Aesthetic Dentistry

A comprehensive smile makeover includes all the procedures you'll need to repair and enhance your smile. This could include teeth straightening, veneers, teeth whitening, color fillings, crowns and bridges, and other cosmetic dentistry options. A makeover takes into account your facial structure, skin tone, hair color, gums, and lips to craft and create the optimal smile for you. Since they are customized to each patient, the costs will vary. It will cost less for those that only wish to do a few procedures, while those that want to maximize their potential will invest quite a bit more over time. The range for this could be $3,500 to $15,000. Consult your cosmetic dentist for current costs for the different procedures you're considering.

There are five different types of dental veneers.

• Porcelain veneers. These are the most common and can last 10-15 years. They resist stains and are made out of ceramic materials.
• Composite veneers. Also known as composite bonding, these are made out of the same materials used for fillings. Bondings are usually a cheaper option because your dentist can do them as part of an appointment on the same day as they're not crafted in a laboratory).
• Palatal veneers. This is a special type of veneer to repair the 'back' or the inside-facing sides of teeth. 
• Lumineers. These are very thin veneers that are translucent and don't require any tooth reduction or reshaping. They are very natural-looking.
• Removable veneers. These types are not permanent and are attached to a clear retainer or similar device that you wear. This is the cheapest option, but they don't last as long.

Lumineers are actually a brand of porcelain veneers that are very thin compared to traditional porcelain veneers. Their main attractive feature is they don’t require as much prep-work, no reshaping and reduction required on the host tooth, and so they are more cost effective. However, they are more prone to chipping and breaking.

Dental bonding can last 3-5 years, depending on the amount and quality of the bonding material. Bonding tends to fade in color over time. However, it is easy to apply new bonding and not expensive.

Tooth reshaping and recontouring remove small amounts of tooth and enamel, which can cause them to be sensitive, for instance, when eating or drinking hot or cold food and beverages. To ensure you don't damage the remaining enamel, you should brush gently and avoid abrasive substances.