A Guide to Cosmetic Dentistry A dentist’s job isn’t just to improve your oral health and treat any problem teeth; they can also help to improve your appearance. Your smile is a big part of your look and for many people, they feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. This might be because their teeth are stained, crooked or certain teeth are missing. The good news is that there is a range of cosmetic treatments available that can take care of these problems and restore your smile to give you extra confidence. Types of cosmetic dental treatments
Teeth whitening – This is a very common type of cosmetic treatment. Teeth can yellow for a variety of reasons, including poor dental hygiene, smoking, poor diet and also because of natural aging. There are many teeth whitening kits available that you can use from home but they cannot compare with treatment you would receive from a professional. A very common form of whitening teeth is through the use of lasers, which activate a whitening agent, which is pasted onto the teeth to remove any stains.
Teeth straightening – Teeth straightening in adults is achieved by using braces, which over time will straighten the teeth achieving a more pleasing appearance.
Veneers – Veneers are a very effective way to improve the appearance of teeth that are cracked or stained and can also be used to close up any gaps. The veneers are shaped and coloured to match your existing teeth and can last a long time with proper care.
Crowns & caps – Crowns are a very easy way to improve the appearance of broken or cracked teeth. An impression of the affected tooth is taken and the crown is then constructed to ensure the best fit. The crown is then fitted to the tooth and with proper cleaning can last up to 15 years.
Bridges – Bridges are used to fill a gap where a tooth is missing. A unit of three crowns is constructed and attached to the two teeth on either side of the gap. The middle crown is solid to replicate a natural tooth and all three are coloured to match your existing teeth.
Dental Implants – Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth and offer a very natural and long lasting solution. A metal screw is inserted into the jawbone and then left to settle. A
permanent crown that has been shaped and coloured to match the appearance of your existing teeth is then attached to the screw. 
White fillings – Although less hard wearing when compared to veneers, white fillings are a good solution to filling in damaged teeth and with proper cleaning can last up to 15 years. They are also very easy to fit and can usually be done in one appointment.
About the Author: David has an interest in all things dentistry and provides advice to readers who might be considering cosmetic dental treatments.