A method and system for improving dental esthetics. Specifically, the method includes providing a polymeric shell dental appliance of a type that is removably placeable over a patient's dentition. The polymeric shell dental appliance comprises a concave trough which conforms to at least one tooth when placed over the patient's dentition. In addition, the method includes changing a visual appearance of a segment of the polymeric shell dental appliance. The visual appearance of the segment is changed by applying a thin film to a surface of the segment. In particular, the segment is disposed in a location corresponding to a portion of the patient's dentition that is to be esthetically improved.