Your general dentist performs all the necessary maintenance to keep your teeth healthy and strong. Biannual cleanings and yearly x-rays help your dentist clear away tough tartar and eradicate decay. However, maintenance and restorative work aren't all your dentist can do. Cosmetic dentistry is a field that involves dental procedures designed to give you a more beautiful, aesthetically pleasing smile. If you'd like to see what cosmetic dentistry can do for you, make an appointment with a dentist who specializes in this field. Here are four things they'll do for you:

1. Perform a consultation

Many cosmetic dentists offer a free consultation. During this initial visit, they will thoroughly examine your teeth. They'll also look at the most current x-rays from your dental records. If you don't already have current x-rays, your cosmetic dentist may want to take some themselves. Using this information, they can propose a treatment plan to you. They'll recommend the procedures they believe will help you achieve your best smile, and you'll be able to approve or reject these suggestions.

2. Realign your teeth

Teeth alignment is genetically determined. Some people are born with perfectly straight teeth, but most people experience some degree of crookedness and perhaps an over- or underbite. If your dentist believes your teeth are misaligned, they can help you realign them using one of several methods. Older adults who seek teeth realignments usually don't want to be seen with metal braces, but there are discreet options available, such as ceramic braces and invisible clear aligners.

3. Whiten discolored yellow teeth

Teeth whitening is best performed after teeth realignment since some orthodontic procedures can leave stains on your teeth if you don't take care to brush properly during your treatment. A cosmetic dentist can offer extremely effective teeth whitening services in-office. Depending on the degree of staining present on your teeth, you could go home with white teeth in as little as one appointment.

4. Hide chipped or misshapen teeth

Your front teeth are highly visible. If one of your front teeth was chipped in an accident, or if it's a nonstandard shape or size, veneers can help you. Veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain that hide your natural teeth. They can give the appearance of perfectly whole, even teeth. Veneers are a permanent option that can help repair some of the most extensive cosmetic damage. You can receive a single veneer or a whole set of veneers, if that's what your dentist thinks is best.

Contact a clinic like Kemper Pond Dental for more information.