeline to expect.
If chipped, cracked, crooked or discolored teeth make you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about your smile, talk to your dentist about options in cosmetic dentistry. There are several different ways to improve the appearance of your smile. Your dentist can talk with you about your cosmetic goals and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
In the meantime, you should continue seeing your general dentist for routine care, such as dental check-ups and cleanings. Practice good oral hygiene at home between visits to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of your smile. There are many treatments available, ranging from simple to complex. Talk to your dentist about your specific cosmetic goals so they can design a treatment plan that works for your budget and lifestyle.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 07/27/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy