Cosmetic Dentistry

Our self-confidence is often connected to how we feel about our smiles. There is no one “perfect” smile, but there are ways to change how your teeth look.

Some options are teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, braces, and dental implants. Each option has good points, limits, how long it lasts, and different costs. Your dentist can help you choose what is best for you.

Teeth Whitening

How long does teeth whitening last?

Teeth whitening generally lasts from 6 months to 2 years.

How white will my teeth get?

It depends on your teeth. Your results can depend on stains and your natural tooth color.

Is teeth whitening safe?

Teeth whitening is generally safe. Some people may feel tooth sensitivity for a short time.

Teeth whitening treatment options?

    • Dentists can make custom trays with strong whitening gel for you to use at home.
    • Whitening strips cost less but may not work as well.
    • Some toothpastes can remove light surface stains.
    • Charcoal toothpaste, lemon juice, and oil pulling are not safe or helpful.

How to maintain white teeth?

You can keep your teeth white through good oral hygiene and smart health decisions. Brush and floss everyday. Avoid foods and drinks that stain like coffee and soda. Do not smoke. If you do drink tooth staining beverages, try using a straw and rinsing your mouth.

What can cause tooth stains?

    • Tooth cleanings can remove plaque and some stains from foods and drinks.
    • Some stains from things like smoking, getting older, medications, and tooth trauma may not be able to be removed.

Orthodontic Options

What orthodontic issues can braces fix?

Braces can address a wide range of teeth problems. These include tooth crowding, spacing, overbites, crossbites, and under bites.

How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?

Orthodontic treatment usually takes one to three years. How long it takes depends on how complicated the problem is, how well the patient follows instructions, and the type of treatment used.

Are clear aligners as effective as braces?

Clear aligners work well for small to medium tooth problems. For more serious or complicated problems, braces usually work better.

Can adults get orthodontic treatment?

Yes, and it is becoming more common for adults to get orthodontic treatment.

What happens after braces or aligners?

Patients will need a retainer to keep the teeth in the recently acquired locations.

How do I keep my teeth safe while wearing braces?

Avoid sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods to protect the braces. Use a soft toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste, floss threaders to clean teeth properly beneath the braces.

Options for Missing Teeth

What are my options for replacing a missing tooth?

Dental implants, bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures are all good ways to replace a missing tooth.

What is a dental implant?

An implant is a permanent artificial tooth put into the jawbone.

What is a dental bridge?

A bridge replaces one or more missing teeth by permanently attaching a fake tooth to existing natural teeth.

What is a partial denture?

A partial denture is a removable and replaces missing teeth.

What are full dentures?

Full dentures are removable and replace all teeth within the mouth.

How do I care for dental implants, bridges, or dentures?

Clean daily with a toothbrush and denture cleaners. Also, make sure to go to regular dental checkups.

Citations

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    2. How long professional teeth whitening lasts: White Plains. Dental Group of Westchester. (2023). https://www.dentalgroupofwestchester.com/blog/how-long-does-professional-teeth-whitening-last/
    3.  Whitening. American Dental Association. (n.d.). https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening
    4.  How long do tooth whitening results last? factors that affect longevity. Alpha Dental. (2025). https://alphadental.net/blog/how-long-do-tooth-whitening-results-last-factors-that-affect-longevity/
    5.  NHS. (n.d.). Whitening. NHS choices. https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/teeth-whitening/
    6.  Dental braces: Types, uses, care. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/24601-teeth-braces
    7.  How long do braces take to straighten teeth?. National Orthodontist. (n.d.). https://www.nationalorthodontist.com/blog/how-long-do-braces-take-to-straighten-teeth?p=8tswgNuGNJkRCRqas
    8.  Baum, A. (2026). Aligners vs. Braces: A comparison. American Association of Orthodontists. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/braces-vs-clear-aligners/
    9.  Leber, C. (2025). Orthodontic treatment for adults: The rise of adult braces. American Association of Orthodontists. https://aaoinfo.org/blog/number-of-adults-seeing-an-orthodontist-is-at-an-all-time-high/
    10.  Baum, A. (2026). How old is too old for braces? rediscover your smile at any age. American Association of Orthodontists. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/am-i-too-old-for-orthodontic-treatment/
    11.  Leber, C. (2025). Living with braces: The brace-faced adventure. American Association of Orthodontists. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/life-during-treatment/
    12.  Dental implants: Permanent, lifelike tooth replacement. Cleveland Clinic. (2026). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10903-dental-implants
    13.  Why you might need a dental bridge. Cleveland Clinic. (2025). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10921-dental-bridges
    14.  Nall, R. (2025, October 1). Partial dentures: Cost, types, and how to choose. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/partial-denture
    15.  Nall, R. (2025, October 1). Partial dentures: Cost, types, and how to choose. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/partial-denture
    16. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2024). Denture care. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/expert-answers/denture-care/faq-20058375