If your smile doesn't really reflect your optimistic character and doesn't represent you, this means that you must do something about those crooked teeth. One of the latest appearances on the market that can offer you a solution is cosmetic dentistry.

One of its products is represented by veneers. You may have heard the term 'veneer' in conjunction with wood working. This resemblance is not only in terms but also in technique because the process for cosmetic dental applications is much the same: for each individual tooth, very thin covers are custom created. They go to the front side of the tooth. Veneering is an option to bonding and shaping. Since veneers appeared on the market, it became famous and very popular. One of its strong qualities is its thickness: they are very thin and somewhat resistant to staining.

You may think that such a product is very expensive. Well, you are right. It is expensive. But because of its popularity and for this product to be available to all, there are two versions:

• Porcelain or 'indirect' veneers are handcrafted in a laboratory especially to fit your teeth. They are expensive but are said to last from 10 to 15 years.
• Composite or 'direct' veneers are ena mel which is bonded directly to the tooth and it is significantly less expensive but their 'shelf life' is only 5 to 7 years.

Other methods that you surely need in your search for the perfect smile are bleaching and teeth whitening strips.

Bleaching is one of the most important esthetic operations because white teeth are very expressive but also very hard to obtain and to maintain. Before the bleaching operation begins, the gums must be protected because they contain very sensitive tissue. For this, a rubber shield or a gel is necessary. Then bleaching material is applied sometimes using a laser light to enhance the procedure. This process may require several visits to the dental office.

Of course if you don't have enough time to go to the dentist an alternative exists: you can make bleaching in your own home, of course not before you talk with your dentist first. The bleaching kit is usually obtained from your dentist and it contains an agent named carbamide peroxide solution. It usually comes as a gel and is placed in a mouth guard. The frequency and length of treatment will vary from person to person depending on the amount and intensity of whitening you desire. Of course this also must be discussed with your dentist before proceeding. This procedure is mostly secure. Side effects are very rare and are represented by soft tissue irritation.

Teeth whitening strips represents the coolest method on the market. These are probably the most convenient advancement in dental care in decades taking the concept of tooth bleaching to an entire new level of speed and convenience.

If your every day diet and lifestyle contains tobacco, tea, red wine, colored juices, curry, soy and soft drinks, you certainly will use teeth whitening strips. The whitening strips contain hydrogen peroxide which is embedded in transparent material that fits over the teeth. Almost totally undetectable when worn, the peroxide goes to work as soon as they are activated by the moisture in your mouth (Another good reason to avoid dry mouth!). There are several brand names on the market and all work pretty much the same. They are applied over the teeth and worn for 30 minutes twice a day for 21 days, or you may select the type that can be worn overnight whitening the teeth while you are sleeping.

The results from the teeth whitening strips are absolutely incredible and you would do well to give them a try.