While these regular appointments makes sure that your teeth is well taken care of, cosmetic dentistry tries to do more. It makes your smile, whiter, straighter and better. This is the result of multiple procedures, from tooth extraction and teeth whitening to putting braces and straightening the teeth. The bond adds structural strength to the tooth and prevents bacteria from entering and forming cavities all over again. Costs As is usually the case, costs of porcelain inlays and onlays are also variable and dependent on some factors the dentist s experience and expertise, the expense of the lab, cost of materials and others. For starters, it is quick, affordable, virtually painless, and the result can last long. Dental bonding is a good alternative to the more extensive (and expensive) treatment with porcelain veneers, bridges and crowns. The composite resin used in the cosmetic bonding process is very flexible. It expands and contracts with the natural tooth, thereby preventing cracks and tooth loss. Before going through the whole thing, have a talk with your dentist and ask how much you will be spending for the whole thing. Tell your dentist to estimate the cost and to give you the maximum cost. That way, you will be able to know just how much money you have to prepare and if you have them. 2. Time As mentioned before, a simple cosmetic dentistry can involve a lot of procedures that can stretch into weeks and months. There are also a number of teeth whitening systems in the market. These also include a variety of whitening toothpastes and paint-on whitening products and whitening strips. Side effects However, there are a number of whitening materials that have some side effects. The gel in many whitening methods makes the teeth sensitive to hot and cold foods, drinks and air, although this is all temporary. Remember that cosmetic dentistry is hardly taught in dental schools. Most practitioners get their education from post-graduate programs. You can also check about his or her affiliations and other credentials linked to aesthetic dental practice. You can know how good a cosmetic dentist is based on the success of his or her previous dental procedures.