A smile is one of the first things people notice about each other, but if you’re self-conscious about your smile, you probably try your hardest to keep it hidden.

When most people imagine going to the dentist, they tend to think about things like cleanings, cavities, or the dreaded root canal. Of course dentists do all of those things and more when it comes to necessary dental and oral hygiene, but they can also help people who want to improve that smile they’re so self-conscious about.

This field of dentistry is called cosmetic dentistry because a person chooses to have it done in order to enhance their appearance as opposed to needing it to be done for health and medical reasons.

The same concept applies to surgery. If you have appendicitis, you need to have surgery to get your appendix removed or it can cause serious complications. If you want to fix an unsightly bump on your nose, you can choose to get a cosmetic rhinoplasty surgery.

If you want to make a positive change to your smile, read on to find out everything there is to know about cosmetic dentistry.

What Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures Can I Have Done?

Everyone’s smile is different, and for that reason there are a number of cosmetic dentistry procedures available depending on what you’re looking for. These include but are not limited to:

Dental implants. If you have lost a tooth due to disease, injury, or extraction, a dental implant will replace the roots of the lost tooth and fill in your smile with a permanent, natural-looking tooth.

Dentures. Complete dentures can replace all of the teeth on your upper or lower jaw, whereas partial dentures can replace a few missing teeth. Dentures are created from the shape and impression of your own teeth, bite, and jaw for a unique and personal look.

Direct bonding. If you have cracked, chipped, or misaligned teeth, a putty-like resin can be used to reconstruct the tooth with a bonding light so the tooth can look natural.

Teeth whitening. Everyone wants to have white teeth, but those whitening toothpastes and strips don’t always cut it. If you want to achieve a whiter smile, ask your knowledgeable dentist about the best whitening or bleaching option for maximum results.

Dental crowns. A dental crown is used as a cap or cover on a tooth to restore the tooth’s appearance. A crown can be used to protect weak teeth, restore fractured teeth, cover a discolored or poorly shaped tooth or a dental implant, or attach a bridge.

Porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are one of the most common and popular cosmetic dentistry procedures because they serve so many purposes. Porcelain veneers make your teeth look natural, straight, and filled-in while also adding strength and durability. Plus, they can also give you one of the whitest smiles around!

Two Things to Consider Before Getting Cosmetic Dentistry

Being self-conscious about how you look can have a negative impact on how you feel on a daily basis, but before you dive right into getting a cosmetic dentistry procedure, make sure you consider these two things:

Understand the pros and cons of the different treatment options. You might have your heart set on porcelain veneers, but perhaps bonding would be a better option for you – or vice versa. When you meet with your cosmetic dentist, discuss the issues you have with your teeth and mouth and see what he or she suggests as the best procedure to help you achieve your smile goals. Ask questions and do your own research to ensure you’re making the best choice to get the best results.

Find out how much the entire procedure will cost. Cosmetic dentistry can be expensive, so before you take the plunge, make sure you fully understand how much the entire procedure – including follow-up appointments and treatments – will cost.

In-office teeth whitening, on average, costs $650 per visit, whereas a take-home kit might be $100 to $400. A porcelain veneer can run you $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth. Bonding, on the other hand, might be more affordable at $100 to $500 per tooth, but that can vary drastically depending on the condition of your teeth.

If you are feeling insecure about the current state of your smile, reach out to an experienced South Florida dentist to make an appointment and discuss how a cosmetic dentistry procedure can help you attain the natural, beautiful-looking smile of your dreams.