Cosmetic dentistry has its roots in early civilizations of America, Europe and the Middle East among others.  However, during recent years, cosmetic surgery has really taken off in our society for the average American as well as the high society.

There are many reasons a person might consider cosmetic dentistry, among which are:
    You have dark, stained teeth
    Your teeth are chipped or worn
    You show a lot of gum when you smile
    You are missing teeth
    You have gaps between your front teeth
    Your teeth are crowded and/or crooked
    You have out of date silver fillings that you don't like to show

If you are concerned about any of these aspects of your smile, you might be a good candidate for cosmetic dentistry.   It can improve color and straightness of your teeth, fill gaps and spaces, and repair chips and cracks in your teeth.  It can affect your life by enhancing your appearance which can directly affect your self-confidence and self-esteem.  You can also consider it an investment in your career because according to a 2004 survey reported by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 74% of adults believe that an unattractive smile has a negative impact on a person's chances for success.

Cost of receiving cosmetic dentistry treatments is a concern for many.  However, with improved methods, stronger, quality materials and a huge increase of patients, treatments are now more affordable than ever.  If it is something you really want, speak with your dentist about your options because there is most likely something that will fit your budget and time constraints.  Even if your treatment will be extensive, you should be able to create a plan that addresses your immediate, short-term, and longer-term goals and also fits your budget.  Cosmetic dentistry is a great investment for anyone wanting to improve the health of their teeth and the attractiveness of their smile.

There are many different things that can be done to improve your smile.  Some of the methods used by dentist are:
    Teeth whitening:  Whitening teeth is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry.  Methods range from over-the-counter products to dentist bleachings that are performed with a solution and light
    Porcelain veneers: Veneers are superthin porcelain "shells" that are bonded to the front of teeth and provide a strong and beautiful restoration for chipped, cracked, worn, or discolored teeth.
    Tooth Bonding: Bonding is a method where a special resin material is used to shape, construct or cover a problem tooth or teeth.  For example, to close spaces, whiten stained teeth, or reshape chipped teeth.
    Orthodontics: Orthodontic procedures are used to straighten or move teeth and to realign a bite.
    Tooth-colored restorations (such as fillings, inlays, onlays, and crowns):  These methods provide a natural look while repairing and protecting decayed or broken teeth.  All-porcelain crowns are especially healthy for gums because they can be placed above the gumline for a tighter fit.
    Bridges and implants: These are used to replace missing teeth and support remaining teeth.

Of course, nothing works as a better preventative than to take good care of your teeth by brushing and flossing.  Other things you can do to keep your teeth looking healthy and white are to avoid smoking and chewing tobacco as well as foods and beverages that stain your teeth such as berries, coffee, black tea, and red wine.

In summary, if you are concerned about the appearance of your smile because of your teeth or gums, there are many cosmetic dentistry options available to you.  Consult your dentist who should be willing to talk to you about your problems and concerns before beginning any treatment in order to determine what method is right for you.

Modern dentistry has devised a number of ways to provide treatment options for people looking for teeth enhancement procedures. Methods may range from simple teeth whitening up to bracing and bridging. Some of these methods are discussed in the following sections of this article.

Teeth whitening
Teeth whitening basically employ peroxide-based materials to make the teeth appear whiter and cleaner. To achieve the desired enhancement of the teeth, the majority of dentists apply in-office or home-based teeth whitening methods.

Before the formal process of whitening, dentist will have to take out all the cavities from the teeth. It is important to note that the gums must be in considerable health before anything is started. Then the gums will be protected by some means of dental systems then gels will be applied on the teeth. To continue the process, many in-office-setting systems use high intensity lights coupled with 35% of peroxide to whiten teeth. The laser light will activate the peroxide by means of oxidization of stains on the surface of the teeth. After an hour, the teeth will become several shades lighter.

At-home setting system however makes use of 20% peroxide. This process is longer and may take up to two weeks.

Both work well in whitening the stains yet the ideal method is to use the combination of the two processes. By this, the shade of the teeth may improve up to 12 to 15 lighter shades.

Tooth-shaping
This process seems to be the most basic and will last only for half an hour. This works by reshaping the undesirable form of the teeth. The process can make pointed tooth rounded, long tooth short and to reshape the whole teeth in general to follow the shape of the lower teeth. The removal of a small amount of teeth enamel has no long term damage effect.

Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers or betterly known as veneers are porcelain wafers created to enhance the appearance of the front surface of the teeth and to hide damage. Veneers are much more conservative yet yield the same effects as that of dentures or false teeth.

Resin (Tooth Colored Fillings)
Resins are placed on the teeth to enhance its appearance for a short duration of time. This procedure helps repair chips and small cavities by inserting white fillings on places that require them. However, unlike with porcelain veneers, resins may discolor over time and may not render as much natural look.

Bonded-Bridge
Bonded-bridge is used to replace a missing tooth. It may be a porcelain or resin tooth that has metal or resin wings on each side. The process involves the removal of a small portion of the enamel on the teeth on each side of the one missing in order to 'clip' the bonded-bridge in its place.

Gum-lifts
Gum-lifting or gingivectomy is a process that entails the removal of some portions of the gums to make them appear more even and to create an appearance of longer teeth. In effect, this is the cure for gummy smiles.

Braces
Braces or orthodontics help children and even young adults to correct the gaps between the teeth and to make them more even. This procedure covers two whole years and may require around twenty dental visits.

Cosmetic surgery requires more art than science because after all, it aims to beautify. For best results, dentists often recommend the use of two or more procedures in correcting the teeth.