If you have been shy about showing off your smile because of your insecurities, you might be ready to make a change. You want to be able to smile your biggest smile whenever you are truly happy and there are some dental procedures that help you be more confident when doing so. Here are some of the types of cosmetic dentistry that you may want to talk about at your next dental appointment:

Teeth Whitening

Sure, there are some teeth whitening products found at drug stores, but they generally do not do as good of a job as professional treatments. Your dentist can give you a whiter smile and the results of the treatment can last half a year or more. When you will need to return for another treatment will vary, but it is certainly a lot less than how often you would have to reapply over-the-counter teeth whiteners.

Dental Bonding

This is a cosmetic treatment used for covering chips in teeth, as well as gaps between teeth. A resin is tinted to match the natural color of your teeth and it is hardened once applied. It can really improve the look of imperfect teeth and it does so without going through a very invasive procedure. Just one or two trips to the dentist will be needed for this particular cosmetic procedure.

Veneers

Veneers are great for those who want movie star smiles. The natural teeth are shaven down some so the veneers can be attached to them without looking bulky. While they may need to be replaced once or twice in your life, depending on your age when you first get the veneers, they are usually an affordable way to get a great-looking smile.

Your dentist might be able to perform some or all of the cosmetic dental procedures you are interested in. If they cannot do something for you, they should be able to refer you to a local cosmetic dental office. Remember, a lot of dental insurance plans do not cover procedures that are seen as cosmetic in nature, meaning that they are not required in order for you to properly eat or speak. Therefore, you are most likely going to need to pay for your cosmetic dental work on your own, either through cash payment, the use of a credit card, or maybe even with a loan that the dental office can get you approved for.