Teeth whitening can be one of the simplest and least expensive ways to make an improvement in a person's smile.

It is a simple and safe procedure that can be done in the office or at home.

Dental bonding

The term "dental bonding" refers to placing  tooth colored dental filling material into or onto the tooth. Dental bonding might be utilized as a way to improve the appearance of a cosmetic defect found on the surface of a tooth, to replace tooth structure that has chipped away or broken, or to "fill" a tooth.

Dental bonding can be relatively inexpensive and is usually a "completed in one visit" type dental procedure. As a disadvantage, dental bonding material has a tendency to stain as time passes and in general isn't as lasting or durable a treatment as other cosmetic dental procedures.

Gum Re-contouring

If you have a "gummy" smile, showing more gums and less teeth, a simple procedure to reveal more tooth is easily done.  This may be done in association with other cosmetic treatments such as crowns and veneers or as a stand alone procedure.

Dental crowns

Dental crowns can provide the same sort of major cosmetic changes that porcelain veneers can make. However, unlike a porcelain veneer that only covers some of the tooth, dental crowns cup over and encase the entire  tooth. 

In comparison to porcelain veneers, dental crowns are stronger and more durable and should provide many years of service.

Porcelain veneers

A porcelain veneer can be an ideal way to make a cosmetic change for a tooth. Compared to dental bonding, porcelain veneers look much more life-like and they have the added benefit of resisting staining well.

Comparing the longevity of cosmetic dental work

Porcelain veneers or dental crowns means that there will always need to be a porcelain veneer or dental crown on the tooth. This applies to dental bonding as well.