All these in the name of a beautiful smile. But remember that a dentist is vastly different from a cosmetic dentist. Although a dentist can basically do everything that a cosmetic dentist does, the experience in handling problem teeth and making sure that everything will be in the right place to achieve a perfectly aligned set of teeth will not be in every dentist s resume. They are generally artificial teeth, like dentures, that are put to replace missing teeth. You would regain a natural looking and very confident smile. However, there could be surgical procedure involved. Thus, patients are required to be in good oral and physical health before the procedure. This surgical procedure is usually advised for patients with healthier gums and at the same time reliable bone structure to support the implants. For starters, it is quick, affordable, virtually painless, and the result can last long. Dental bonding is a good alternative to the more extensive (and expensive) treatment with porcelain veneers, bridges and crowns. The composite resin used in the cosmetic bonding process is very flexible. It expands and contracts with the natural tooth, thereby preventing cracks and tooth loss. The procedure also brightens the natural pigmentation of the teeth. The nature of the stains as well as the severity of the discoloration determines the degree of improvement after the treatment. When your teeth become brown or yellow due to coffee, tea, or smoking, stains will generally lighten four to five shades. Choosing your cosmetic dentist In the end, it might boil to the choice of your cosmetic dentist. Your doctor should be well-trained and have enough experience that you can trust. Your doctor must not only be a good dental technician, he or she should have an artistic touch. The key to having the most natural-looking results is finding a cosmetic dentist with enough artistic sense and a sure mastery of his profession. And please, don t scrimp on the dentist. If you do not have the budget for it, it will be better to just save your money and wait until you have enough to pay a reputable cosmetic dentist than pay a shady and unlicensed one. Like cosmetic surgery, this can be dangerous when in the hands of someone who is unlicensed and inexperienced.