You can safely wager that almost every actor and actress has had some form of cosmetic dentistry in order to improve their smile (the next time you sit down to watch your favorite television show, check out the actors teeth; most likely they will be almost perfect).

You can choose from many different types of cosmetic procedures. However, this article will focus on three types. They are: implants, veneers, and crowns.

Veneers are pieces of plastic or porcelain (very thin pieces) that are permanently cemented onto the front of your teeth. If you really want to have veneers, you must visit your dentist's office at least three different times.

When you have your initial visit, your dentist will analyze a few things: your teeth, your personal desires for a better smile, and the condition of your teeth. Based on that information, he or she will make a decision and choose which type of veneers are best for you.

The next step requires your dentist to remove some of the enamel from your teeth. Your dentist will give you a temporary set of veneers while you wait for the dental lab to craft your permanent ones. After the laboratory crafts and delivers your custom set of veneers, you must return to your dentist to get them installed permanently. After your dentist installs your permanent veneers, you will leave the dentist's office with a new smile! Veneers will typically last anywhere from ten to fifteen years.

For anyone who has missing teeth, implants are usually the best solution. Every dentist will tell you they are the most durable, permanent procedure currently available to replace missing teeth. Implant procedures are typically successful 95% of the time. From beginning to end, implant procedures need considerable time; usually three to six months. The first step sounds awful: your dentist must skillfully drill a hole in your jaw exactly where the missing tooth is located. This procedure is often referred to as "drilling the pilot hole".

Once the implant pilot hole has been properly drilled, your dentist will then work on widening the hole so it can hold your new implant screw. Once the pilot hole has been stretched big enough, your dentist will then proceed to install an implant screw. Once your implant has been successfully installed, your dentist will place a temporary, protective cover onto it.

"Osseointegration" is the next required step. Your bone needs to grow around your implant and anchor it into place. The final step for an implant installation is to remove the protective cover and to permanently install a crown. Once the crown is permanently attached to your new implant screw, your fancy new implant will be complete. Your new implant will easily last thirty years or more, while bridges and veneers typically last only ten years.

Crowns (sometimes called caps) are nothing but permanent caps molded like a real tooth. They are custom fitted and cemented directly on top of your real tooth. They can be created from a variety of materials: porcelain, metal, resin, and ceramic. Depending on where you required the crown within your mouth, your dentist shall recommend an appropriate material to be used.

To install a crown (or cap), your dentist will have to grind down a considerable portion of your tooth. After your tooth has been ground down to look like a round peg, your dentist will proceed to cement your crown into place. Unless your new crown (or cap) is crafted entirely from metal, it should be virtually indistinguishable from your existing teeth. Crowns will generally last between ten and fifteen years.

The cosmetic procedures discussed above are increasing significantly in popularity. Technology is always moving forward. The latest and greatest materials that have been approved for use in cosmetic dentistry are much stronger and much more durable than older materials. If you would like to improve your smile, you should visit a local dentist and talk to him or her about current procedures.