Cosmetic dentistry is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the aesthetics of human teeth. Cosmetic dental procedures can whiten teeth, straighten them, and even make them more uniform. Some general dentists offer cosmetic dental services, but you can also receive these treatments from specialists known as cosmetic dentists. Here are four cosmetic dental services that can help you attain your best smile.

1. Dental Bonding

Small chips in your teeth may not compromise the structural integrity of your teeth, but they can be unsightly. They can even cause injury if you cut your lip on the edge of a cracked tooth. Luckily, your dentist can repair chips and cracks through dental bonding. Dental bonding is performed with composite resin, the same material often used to repair cavities. Your dentist will use a drill to roughen the edges of your chipped tooth before applying resin to the area. The resin will be cured and shaped appropriately to match the rest of your tooth.

2. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening services can help people who suffer from yellow teeth. Teeth naturally become yellow as you age because your tooth enamel grows thinner, which allows the underlying dentin to appear more visible. Stains can also contribute to the appearance of dirty teeth. Coffee, tea, wine, and other popular beverages can stain your teeth. Luckily, a cosmetic dentist can whiten your teeth in a single appointment with the help of peroxide solutions. Professional teeth whitening will give you effective results that you can't get from over-the-counter whitening treatments.

3. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are an option for anyone who doesn't like the appearance of their teeth. If you feel your teeth are too small or misshapen, dental veneers can help. Dental veneers are small sheets of ceramic material that can be adhered to the front of a person's teeth. Veneers allow cosmetic dentists to correct a variety of aesthetic issues instantaneously.

4. Dental Filling Replacement

Dental fillings are often used to restore teeth that have been affected by cavities. Fillings can last years when cared for properly. However, older fillings were often made from amalgam, a mixture of metals with a dark grey or silver color. Amalgam fillings are easy to see against white enamel, and some people are self-conscious about the appearance of their fillings. A cosmetic dentist can improve your smile by removing old amalgam fillings and replacing them with composite fillings. Composite fillings are made from resin. They are tooth-colored to seamlessly blend in with your teeth.

To learn more, contact a dentist who offers cosmetic dental services.

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