It is never too late to improve your smile and your teeth. This guide will help you refine your cosmetic dentistry options from your dentist in Columbia.

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental work that is performed with the objective of enhancing the appearance of teeth, bite, and/or gums. It can help with improving the overall appearance of a person's smile, which can have a positive impact on their confidence and self-esteem.

There are many different types of cosmetic dentistry, ranging from quick and easy procedures such as teeth whitening to more complex procedures such as braces. It may not be surprising that more than one-third of American adults say they are unhappy with the appearance of their smile.



In this blog post, your No. 1 dentist in Columbia will highlight 4 cosmetic dentistry options that you can opt for in order to enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. We'll take a closer look at braces, teeth whitening, and dental veneers. Let's get started!

1. Invisalign Invisible Braces

Braces can be considered both a type of general dentistry and cosmetic. This is given that they can correct issues that affect the overall health of your teeth and mouth, while also enhancing the aesthetics of your smile. It is safe to say that the most sought-after type of braces is Invisalign invisible braces.

Invisalign has been around since the end of the 20th century and since then has proven to be a safe, effective, and comfortable means of straightening teeth. These thin and clear aligners are made from a flexible thermoplastic material that is far more comfortable to wear than traditional metal braces.

Invisalign is a wonderful option for people looking to straighten their teeth, correct bite issues, and both fix gapped and crowded teeth. Best of all, it does not have to be worn constantly throughout the day (ideally 22 hours per day). This means that you can remove the aligners when eating and brushing, allowing you to fully maintain your dental hygiene during the entire treatment process.



The length of treatment will vary from person to person and depend on the specific case. Treatment typically lasts for between 12 and 18 months.

2. Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the color of teeth. As we get older, we may notice that our teeth become discolored or stained. This can happen for a range of reasons, including:

• Smoking
• Foods (such as berries, curry spices, and tomato-based sauces)
• Drinks (such as tea, coffee, cola, red wine, and fruit juices)
• Poor dental hygiene
• Medications
• Genetics
• Disease

If you are looking for a quick and effective way to improve the overall appearance of your teeth, then teeth whitening is the way to go. In one short session, you can achieve incredible results where your teeth are visibly lightened by several shades.



We use the Venus White system, which is an at-home system that uses custom-made trays. The ingredients not only whiten teeth but also protect tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity.

3. Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are another great option for people looking to improve the aesthetics of their teeth and smile. They are thin, tooth-colored wheels that can be attached to the front of teeth. Veneers are effective at treating a range of cosmetic issues, including:

• Discolored teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Unusually shaped teeth
• Gaps in the teeth
• Smaller-than-average teeth

It is possible to have a veneer applied to just one single tooth or to several teeth. Typically, the front teeth (which are most visible) are commonly selected for veneers.

There are two main types of porcelain veneers available. Porcelain veneers are made of porcelain (naturally!) while composite veneers are engineered resin. Both types are fixed to the outer surface of the tooth.

Porcelain veneers are more expensive (they are stain-resistant) and typically last for between 10 to 15 years with proper care. Composite veneers last for an average of 4 to 8 years, though they are easily repairable should they become damaged.

4. Dental Implants

If you are missing teeth, it may be having an impact on your facial shape and the overall appearance of your smile. Dental implants are artificial tooth roots. They are placed into the jawline, taking the place of missing teeth and resembling their appearance, form, and shape.

There are two main types of dental implants: endosteal (the most common type) and subperiosteal. The former resemble screws, which are inserted into the jawbone. Subperiosteal implants are not drilled into the jawbone itself; rather, they are placed on or above the bone.



Dental implants are a long-lasting solution that allows for a functional and visually-appealing smile. They can also help to retain the normal shape of your face.

Choose the Best Dentist in Columbia for Your Cosmetic Dentistry

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, cosmetic dentistry is a wonderful option. The above options are all available from Smile Savers Dentistry. Not only can cosmetic dentistry improve dental aesthetics, but it may also allow you to eat more of your favorite foods and ward off potential future issues.

For more than 30 years, Smile Savers Dentistry has been working with patients in Columbia, Maryland to improve the health and appearance of teeth. Our approach to cosmetic dentistry is based on personalized and caring treatment that utilizes the latest dental technologies.

Dr. Danile Stewart is rightly recognized as the best dentist in Columbia. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Maryland State Dental Association, and Howard County Chamber of Commerce. He and his team are ready to help you realize the smile that you deserve.

Contact us today for a free exam.