A beautiful smile illuminates your face and expresses your personality. It's one of the first things people notice — and one of your greatest assets. When you are happy with your smile, you look and feel great.

Dental problems damage your confidence and self-esteem. They make you feel unattractive and too embarrassed to smile. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can correct these problems and restore your dazzling smile.

What is Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic treatments are more popular today than ever before. Dentists have many techniques and tools at their disposal. Here are 5 ways to improve your smile with cosmetic dentistry.

1. Teeth Whitening

Many things can stain your teeth, from cigarette smoke and dark beverages to certain medications. Chemical treatments bleach your teeth to remove discoloration. Your dentist can do an in-office treatment or provide you with a home whitening system.

Whitening is not a permanent solution to discoloration. Your teeth can stain again if you expose them to the same things that initially stained them. Since whitening products can't clean your teeth, you must also practice good oral hygiene to keep your teeth healthy.

2. Dental Bonding

Bonding repairs chipped, cracked or broken teeth. It can also hide stains and fill gaps between your teeth. Your dentist may use bonding to fill small cavities in teeth that show when you smile.

Bonding material consists of a durable composite plastic called resin. A shade guide helps the dentist choose a color that matches your damaged tooth. Bonding takes between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth, and the treatment can last for several years with proper care.

3. Dental Veneers

Veneers are shells that cover the front of your teeth to change their shape or color. Most veneers are made of porcelain, but some are made of plastic. Like bonding, veneers repair chips, stains and gaps between teeth. However, they last longer than bonding and have a better appearance.

Before cementing veneers in place, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth. The impression is then sent to a laboratory, where the veneers are custom-made for your teeth. The dentist inserts the veneers on your second visit.

4. Dental Crowns

A crown, sometimes called a cap, covers a tooth completely. It restores a damaged tooth to its normal shape and appearance. Dentists use crowns to protect week teeth, restore broken teeth, cover large fillings and make other dental repairs. While crowns are more costly than other treatments, they can last a long time if you take care of them.

Crowns are made from resin, ceramic material, metal or porcelain that is fused to metal. Most treatments require two office visits. The first visit involves preparation and placement of a temporary crown. Your dentist places the permanent crown on a separate visit.

5. Enamel Shaping

Enamel shaping, also called contouring, is another cosmetic dentistry treatment. Dentists often combine it with dental bonding. They use enamel shaping to alter the shape, length or position of your teeth.

Reshaping and contouring is effective for chipped, crooked, irregular or overlapping teeth. Not everyone is a good candidate for the treatment. However, if you have healthy teeth with adequate bone to support them, it may work for you.

Other dental treatments can also improve your smile. They include braces, bridges and dental implants. If problem teeth are making you too embarrassed to smile, ask your dentist about cosmetic dentistry options. With the right treatment, your dentist can give you a smile that radiates beauty and confidence.