Taking care of your teeth is not as simple as brushing them two times a day, flossing and visiting your dentist every two or three months for a basic check-up. Because of the fact that smile affects your entire appearance, there are many popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that are designed to go beyond the basic dental care. And the best part is that they are not extremely expensive as they were a long time ago, but they are quite affordable and therefore financially available for every average Bob. Starting from teeth whitening procedures and ranging to more complex operations such as cosmetic gum surgery, no one's teeth can be considered perfect without these cosmetic procedures.
Teeth whitening is probably the most popular procedure, from average people to Hollywood. Whether it is done through laser or gel trays, it seems that more and more people want to get rid of the ugly yellowish color of their teeth, and have them shining just like those of people in toothpaste commercials. Gel trays whitening techniques are generally more affordable, at least in comparison to laser whitening. However, it can cause you to have sensitive gums, as well as teeth for a short period of time following the operation. The process usually takes up to 50 hours to complete, but the effects will last from four months to a full year. Laser whitening on the other hand is a more expensive cosmetic technique that can cause mild discomfort during the days after the procedure. It generally takes between two and three hours to complete, and then the effects will last anywhere from one year to one year and a half.

Another common cosmetic dentistry option is veneers. Whether it is plastic or porcelain, veneers are placed over teeth, acting as a cover for small imperfections. They are ideal for teeth that are either too small or too big, chipped, crooked, or have an odd shape and appearance. Veneers are able to make irregularities unnoticeable and create a durable and perfect smile.

While veneers and teeth whitening are cosmetic dentistry procedures that are done mainly for aesthetics reasons, there are other techniques that are done out of necessity, such as receiving dentures or root canals. If you are afraid of undergoing such procedures or surgeries, you will be glad to find out that the modern practices include dental sedation, which will allow you to sleep during the whole process. Due to the many advancements and developments in cosmetic dentistry, fixing your teeth does not have to be frightening, painful or expensive.