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How to define what you really want from cosmetic dentistry
How to define what you really want from cosmetic dentistry
Jul 28, 2025
Jul 28, 2025
Jul 28, 2025
A great smile can make a huge difference. Whether you’re meeting someone new, taking a photo, or just hoping to look more awake on a sleepy Tuesday, your teeth have a big role to play. Cosmetic dentistry offers lots of ways to improve your smile, but before jumping in, it helps to know what you actually want.
What cosmetic dentistry can do
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about looking good. It can fix small chips, even out crooked teeth, close gaps, or whiten stains from years of coffee and red wine. Some of the most common treatments include:
Teeth whitening: Lightens stains and brightens your natural tooth color
Veneers: Thin covers that go over the front of your teeth to change how they look
Bonding: A tooth-colored resin used to repair chips or fill small gaps
Braces or aligners: Straighten teeth that are crooked or crowded
Gum reshaping: Reduces excess gum tissue or smooths uneven gum lines
Crowns: Tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged or worn-down teeth
Each one solves a different problem. Knowing which one is right for you depends on what’s bothering you the most.
What you want, vs. what social media thinks you want
It’s easy to get swept up in the idea of the “perfect” smile. Scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, you’ll see rows of perfectly straight, gleaming white teeth. That look works for some people, but it isn’t the only option.
Do you want a bright smile that still looks natural? Are you aiming for something subtle or a full-on glow-up? Would a small change, like closing a gap or fixing one crooked tooth, make you feel better?
It’s your smile. You don’t have to follow a trend or copy someone else’s look. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says the best results come when people can clearly explain what they want. Think of your dentist like an artist who needs a good description of the painting you have in mind.
Take a closer look (literally)
Try looking at your smile in the mirror or snapping a picture. What stands out? Are your teeth uneven lengths? Is one darker than the others? Do your gums show more than you’d like?
This isn’t about being overly critical. It’s about figuring out what matters to you. Maybe you’ve always felt self-conscious about one tooth that sticks out a little. Or maybe you love your slightly crooked smile and just want it to look a bit brighter. Start there.
Think about the long term
Some treatments last a few months; others can last years. Whitening, for example, fades over time and needs touch-ups. Veneers can last over a decade, but they’re not reversible. Braces or aligners take longer but can permanently straighten your teeth if you wear your retainer afterward.
You’ll also want to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before doing any cosmetic work. A beautiful smile doesn’t help much if it covers up bigger problems like decay or gum disease. Most dentists will recommend a full checkup before starting cosmetic treatment.
Budget and confidence
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t always covered by insurance. Some treatments cost a few hundred dollars; others cost thousands. It’s worth asking yourself what changes would really boost your confidence.
Research shows that smiling more often is linked to better moods, lower stress, and stronger relationships. One study from the University of Kansas even found that smiling—even when you’re not feeling great—can lower your heart rate during stressful moments.
So if fixing that one thing helps you feel more confident every day, it might be worth the investment.
Choose the right dentist
Not every dentist focuses on cosmetic work, and not every cosmetic dentist has the same style. It’s a good idea to look at before-and-after photos, read reviews, and ask questions. Think of it like picking a tattoo artist; you want someone whose vision matches yours.
And if something feels off, it’s okay to get a second opinion. This is your face we’re talking about.
Our final thoughts: make it yours
There’s no such thing as the “perfect” smile; there’s only the smile that feels right for you. That might mean whiter teeth, straighter teeth, or just fixing one little thing that’s been bugging you. Or it might mean doing nothing at all.
Either way, it’s your choice. Just don’t let a filter decide for you.
Take our quiz to be matched with a dental aestheticist that's right for you based on what you need.
Sources
Read more about this in the links below.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: https://www.aacd.com
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org
American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org
Psychological Science: https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612445312↩
A great smile can make a huge difference. Whether you’re meeting someone new, taking a photo, or just hoping to look more awake on a sleepy Tuesday, your teeth have a big role to play. Cosmetic dentistry offers lots of ways to improve your smile, but before jumping in, it helps to know what you actually want.
What cosmetic dentistry can do
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about looking good. It can fix small chips, even out crooked teeth, close gaps, or whiten stains from years of coffee and red wine. Some of the most common treatments include:
Teeth whitening: Lightens stains and brightens your natural tooth color
Veneers: Thin covers that go over the front of your teeth to change how they look
Bonding: A tooth-colored resin used to repair chips or fill small gaps
Braces or aligners: Straighten teeth that are crooked or crowded
Gum reshaping: Reduces excess gum tissue or smooths uneven gum lines
Crowns: Tooth-shaped caps that cover damaged or worn-down teeth
Each one solves a different problem. Knowing which one is right for you depends on what’s bothering you the most.
What you want, vs. what social media thinks you want
It’s easy to get swept up in the idea of the “perfect” smile. Scrolling through Instagram or TikTok, you’ll see rows of perfectly straight, gleaming white teeth. That look works for some people, but it isn’t the only option.
Do you want a bright smile that still looks natural? Are you aiming for something subtle or a full-on glow-up? Would a small change, like closing a gap or fixing one crooked tooth, make you feel better?
It’s your smile. You don’t have to follow a trend or copy someone else’s look. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry says the best results come when people can clearly explain what they want. Think of your dentist like an artist who needs a good description of the painting you have in mind.
Take a closer look (literally)
Try looking at your smile in the mirror or snapping a picture. What stands out? Are your teeth uneven lengths? Is one darker than the others? Do your gums show more than you’d like?
This isn’t about being overly critical. It’s about figuring out what matters to you. Maybe you’ve always felt self-conscious about one tooth that sticks out a little. Or maybe you love your slightly crooked smile and just want it to look a bit brighter. Start there.
Think about the long term
Some treatments last a few months; others can last years. Whitening, for example, fades over time and needs touch-ups. Veneers can last over a decade, but they’re not reversible. Braces or aligners take longer but can permanently straighten your teeth if you wear your retainer afterward.
You’ll also want to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy before doing any cosmetic work. A beautiful smile doesn’t help much if it covers up bigger problems like decay or gum disease. Most dentists will recommend a full checkup before starting cosmetic treatment.
Budget and confidence
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t always covered by insurance. Some treatments cost a few hundred dollars; others cost thousands. It’s worth asking yourself what changes would really boost your confidence.
Research shows that smiling more often is linked to better moods, lower stress, and stronger relationships. One study from the University of Kansas even found that smiling—even when you’re not feeling great—can lower your heart rate during stressful moments.
So if fixing that one thing helps you feel more confident every day, it might be worth the investment.
Choose the right dentist
Not every dentist focuses on cosmetic work, and not every cosmetic dentist has the same style. It’s a good idea to look at before-and-after photos, read reviews, and ask questions. Think of it like picking a tattoo artist; you want someone whose vision matches yours.
And if something feels off, it’s okay to get a second opinion. This is your face we’re talking about.
Our final thoughts: make it yours
There’s no such thing as the “perfect” smile; there’s only the smile that feels right for you. That might mean whiter teeth, straighter teeth, or just fixing one little thing that’s been bugging you. Or it might mean doing nothing at all.
Either way, it’s your choice. Just don’t let a filter decide for you.
Take our quiz to be matched with a dental aestheticist that's right for you based on what you need.
Sources
Read more about this in the links below.
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry: https://www.aacd.com
Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org
American Dental Association: https://www.ada.org
Psychological Science: https://doi.org/10.1177/0956797612445312↩
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