Your smile can have a major impact on your appearance and your self-esteem. For many, straight, white teeth and healthy gums are the ideal. However, over time, teeth can become stained, chipped, and cracked. Misaligned or crooked teeth are also a common complaint. If you are one of the more than one-third of Americans who are unhappy with their smile, a trip to a cosmetic dentist can help. There are a variety of procedures that can improve the appearance of your teeth and gums. Here are three procedures that you may want to consider if you are looking for a smile makeover.

Teeth Whitening

Stains on the teeth are one of the biggest cosmetic issues that many people deal with. Over time, teeth can start to become dull and yellowed. Certain foods and the use of tobacco products can leave teeth with deep staining. Teeth whitening involves using a peroxide solution to lift these stains. While there are over-the-counter kits available, for the best results a trip to your cosmetic dentist is a must. The cost of in-office teeth whitening ranges from $300 to $1,000. In-office treatments are more effective and can lift your teeth multiple shades in a short amount of time.

Dental Veneers

Another option if you are looking for a smile makeover is dental veneers. Veneers are thin shells made out of porcelain or composite that are affixed to the outside of the teeth. They change the size, shape, and color of the teeth and can have a major impact on the appearance of your smile. Veneers can even help disguise or address crooked or misaligned teeth. However, they do come at a high cost. On average porcelain veneers range in price between $500 and $1,100 per tooth while high-end, ultra-thin veneers cost between $700 and $1,300 per tooth.

Gum Contouring

While your teeth have a major impact on your smile, in some cases it's the gums that make people feel that their smile is not attractive. A gummy smile or misshapen gums can have an impact on the appearance of your smile. This is where gum contouring comes in. Gum contouring involves removing the gum around a tooth for either cosmetic or medical reasons. Your cosmetic dentist can use gum contouring to improve the appearance of your smile. On average gum contouring ranges in price between $50 and $350.

If you are unhappy with your smile, a cosmetic dentist can help. A few procedures that you may want to consider include teeth whitening, dental veneers, and gum contouring. Often, a few trips to a cosmetic dentist can lead to improved self-confidence.