Who doesn't want a perfect smile? While few people have one naturally, almost anyone can get one with the help of their dentist. In addition to orthodontic treatment, which can straighten your teeth, recent advances in dental materials and techniques offer near-perfect teeth that are almost as strong as the originals.

The ways your dentist can do to improve your smile include:

• Bleaching to make teeth whiter
• Repairing chips or rough spots with fillings that match your teeth
• Filling cavities with tooth-colored materials
• Reshaping teeth that don't match the others
• Closing gaps between teeth
• Covering broken teeth with porcelain crowns

Bonding

This is carried out to fill gaps in the teeth and cover stains and chips. The process involves the application of a composite resin material to the tooth. The material, which is available in several shades, is sculpted to cover the desired area. It is then dried using a high-intensity light or a chemical. The process does not cause any discomfort to the patient except when a minor tooth roughening is done. Dental bonding does not require more than one visit to the dentist and is relatively inexpensive as compared to other dental restoration techniques.

Bonding is meant for procedures that are considered to be a touch up. The process involves the application of a composite resin material to the tooth. The material, which is available in several shades, is sculpted to cover the desired area. It is then dried using a high-intensity light or a chemical. It can help to whiten one or two teeth that are discolored, mend any chips in your teeth and help to fill a gap that is wide. Dental bonding does not require more than one visit to the dentist and is relatively inexpensive as compared to other dental restoration techniques, but may not last as log as other methods.

Tooth Contouring and Reshaping

This quick, inexpensive, and non-invasive procedure is used to fix dental issues such as overlaps, shallow pits and grooves in the enamel, worn edges, and chipped teeth. The dentist uses a polishing instrument for the removal of a tiny amount of enamel and the tooth is reformed. The enamel removal procedure is carried out only after dentists confirm through x-rays that the teeth requiring reshaping are strong enough to withstand some enamel loss. The process is completed with the smoothing and polishing of the edges of the newly contoured tooth. The process usually requires a follow-up visit after the first visit.

Whitening

This treatment is useful for removing stains that appear due to the consumption to tea, coffee, cigarettes, and wine. Whitening is carried out using bleaching gel, which is usually hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. The gel breaks down releasing oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and dentin and disintegrate the stains. The time required for results to appear depends upon the source of the stain and varies from a few hours to a few weeks.

Porcelain Veneers

If you have teeth that are worn down, not in alignment or severely discolored, getting veneers may be an option for you. Not only will your teeth look dramatically whiter, it will also change the structure of your teeth. If you are not happy with the way your teeth look not counting the color, then this may be the cosmetic dental procedure you should consider. An added advantage of getting veneers is that they have a coating of stain resistant material and will virtually stay white for the rest of your life.

Your dentist will help you make a decision about which method is best to give you  winning smile.