Cosmetic dentistry has grown dramatically in popularity. After all, recent surveys have found that the most eye-catching feature of one's face is the smile. Plus, recent advances in dental technology no longer make it necessary for one to settle for stained, chipped or misaligned teeth. The prices have also come down, making cosmetic dentistry a procedure for everyman (and woman), not just Hollywood stars and corporate CEOs.

Two of the most popular options for improving a smile are veneers and bonding.

Veneers

Veneers are thin shells that are designed to cover the front side of a tooth. Fabricated by a dental technician from a model provided by the dentist, veneers can close gaps or cover teeth that are stained, poorly shaped or slightly crooked.

Veneers last for years and necessitate the removal of little if any enamel (unlike caps or jackets did). They can take a poor or mediocre smile, and make it a dazzling one.

Bonding

With bonding, tooth-colored materials are applied to the tooth's surface to cover discolorations, repair chips, and fill in gaps.

The bonding process involves etching the tooth surface with a solution that allows the material to adhere to the tooth. Various color resins are carefully blended to look natural. After application, the resin is shaped and allowed to harden using a special light or chemical process, then smoothed and polished.

Bonding will usually last for a number of years, although less time than veneers. In both cases, the procedures are done quickly and painlessly.