Mona Lisa Smile

Monal Lisa smile (Credit: merec0)

Smile and the world smiles with you. A smile is one of the first things we notice about a person. While a beautiful toothpaste-ad smile makes others smile, a crooked smile can put off people. People who have a gap in their teeth or have a crooked smile can get their smiles straightened by a cosmetic dentist.

The first step is to consult with a cosmetic dentist. It is very important to find someone you're comfortable with, because you will be working closely with them to make sure you get the results you want. Having cosmetic dentistry work done can correct a lot of problems including gaps, crooked teeth, teeth that are too small or large, and stained teeth. You may choose to have just a few teeth corrected, or go for a full mouth restoration.

There are various styles of teeth to choose from by consulting a "smile guide". The shape and size of teeth can give different effects. The dentist will take impressions of your existing teeth and you will be able to see a wax model of your future smile. Many dentists also have computer technology where you can see what you would look like with your new smile. Modifications can then be made before you commit to anything.

The dentist will send the impressions along with instructions to a dental laboratory. This is where the permanent restorations are created. This usually takes 2-3 weeks. In the meantime, you are wearing your temporary veneers or crowns. Once the work is done at the dental laboratory, you will go back to the dentist to have your permanent veneers/crowns put on.