Cosmetic Dentistry
There are a few techniques that can be done to enhance your smile.
Veneers
Veneers are thin custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front side of teeth. They can be used to whiten teeth, close spaces, straighten teeth, or repair chipped or worn teeth. The veneers are only about 0.5 mm in thickness. That same thickness is "shaved" off the natural tooth surface so when the veneer is bonded to the tooth, the tooth doesn't feel or look "thicker".
Veneers come in two varieties:
The first type of veneers are lab made which requires a preparation appointment when the teeth are prepared (the required amount is finished off the front of the tooth) and an impression of the prepared teeth is taken to create a model that allows a dental laboratory (which specializes in cosmetic dentistry) to make the almost paper thin porcelain veneer. A second appointment is required to bond the veneers to the patient's teeth. These veneers are like the name brand veneers (Lumineers) as seen on TV.
The second type of veneers are accomplished in one appointment. The teeth are prepared in the same manner but a cosmetically matched shade of composite is bonded to the teeth. This composite is then shaped, finished, and polished to create the patient's desired esthetic change to their teeth.
www.wilkieandturner.com/treatment.php?treatment=3
Bonding
Bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or gapped. With bonding, tooth-colored materials are attached or bonded, to a tooth surface. The two images below show the replacement of old composite fillings with new ones. Even though this type of work is bonded, they still are billed as simple fillings and are paid for by most dental insurance companies while the bonded veneers shown above are considered cosmetic and are generally not covered by insurance.
Enamel Shaping
Enamel shaping is a process of shaping, or contouring natural teeth to improve their overall appearance. Enamel shaping involves modifying teeth by removing or contouring enamel to create harmony and balance in the mouth. No anesthesia is necessary and results are immediate.
http://www.kennerlydental.com/shaping.htm