A confident smile can be life changing. Whether you are preparing for a big event, building your professional image or simply wanting to feel more confident in photos, cosmetic dentistry offers powerful, personalized ways to enhance your smile.
At MI Dental, we believe that everyone deserves a smile they are proud to show. Here is everything you need to know about modern cosmetic dentistry, what it includes, how it works, and why it is about more than just looks.
What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry focuses on improving the appearance of teeth, gums and function as well contrary to what most would think, that it is for form only not function . While general dentistry is about prevention and treatment, cosmetic dentistry is about refinement, enhancement and aesthetics.
That said, the two often go hand in hand. Many cosmetic procedures also improve function, health and oral hygiene, meaning a better smile and a healthier mouth.
Common Cosmetic Concerns We Hear From Patients
Patients often come in with questions such as:
- “Can you fix this chipped tooth?”
- “Why are my teeth so yellow?”
- “I hate the gap between my front teeth.”
- “My teeth look uneven or too small.”
- “I want a complete smile makeover, what are my options?”
If that sounds like you, read on.
Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Services at MI Dental
1. Teeth Whitening
One of the most requested treatments and for good reason. Our Zoom Whitening system delivers dramatic results in a single visit, safely brightening your smile by up to 8 shades.
Great for: Surface stains from coffee, tea, wine or smoking.
2. Porcelain Veneers
Thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to correct shape, size or colour issues. Veneers can instantly transform your smile into a more symmetrical and polished version of itself. This is the most commonly done esthetic procedure in Hollywood. It delivers beautiful results, excellent esthetic value and instant confidence boost.
Great for: Gaps, discoloration, worn-down or misshapen teeth.
3. Instant Orthodontics – A Straighter Smile Without Braces
Not everyone wants to commit to months of orthodontic treatment and for mild alignment issues, you might not have to. With Instant Orthodontics, we use cosmetic white fillings (composite bonding) to correct the appearance of misaligned or uneven front teeth.
Here is how it works:
- For teeth that are slightly rotated, too short, pushed back or forward, we add tooth-colored filling material to selectively reshape the visible surfaces.
- This creates a visually straighter and more uniform smile without physically moving the teeth.
- It is fast, conservative and often completed in a single visit.
While it is not a substitute for orthodontic treatment in complex cases, it is a fantastic solution for patients who want quick results with minimal intervention.
Great for: Minor crowding, uneven front teeth, small gaps or cosmetic enhancement before a big event.
4. Gum Depigmentation – From Dark to Naturally Pink Gums
Healthy gums come in many shades, but some individuals have excess pigmentation, often appearing as dark brown or black patches on the gum tissue. While this is completely harmless, many people desire a more uniform, pink gum appearance for aesthetic reasons.
At MI Dental, we offer Laser Gum Depigmentation, a quick and gentle way to brighten your gums and enhance the overall appearance of your smile.
- The procedure uses CO₂ laser technology to precisely remove surface pigmentation.
- It is non-surgical, minimally invasive and typically completed in a single visit.
- Results are often immediate, with little to no downtime.
Patients who undergo this treatment are often amazed at how a subtle change in gum color can make such a striking impact on their smile.
Great for: Individuals with naturally dark or patchy gum pigmentation seeking a more balanced, lighter pink gum tone.
5. Cosmetic Bonding
A more conservative and affordable alternative to veneers, dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin to repair chips, cracks or small gaps. It is quick, painless and blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Great for: Minor cosmetic fixes with minimal prep.
6. Tooth-Colored Fillings
Gone are the days of silver fillings! Modern composite fillings are virtually invisible, matching the shade of your natural tooth for a seamless restoration.
Great for: Cavities in visible areas or replacing old silver fillings.
7. Laser Gum Recontouring – Redefine Your Smile Line
Some people have beautifully shaped teeth but when they smile, their upper lip lifts high and reveals more gum than tooth. This is what we call a “Gummy Smile” and while it is perfectly natural, it can make some people feel self conscious about smiling fully.
At MI Dental, we use advanced CO₂ laser technology to gently and precisely reshape the gum line. This procedure:
- Reduces excessive gum display
- Uncovers more of the natural tooth surface
- Creates a more symmetrical, balanced smile
Unlike traditional surgical approaches, laser gum contouring is minimally invasive, causes little to no bleeding and has a shorter healing time. Most importantly, it provides instant, noticeable improvement to your smile without any need for crowns or veneers.
Great for: People with short-looking teeth or excess gum showing when smiling.
8. Maryland Bridge – A Non-Surgical Solution for a Missing Tooth
Missing a front tooth can be emotionally and socially difficult, especially when it is in the smile line. While implants and partial dentures are common options, they are not always ideal for every patient.
At MI Dental, we offer the Maryland Bridge, a highly aesthetic and minimally invasive way to replace a missing tooth without surgery or removable appliances.
Here is how it works:
- A ceramic or Porcelain tooth (pontic) is created to fill the gap.
- Instead of crowning the adjacent teeth as in a traditional bridge, the Maryland Bridge uses two small “wings” that are bonded to the back surfaces of the neighboring teeth.
- This allows us to preserve natural tooth structure while restoring your smile.
It’s a great middle ground:
- Not a dental implant
- Not a removable denture
- Not a traditional crown-prepped bridge
Great for: Patients with a missing front tooth looking for a non-surgical, fixed and cosmetic replacement.
Why Cosmetic Dentistry Is About More Than Just Looks
While aesthetics are a big part of it, cosmetic dentistry often boosts function and oral health too:
- Straight teeth are easier to clean and less prone to decay.
- Repairing worn teeth can prevent bite issues or jaw pain.
- Improving your smile often leads to better self-care and oral hygiene habits.
Let’s not forget the emotional aspect, confidence, self-esteem and how you carry yourself are all impacted by how you feel about your smile.
Every Smile Is Unique—So Is Our Approach
At MI Dental, we start with a personalized consultation to understand your goals, evaluate your current oral health and design a cosmetic treatment plan that is tailored to you. Whether you are looking for subtle changes or a full smile makeover, we will guide you every step of the way.
Ready to fall in love with your smile?
Contact MI Dental today to schedule your cosmetic consultation and explore what’s possible.