If your smile isn't your favorite feature, there are many ways to enhance it. Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more and more popular, whether people are looking for dramatic upgrades or small improvements. If you're ready for a change, here are some procedures that might interest you.

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help Your Smile

1. Teeth Whitening

Although there are other ways to whiten your teeth, you'll likely notice faster and better results from professional treatments. This process whitens your natural enamel and brightens your smile for a long time, especially if you don't smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine.

One of the most common ways to do this is to get a professional home kit. At your first appointment, the dentist will make an impression of your teeth that'll be used to make clear plastic trays. At the second visit, the professional will make sure they fit correctly and make adjustments. Then, when you're home, fill the trays with a whitening solution. You can choose to wear them every day for 30 minutes or overnight for a few weeks.

2. Veneers

Veneers are thin, durable shells made of porcelain or composite that are placed over your teeth to make your smile more uniform. They can be used to correct broken, crooked, or stained teeth, and even those that are too small or large. For this treatment, your dentist will lightly buff and reshape your teeth's surface to make room for the veneers. Then they'll take an impression of your teeth and ask you to pick a shade. Finally, they'll bond the veneers to your teeth using adhesive and a special light.

3. Implants

If you have a missing tooth due to injury, decay, or disease, your dentist might suggest an implant. This is a permanent replacement for a missing tooth that's inserted into the jawbone. This form of cosmetic dentistry can restore your confidence and stop bone deterioration. Additionally, while the installation process is lengthy and can take weeks, the outcome will last forever.

Are you interested in one of these cosmetic dentistry procedures? Apex Dental Care in Issaquah, WA, has been providing dental care to residents of King County since 2002. They use state-of-the-art technology and have four experienced dentists on staff who offer these procedures, as well as crowns, Invisalign®, and routine teeth cleanings. Visit their website to learn more about their cosmetic dentistry services, or call (425) 837-0383 to schedule an appointment today.