Veneers can correct a multitude of cosmetic defects, from discolored teeth to slightly crooked teeth to gaps in your smile. And advances in cosmetic dentistry have made veneers look even better today.

“The translucent quality of today’s veneers gives a more natural look than what’s been available in the past,” says Kimberly Harms, DDS, a dentist in Farmington, Minn. and consumer advisor and spokesperson for the American Dental Association (ADA).

How Veneers Work

Dental veneers are very thin shells made from tooth-like material designed to cover the front surface of teeth. They can be made of porcelain or resin composite materials. Most veneers today are made of porcelain because this material resists stains better and has a light-reflecting quality similar to that of natural teeth. The veneers are placed on the front of the teeth, concealing imperfections and sometimes changing the size, shape, and length of teeth.

How Veneers Are Applied

Veneers usually require three dental visits. At the first visit, your dentist will discuss whether this cosmetic dentistry procedure will work for you. On the second visit, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel (the outer coating of your teeth) to make room for the veneer. Usually only one-half millimeter is removed, but this may require local anesthesia.

“The enamel needs to be trimmed down so the tooth doesn’t look too bulky,” explains Dr. Harms.

An impression is then taken of your teeth and sent to a dental lab where the veneers are custom made. At the third visit, your dentist will attach the veneers to your teeth with special adhesive material.

Of all the cosmetic treatments offered by shanghai dental, teeth whitening is the most popular. That may be because teeth whitening is less expensive than most other cosmetic dental procedures, yet it can make a dramatic difference in a person’s appearance and self confidence.

Teeth whitening products are available over-the-counter and at the dentist’s office. “But seeing a dentist for teeth whitening is the fastest and most effective way to whiten your teeth because the bleaching materials are stronger than what’s available in the stores,” says Kimberly Harms, DDS, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association (ADA).

Professional teeth whitening can be performed in the office by your dentist or at home under your dentist’s supervision. Here are the pros and cons of each method:

Teeth Whitening Done by a Dentist

How it works: A whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. The product contains hydrogen peroxide (bleach) in concentrations of 15 to 35 percent. Light or heat may be used to accelerate the whitening.

Pros. Fast results. “One session lasting about 60 to 90 minutes can give excellent whitening,” says Dr. Harms. Many people only need one visit but, some people may need two or three to achieve the color they want. Because the bleach is applied directly to the teeth, teeth whitening performed in a dentist's office gives the most uniform results.

Cons. Since the whitening solution is so concentrated, your gums must be protected with a gel or a rubber shield. Even so, some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

Cost: $500 to $1,200. This is the most expensive method of teeth whitening. “Typically, the more time you spend in the dentist’s chair, the higher the cost,” says Harms.

Home Teeth Whitening Supervised by a Dentist

How it works: Your dentist takes impressions of your mouth and makes a customized mouthpiece for you to wear. You’ll be given a tooth whitening gel containing a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide than what's used for in-office whitening. At home, you’ll fill the mouthpiece with the whitening gel and wear it for a few hours each day or night. The customized mouthpiece allows maximum contact between your teeth and the whitening gel.

Pros: Convenience and price. You can whiten your teeth on your own at home, while saving money over the more expensive in-office whitening. Your dentist will supervise the whitening with checkups to be sure the mouthpiece fits properly.

Cons: Slower results. The average patient must wear the mouthpiece for one to two weeks before whitening becomes visible. Some patients choose to wear the mouthpiece for several months, depending on the degree of staining on their teeth and the desired level of whitening. This form of professional whitening may require more visits to the dentist to check that the mouthpiece fits properly. Ill-fitting mouthpieces can allow the solution to leak out, causing irritation and uneven or unsatisfactory whitening.

Cost: $300 to $500, including material and consultations with your dentist.