Unfortunately, many of us don’t take our dental health as seriously as we take the rest of our physical health. People tend to take teeth for granted — or they assume that if their teeth become diseased or damaged, they can be easily repaired or even replaced. The fact is that replacing teeth should come as a last resort, and when multiple teeth need to be replaced, there is a higher risk of complication. For that matter, diseased or damaged teeth do have an effect on your physical health — and, for that matter, your mental teeth. Millions of Americans report feelings insecure about their teeth. In fact, 96% of adults believe that an attractive smile can make you more appealing to the opposite sex, and 32% of people say that they’re concerned about the appearance of their teeth. Teeth are, according to half the American population over the age of 50, the one thing that stays the most attractive as we age. But they can’t stay attractive unless we take care of them. If your teeth are already visibly damaged, you don’t have to accept that — you can repair and improve your teeth with the help of cosmetic dentistry. Below, we’ll look into some of the options available for those interested in cosmetic dentistry, and how they can better your life.

1. Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are perhaps some of the most well-known products in the cosmetic dentistry field. But a lot of people don’t realize that they are candidates for porcelain veneers, or believe that getting porcelain veneers is either too invasive or too expensive, or perhaps even both. However, porcelain veneers really aren’t invasive to apply at all, and can help with a variety of different issues. Four of the most common types of problems that porcelain veneers can solve include discolored teeth, misaligned teeth, gaps between teeth, and chipped or broken teeth. While porcelain veneers cannot replace missing teeth or make weak teeth stronger, they can improve the appearance of teeth, which is why it’s important to seek a specialist in cosmetic dentistry when looking for porcelain veneers. Not only do they come with great results — they’re also great values. Traditionally, veneers do cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth, but they usually last between 10 and 15 years. For that matter, the procedure doesn’t take too long to complete. Your dentist will make a mold of your teeth, and receive the veneers back from the laboratory between one and two weeks later, barring any hold up. Therefore, you can get the results you want quickly and efficiently.

2. Invisaligns

A main reason why adults seek out cosmetic dentistry is because they didn’t have the procedures they needed while children. A lot of children and teenagers don’t want braces, and don’t believe that they need them. However, as adults they feel self-conscious about crooked or misaligned teeth. Yet many adults also feel embarrassed about dealing with braces when they’re older, due to their high visibility. Luckily, there are options available for those who want the benefits of braces without the visibility. Invisalign braces accomplish the same things as typical braces, but can’t be easily seen by the naked eye. While a lot of people hesitate over Invisaligns because they feel the process will be long, the typical treatment with these lasts just one year. As for the success rate — with a 96% patient satisfaction rate, Invisaligns are all but sure to help you.

3. Dental Implants

What happens when you’re actually missing teeth, or have misshapen teeth? Are there options available for you? In fact, there are. Dental implants essentially replace missing teeth, or teeth that need to be removed for cosmetic purposes. They will not only look like your original teeth — or better — they will function in the same way, and maintain a natural appearance. The procedure is minimally invasive with a quick recovery period, and the implants can last for many years, making them a more permanent solution than some alternatives.