People everywhere are looking to improve their smile. As a result the number of people getting cosmetic surgery is rising. Even reality TV has shined a light on just how much can be done by a dentist to improve how your mouth looks. The many available options may make cosmetic dental work confusing. Speaking with a dentist is probably the best advice for finding what will work best for you. Here are some of the more well-known cosmetic dental procedures.

Composite bonding is one of the most popular and cost effective procedures that can be done by a dentist. The procedure is used by dentists to repair a number of minor issues including tooth decay to chipped teeth. This procedure requires a dentist to remove any damaged or decayed areas of the tooth first. Then the dentist can proceed to apply a bonding agent. From there, the dentist will apply the composite on the surface of the tooth while then working to shape it to match the patient’s natural teeth.

Dental implants are another common cosmetic dental procedure. Dental plants are usually used to replace teeth that are missing. During the procedure the dentist will insert a metal screw into the patients jawbone. The screw’s purpose is to serve as a support for the new implant’s crown. Over time the screw will heal and tissue will surround it. From this point the dentist will be able to fasten the crown to the screw.

Teeth whitening is probably the most common dental procedure. The most effective teeth whitening is done in a dentist’s office. The price of teeth whitening can range from a hundred bucks to two to three thousand dollars. These procedures are usually more effective than over the counter options. Furthermore the amount of time spent is much less than over the counter options. The dentist will usually clean your teeth first getting rid of any plaque. For there they will apply any of a number of gel options that are available.

Known to some as indirect filling, inlays and onlays are another popular dental cosmetic surgery. Inlays and onlays are molded in a lab and then shaped specifically to match your teeth. This option is popular when there a moderate amount of tooth decay. This could also be an option when there is just a portion of a tooth available to support a filling. A tooth’s cupsts usually are still ok when this procedure is done. This allows the inlay to be placed right on the surface of the tooth.

Finally there are veneers. Veneers are assembled to resemble a person’s natural teeth. This procedure requires multiple visits to a dentist. Patients usually take one to two weeks to get results. The cost of veneers is often a little more than other procedures. Patients can expect to spend anywhere from seven hundred to one thousand dollars per tooth when getting veneers.

These are just a few of the most popular dental procedures that exist. A dentist is best able to direct patients in the right direction.