Thanks to advances in modern dental materials and techniques, your dentist can help you attain the smile you've always wanted. The contour, color and alignment of your teeth can be changed by such cosmetic techniques as bleaching, bonding, veneers, inlays, and orthodontics. Bleaching lightens stains or discoloration and can be performed on living teeth or teeth that have undergone root canal treatment. Bonding restores chipped, cracked, miscolored or misaligned teeth by rebuilding the surface with a plastic or porcelain material. Porcelain laminate veneers bond custom-made tooth-shaped shells to correct or camouflage discoloration, damage or misalignment.

Inlays and onlays can be tooth-colored restorations that are used on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. They can be placed instead of silver fillings or to replace existing silver fillings. Orthodontics correct crowded teeth, misaligned teeth and bite problems in children and adults. The brightness of your smile may be adversely affected by certain foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Most stains can be removed or reduced by professional cleaning. To keep a healthy, bright smile, daily care is a must. Regular brushing, flossing and visits to your dentist will help minimize your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Be sure to follow the special home care instructions provided by your dental professional.