Facial injuries, poor upkeep, and the general wear and tear of everyday life can cause your teeth to lose their sparkle and shape. Regular visits to a skilled dentist in Raleigh, NC can help you keep your teeth looking healthy and white, but sometimes good oral hygiene and everyday care just isn’t enough. Luckily, some procedures can help keep your smile looking beautiful. Modern cosmetic dentistry provides a variety of tools and techniques, and knowing what’s available can help on your next visit. 
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most common, inexpensive, and simple procedures a cosmetic dentist in Raleigh, NC can perform. Discoloration is common and is often caused by smoking cigarettes and drinking coffee as well as from normal drinking and eating. At-home teeth whitening has become prevalent, with specialized toothpastes and dental strips designed to prevent discoloration, but professional teeth whitening provides a more thorough and comprehensive alternative. Teeth whitening procedures are usually performed after plaque and tartar are scraped from the surface of the teeth. The dentist then carefully bleaches the teeth to clean the stains and achieve the original color of your pearly whites.
Teeth Capping
Chipped or otherwise damaged teeth that aren’t missing or in need of removal are commonly treated by ‘capping’ the teeth, a process achieved by installing a crown. A crown is typically made of porcelain and is designed after getting a molding of your tooth. The crown is designed to fit the shape and painted in the color of your mouth to create a seamless look and is then molded over the tooth to cover up any damage.
Veneers
Veneers are one of the most popular and effective solutions for minor damage to teeth. A veneer functions similarly to the siding of a house, covering up discoloring, gaps, or chips and cracks. The process is a simple one. Cosmetic dentists from trusted practices like Gover and Gover Dentistry will take a small sample of enamel from your tooth and then send it to a laboratory where a dental technician will make a slender strip of porcelain that simulates the look of your teeth. This veneer will then be bonded to the surface of your tooth by your dentist.
Sources:
Cosmetic treatment, DentalHealth.org
Five Types Of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures, Colgate Oral Care Center
