A beautiful smile isn’t just for the rich and famous, says Oklahoma City dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS. Here, the OKC dentist offers a brief rundown of the most common cosmetic dental procedures.

Teeth Whitening. Perhaps the most common cosmetic procedure performed in Dr. Johnson’s OKC dentist office is teeth whitening. This is a fast and very effective way to brighten a faded smile. Whitening, or bleaching, may be done in-office in about an hour or at-home. The OKC dentist explains that home whitening is just as effective, it just takes

Bonding. Dental bonding is another very efficient and time-conscious cosmetic dental procedure, notes the OKC dentist. Bonding involves adhering a tooth-colored resin putty to the teeth. This resin is shaped over the tooth or used to fill chips, cracks, or gaps. Dr. Johnson’s OKC dentist office uses the same bonding material for fillings.

Veneers. OKC dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS, insists that veneers are the most natural looking way to cover stained, broken, or chipped teeth. These wafer thin porcelain shells are mounted to the teeth using a special dental glue.

Tooth reshaping. Tooth reshaping, also called dental contouring, is a minor cosmetic fix for slight dental issues, says the Edmond Dentist. Dr. Johnson notes that tooth reshaping is a great (and budget friendly) option for correcting mild imperfections. It’s often paired with dental bonding for subtle changes that can have a big impact.

Crown lengthening. Sometimes performed by a periodontist, OKC dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson, DDS, describes crown lengthening as a surgical procedure where part of the gums are removed in order to alter the appearance of short or stubby teeth.

Smile Makeovers. Smile makeovers have gained popularity as more affordable cosmetic dental options become available. A true smile makeover may involve any combination of dental procedures – including orthodontics. The OKC dentist starts with a full smile evaluation and makes recommendations based on a number of factors, including the patient’s age, desired outcome, and budget. A smile makeover may be completed in stages.

Choosing a cosmetic dentist.OKC dentist Dr. Damon R. Johnson stresses that cosmetic dentistry is an art and that the search for the right provider shouldn’t be taken lightly. He suggests choosing a dentist based on his or her verifiable skills and experience. Proof of education and special training should be provided upon request, as well as ample before and after visual testimonials. Membership in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry is preferred.