Cosmetic dentistry generally refers to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the functionality) of teeth, gums, and/or bites. It primarily focuses on improvement in dental aesthetics in color, position, shape, size, alignment, and overall smile appearance.

Cosmetic dentistry may involve:

1. the addition of a dental material to teeth or gums – examples: bonding, porcelain veneers (laminates), crowns (caps), gum grafts
2. the removal of tooth structure or gums – examples: enameloplasty, gingivectomy
3. neither adding nor removing dental materials, tooth structure, or gums – examples: teeth whitening (bleaching), laser whitening, gum depigmentation
4. straightening of teeth accompanied by improvement in the appearance of the face – orthodontics
5. veneers, dental laminates – conservative
6. scaling