The type of cosmetic dentistry used generally depends primarily on the imperfection being treated. The various imperfections that can be treated with cosmetic dentistry include:

• Discolorations and stains. Superficial stains may be caused by beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, colas, red wine), foods (e.g., spaghetti sauce) or smoking. Stains from food or drink tend to cause yellow or brown discolorations, while smoking tends to stain teeth gray or black. The use of certain medications, especially the antibiotic tetracycline, can cause deeper stains in developing teeth when used by a mother during pregnancy or by a young child. This often causes a gray discoloration. Excessive fluoride use in young children may produce similar discolorations or white spots on teeth. Teeth also frequently yellow with age. Other potential causes of stains or discolorations include genetics, root canal treatment or an injury to the tooth. Yellow or brown stains, such as from food, drinks or age, tend to respond well to bleaching. Deeper or more severe discolorations, such as from smoking or tetracycline use, may require bonding to mask the stains. In some cases, dentists may recommend crowns or veneers, which are a type of prosthodontic dentistry.
  
  
• Misshapen or uneven teeth. Many patients have a tooth or a few teeth that are longer, shorter, or have a different shape than the surrounding teeth. The teeth may also have unsightly pits, grooves or bulges. Recontouring can correct these imperfections by cutting away and reshaping the enamel of the teeth. However, some patients may not be good candidates for this and may require bonding or veneers. Some dentists may recommend crowns for some patients.
  
  
• Spaces between teeth. Many patients have gaps between their teeth (diastema) that they may find unattractive. Small diastemas may be treated using bonding or veneers. Braces or retainers (a type of orthodontic appliance) may be needed for large gaps or crooked or crowded teeth.
  
  
• Chipped or cracked teeth. Minor chips or cracks in the surface of the teeth may be repaired with bonding or veneers. If these procedures are not an option because too much of the tooth is damaged, prosthodontic treatments (e.g., inlays, onlays, crowns) may be used.
  

  

• Excessive or uneven gums. Many patients show a large amount of gum (gingiva) when they smile, or the gumline may be uneven from one tooth to the next. Patients who are self-conscious of this may not open their mouths and show their teeth when they smile. Cosmetic surgery on the gums (gingivoplasty) or bones (orthognathic surgery) can repair this problem.