While most dentistry offices focus on the health of your teeth and gums, that doesn't mean you can't find experts who focus on how the teeth look. Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of modern-day dentistry that focuses on the appearance of your teeth and gums. Cosmetic dental procedures may also focus on your bite if changes to it improve the appearance of your smile. Here are three things to know if you are looking into this type of dentistry.

The Goals Of Cosmetic Dentistry

The first thing to consider is what cosmetic dentistry offers. Cosmetic dental procedures aim to create a balanced and natural-looking smile. Your dentist will help you determine which procedures may enhance your smile's beauty and overall appearance. While these procedures focus on aesthetics, they can also improve the function of your teeth, gums, and bite. Often, going through these procedures offers more than just aesthetic benefits. If you want to enhance your smile, you will want to consult with a cosmetic dentist.

It Includes Many Procedures

Another thing to know about this type of dentistry is what kind of procedures it may include. For example, cosmetic dentistry consists of an array of dental procedures. While some procedures, like teeth whitening or dental veneers, are mainly cosmetic, others offer health benefits as well as aesthetic ones. Orthodontic treatment, along with crowns and bridges, improve the function of your teeth and bit as well as their appearance. It's a good idea to look into your options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and consider which ones will make a difference in your smile.

It Can Get Pricey

While there are many cosmetic dental procedures that will improve your smile's appearance, they aren't cheap. First, most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures. Second, the type of treatment you get and its extent will impact your bottom line. For example, having veneers placed on many teeth will get rather expensive. In total, you can end up spending anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars on cosmetic dental procedures. Consider whether this dental work fits your budget before committing to it. 

There are a few things to know about cosmetic dentistry. First, this type of dentistry aims to provide more attractive smiles. Second, there are many dental procedures that can be cosmetic in nature. Finally, cosmetic dentistry can also get pricey depending on what procedures you want for your smile.