Unlike restorative dentistry, which is designed to repair decayed teeth or replace missing ones, cosmetic dentistry mainly focuses on changing the way the teeth look. This helps people to feel more confident in their daily interactions with others. The guide below looks at three of the most common cosmetic treatments for those hoping to perfect their smiles. 

How Can Dentists Give You a Brighter, More Even Smile?

1. Cosmetic Shaping

If you have minorly crooked, cracked, or chipped teeth, some dentists will recommend cosmetic tooth shaping to give your smile more symmetry. This involves using polishing discs to gently shape the edges of your smile, removing chips and evening out the contours of your teeth.

In some cases, when you have teeth that slightly overlap, this method can be used as an alternative to braces. Since food particles can often get trapped between converging teeth, this treatment can also help your oral hygiene routine to be more effective.

2. Composite Bonding

While cosmetic shaping can remove areas of your teeth, composite bonding involves adding to the tooth using a resin. Most of the time, it is recommended for repairing dental chips, filling gaps, or changing the shape of a tooth. Since this resin is tooth-colored and designed to mimic the natural opacity of your teeth, the transition from your natural enamel to the synthetic is seamless. 

3. Teeth Whitening 

Over time, your teeth can become stained from food and drink. Dental whitening uses special chemical agents to lift away stains, leaving your smile bright, white, and beautiful. Your dentist will first ensure that your teeth are healthy before recommending either in-house whitening or sending you home with custom whitening trays.

If you are ready to give your smile a makeover, turn to Comfort Center for Dentistry, P.A. in Comfort, TX. With a focus on helping patients from Kendall County, including Boerne and Kerrville, they perform both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Learn more about their offerings by visiting their website. Call their office at (830) 995-5047 to set an appointment.