If you've ever been self-conscious about your teeth or smile, then you know how much this can affect your life on a daily basis. A set of less-than-pearly whites can not only be a physical drawback but can have a significant psychological impact as well. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of solutions for people with all types of dental issues (and budgets). So if you're interested in finding out what cosmetic dentistry has to offer, keep reading to discover just four of the ways you can benefit.

Longevity

Many people put off a trip to the dentist because they believe that getting their chipped or broken tooth repaired will only be a short-term fix. But these days, cosmetic dentistry produces results that last for decades, if not a lifetime. While there are some restrictions—patients who have dental crowns, for instance, should avoid eating crunchy foods too frequently—cosmetic repairs are generally built to last.

Recovery

Another reason people may stay away from cosmetic procedures is that they believe the recovery to be a long and painful affair. But the reality couldn't be more different. Almost all cosmetic procedures can be done in a single day and require only a few (if any) check-up visits after the initial appointment. This means that you can go back to living your life without too many interruptions or additional expenses.

Appearance

Of course, the primary reason people are attracted to cosmetic dentistry is the fact that their physical appearance benefits so drastically from a single procedure. But others might fear that the procedure will result in teeth that don't look natural and thus stick out worse than before. Luckily, this isn't the case at all. Cosmetic fixes such as repairing a chipped or discolored tooth are so routine nowadays that cosmetic additions such as veneers and implants are impossible to distinguish from natural teeth.

Accessibility

Years ago, cosmetic procedures weren't nearly as common as they are today. For this reason, many people still assume that their dentist doesn't offer the services they need, especially if they live outside a major metropolitan area. But just as many people might be surprised to learn that their local dentist does offer a huge variety of procedures that before were only available to those in large cities. So whether you're thinking about whitening your teeth or getting a crown, don't hesitate to ask your dentist about what they can do.