Cosmetic Dentistry: Reasons to Smile When you think of dentistry, you probably only think about what dentists can do to improve your oral health: but what about your appearance? Cosmetic dentistry is a general term used to describe what dentists may do to improve your appearance. But don't be misled: an improvement in your appearance often leads to improvement in your overall physical (and mental) health. What does cosmetic dentistry involve? Often, patients may perceive that their teeth are crooked, chipped, stained, or discoloured, leading to a smile that's just not right. Cosmetic dentistry aims to correct, repair, or cover the imperfection improving the appearance of the patient's smile and often their self-confidence. Some of the procedures currently used by cosmetic dentists are: Bleaching and Whitening Stains on the surface of teeth can usually be 'lightened' though cleaning. Stains within teeth themselves may be removed through 'whitening' using either in-office or take-home treatments. Bonding Bonding is a process by which a tooth-coloured resin is attached to teeth, so that the tooth colour or shape is changed. Bonding can also be used to repair fractured teeth or to 'straighten' misshaped teeth. Orthodontics Orthodontics is the use of special wires, brackets, braces, or clear aligners to correct crooked or poorly aligned teeth that cause problems with biting. Periodontics Periodontics is the treatment of problems associated with gums and the bone that supports the gums. Porcelain Crowns Porcelain crowns, or caps, are used to protect teeth that are too damaged for a simple filling to solve. They are also used on teeth adjacent to a bridge procedure as well as after a root canal. They are matched to the shade of the patient's natural teeth, making them both functional as well as aesthetically pleasing. Porcelain Veneers Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells, which, like bonding, are used to change tooth colour or shape, as well as to 'straighten' teeth. Tooth-coloured Fillings Tooth-coloured resins are bonded to affected teeth to fill the space of a cavity. These fillings are far less visible than traditional amalgam (silver coloured) fillings and are able to withstand everyday forces associated with chewing. So, remember, if you're looking for that perfect smile, or even just a 'slight' improvement, discuss your smile with us. Help may be a lot closer than you think!