Cosmetic Dentistry Guide
Transform your smile with veneers, Invisalign, bonding, and professional smile makeovers. Explore procedures, costs, and what to expect from cosmetic dental treatments.
Popular Cosmetic Procedures
Detailed breakdown of costs, benefits, and what to expect
Porcelain Veneers
Transform Your Smile Completely
Thin shells of porcelain bonded to front of teeth to create a perfect, Hollywood smile
Advantages
- Natural-looking, translucent appearance
- Stain-resistant and durable
- Can fix multiple issues at once
- Long-lasting transformation
Considerations
- Irreversible process (enamel removal)
- High upfront cost
- May require replacement eventually
- Not suitable for severely damaged teeth
Treatment Process
- 1 Initial consultation and smile design
- 2 Tooth preparation and impressions
- 3 Temporary veneers while permanents are made
- 4 Final veneer placement and bonding
Dental Bonding
Quick Fixes for Minor Imperfections
Tooth-colored resin applied to repair chips, gaps, and discoloration in a single visit
Advantages
- Affordable compared to veneers
- Completed in one appointment
- Minimal tooth alteration
- Can be repaired or touched up
Considerations
- Less durable than veneers
- Can stain over time
- May chip or break
- Not suitable for extensive damage
Treatment Process
- 1 Tooth surface preparation
- 2 Application of bonding liquid
- 3 Resin application and shaping
- 4 Hardening with UV light and polishing
Invisalign
Straighten Teeth Invisibly
Clear, removable aligners that gradually shift teeth into proper alignment
Advantages
- Nearly invisible appearance
- Removable for eating and cleaning
- More comfortable than metal braces
- Fewer dental visits required
Considerations
- Requires 20-22 hours daily wear
- Not suitable for severe misalignment
- Can be lost or damaged
- Requires discipline and compliance
Treatment Process
- 1 3D scan and treatment planning
- 2 Custom aligner fabrication
- 3 Wear each set 1-2 weeks
- 4 Progress checks every 6-8 weeks
- 5 Retainer after completion
Teeth Contouring
Reshape for Perfect Proportions
Gentle removal of small amounts of enamel to improve tooth shape and appearance
Advantages
- Quick and painless
- Immediate results
- Very affordable
- Often combined with bonding
Considerations
- Only for minor changes
- Irreversible enamel removal
- May increase sensitivity
- Limited reshaping capability
Treatment Process
- 1 Examination and planning
- 2 Gentle enamel reshaping
- 3 Smoothing and polishing
- 4 Optional bonding if needed
Complete Smile Makeover Packages
Comprehensive transformations combining multiple procedures
Essential Makeover
Includes:
- Professional teeth whitening
- Dental bonding for minor corrections
- Teeth contouring
- Deep cleaning and gum care
Complete Transformation
Includes:
- 4-8 porcelain veneers
- Professional whitening for back teeth
- Gum contouring if needed
- Dental bonding for additional teeth
Hollywood Smile
Includes:
- Full mouth veneers (10-20 teeth)
- Gum recontouring
- Orthodontics if needed
- Implants for missing teeth
- Comprehensive whitening
Before You Start
Important considerations for your cosmetic dentistry journey
Find the Right Cosmetic Dentist
- Look for specialized cosmetic dentistry credentials
- Review before/after photos of actual patients
- Read patient reviews and testimonials
- Schedule consultations with 2-3 dentists
- Verify experience with your desired procedures
Plan Your Budget
- Most cosmetic procedures aren't covered by insurance
- Ask about financing plans and payment options
- Consider starting with less expensive treatments
- Factor in maintenance and potential replacement costs
- Get detailed written estimates before proceeding
Set Realistic Expectations
- Bring photos of desired smile aesthetics
- Understand limitations based on your oral health
- Ask about digital smile previews
- Consider how procedures will age over time
- Discuss maintenance requirements honestly
Prepare for Recovery
- Plan for sensitivity after procedures
- Schedule time off work if needed
- Stock soft foods for initial recovery
- Avoid staining foods/drinks during healing
- Follow all aftercare instructions carefully
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about cosmetic dentistry procedures
See Real Transformations
Browse our gallery of before and after photos, smile close-ups, and cosmetic dentistry results to visualize your potential transformation.
View Photography GalleryMedical Disclaimer
The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Cosmetic dentistry procedures should only be performed by qualified dental professionals. Results, costs, and recovery times vary by individual. Always consult with a licensed cosmetic dentist for personalized recommendations and accurate pricing.