The best accessory that you possess is your smile, and there’s nothing like showing off a beautiful set of pearly whites that look clean and well taken care of. When it comes to looks, our teeth can be considered our biggest assets, which is why dental cosmetic procedures are such a hype. Many people are flocking to cosmetic dentists to improve the health and appearance of their teeth — and the good news is that there is a myriad of procedures available for them.

Dentists have a roster of cosmetic procedures that address various dental appearance issues. From teeth straightening solutions to teeth whitening, here are the five cosmetic dentistry procedures that can give you beautiful teeth you’d want to show off. 

1. Bonding 

Bonding is the process of repairing chipped, damaged, discolored, or decayed teeth. Dentists use a resin material called Bioclear and shape it with a U Veneer. The mold is heat-injected into the affected tooth’s surface and sculpted to fill the spaces perfectly. For bonding to be effective in repairing damaged teeth, it’s important for dentists to use a material that mimics the color of the tooth enamel. 

When chosen, conducted, and cured correctly, the procedure results in teeth that look as good as new. A lot of people opt for bonding procedures over other cosmetic dentistry treatments because it is simple and minimally invasive but provides a strong solution at an affordable price. 

2. Dental Implants 

Dental implants are cosmetic dentistry procedures done specifically to replace fallen permanent teeth. A cosmetic surgeon is required for this procedure because it is highly invasive. They will need to conduct osseointegration, which is the process of surgically implanting an artificial tooth with titanium-made roots into the jaw. Osseointegration requires a three to four-day recovery period before the crown can be placed and secured. 

Dental implants are indistinguishable from natural teeth, making them a very good restorative option for those who suffered tooth loss. But because it is highly invasive, it comes at a cost and requires patience and a little bit of pain tolerance. 

3. Invisalign

Invisalign is a clear alternative for metal braces. It is translucent enough to be almost invisible but works well to straighten uneven or crooked teeth. Much like retainers, Invisalign is merely worn on top of the teeth and can be removed for brushing and eating. 

Aside from Invisalign, there are other options for invisible braces, such as clear aligners, ceramic tooth-colored brackets, and inside braces which are traditional braces placed on the back of the teeth instead of the front surface. 

4. Porcelain Veneers 

Everybody wants perfectly aligned and white teeth, making porcelain veneers one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures. It is also an invasive process, with the dentist needing to alter the structure of the teeth before applying the veneer on the surface with a dental adhesive. 

Because shaping and restructuring the teeth is necessary, a dentist will often recommend other less invasive procedures. But for those who really need it and have decided on it, porcelain veneers are good solutions to stained, discolored, damaged, or chipped teeth, covering them up and resulting in a brighter and perfect smile. 

5. Teeth Whitening 

Teeth whitening is the simplest and most common cosmetic dentistry procedure. It’s affordable and effective in whitening teeth and getting rid of stains. Dentists use a medical-grade whitening treatment to lighten the teeth to the desired color — from two to nine shades down. 

Unlike the other procedures on this list, teeth whitening is temporary and lasts only for three to five years, depending on how well the teeth are taken care of. However, most patients don’t mind this because it’s non-invasive, affordable, and safe to repeat every five years or so. 

Speak to Your Dentist About Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures for You

There are a lot of cosmetic dentistry solutions to give you a better and more beautiful smile. When making a decision about which procedure to get, make sure to consult your dentist. He or she can advise you on the level of invasiveness of each procedure, explain the different processes, and recommend the best solution.