If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, you are not alone. Roughly one quarter of people report that they don't like smiling due to the appearance of their teeth. Some common complaints include staining, crooked teeth, missing teeth, misshapen gums, and misshapen teeth. The good news is that there are plenty of procedures that can address the issues that are making you unhappy with your smile. A few visits to a cosmetic dentist can completely change the appearance of your teeth and gums. Here are three procedures to consider.

Teeth Whitening

Staining is one of the biggest complaints that many have about their teeth. Staining can occur naturally over time or be exacerbated by your diet, through the use of certain antibiotics, or through the use of tobacco. Poor oral hygiene can also contribute to deep staining on the teeth. Teeth whitening is a great way to lift these stains. In-office teeth whitening provides the best results. Teeth whitening uses a peroxide solution to lift stains from the surface of the teeth. On average in-office teeth whitening ranges in price between $300 and $1,000.

Dental Veneers

Another procedure to consider if you are unhappy with your smile is dental veneers. Veneers are thin shells made out of porcelain or composite that are attached to the outside of the teeth in order to change their size, shape, and color. Veneers cost on average between $500 and $1,100 per tooth. If veneers are out of your price range or too extreme for your needs, dental bonding is a great alternative. Bonding involves adding a tooth colored resin to the teeth in order to cover stains, close gaps, and fix cracks and chips. Cosmetic bonding typically costs between $300 and $600 per tooth.

Gum Contouring

While many are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, gums can also play a role in your smile. Gums that hang down over the teeth are a common cosmetic complaint. The good news is that a cosmetic dentist can help. Gum contouring can remove and shape the gums around the teeth creating a more attractive appearance. On average gum contouring costs between $50 and $350 for the area around a single tooth. Extensive gum contouring typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000.

If you are unhappy with your smile, there are a variety of cosmetic dentist services that can help you get the smile you desire. Teeth whitening is a popular procedure and can make a big difference in a very short amount of time. Dental veneers are also something that you may want to ask your cosmetic dentist about. Even the appearance of your gums can be improved with gum contouring.