If you’re frustrated by flaws in your teeth that impact your appearance, you’re not alone. Millions of people have turned to cosmetic dental procedures to upgrade their grins. However, there’s a lot of misinformation about these services that have spread through the public. Many patients have hesitated to move forward with their elected treatments as a result.
Continue reading to learn 4 myths about cosmetic dentistry and the truths behind them!
Myth #1: It Only Enhances Your Appearance
Yes, there are treatments your dentist can provide that are intended to improve your looks. Whether you want to professionally whiten stained teeth or cover chips and cracks with porcelain veneers, you’re undergoing a given procedure with the goal of visual enhancement.
However, some options can also increase your oral health. For example, veneers are durable enough to prevent additional injury and so they shield the underlying tooth from damage. With them in place, you’re less likely to sustain any additional chips and cracks down the road. That means they impact your appearance as well as your well-being.
Myth #2: It Weakens Your Teeth
Although your dentist can enhance your visage, their main goal is to protect and preserve your smile. That means they won’t recommend a treatment if it’s going to decrease your dental health. For instance, many patients believe that whitening their teeth will erode their enamel.
While this is sometimes true of over-the-counter products that contain abrasive bleaching agents, your provider has access to professional-grade gels that maximize results while minimizing potential harm and sensitivity. Plus, they’ll examine your mouth first and address any areas of concern. They’ll fill in any cavities and ensure your gums are in good condition before proceeding with cosmetic work.
Myth #3: The Results Look Fake
This might have been true in the past, but thanks to ever-evolving tools, materials, and technology your dentist can give you a flawless, natural-looking grin. Although in the past metal was used for certain restorative work like fillings and dental crowns, today these same repairs utilize durable, tooth-colored materials that can be customized to match your natural hue.
Furthermore, this material can be applied for cosmetic purposes, too. You can mend chips, cracks, and stubborn stains with the same substance used to fill in areas of tooth decay without anyone the wiser!
Myth #4: It’s Too Expensive
Cosmetic dentistry used to be exclusive to those wealthy enough to afford the materials and elective procedures. Thanks to many upgrades in the field, today these services are much more accessible. Although it’s true that most insurance policies don’t cover them because they’re not essential for your dental health, there are other ways to make them affordable.
Many dentists partner with third-party financiers to be able to offer flexible financing. If you’re approved, this allows you to break down your total payment into more manageable monthly installments. That way your budget doesn’t keep you from getting the perfect grin you’ve always dreamed of.
Contact your dentist for a consultation today, and soon you could be well on your way to a newly improved smile!
About the Author
Dr. Michael Rose offers a full array of services under one roof to meet all your oral healthcare needs. He attended Dixie State College and Brigham Young University and then graduated with his dental degree from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Now, he takes pride in working with patients to achieve all of their dental goals, including enhancing their smiles. He uses state-of-the-art technology to provide several cosmetic services that can improve the appearance and well-being of your teeth and gums. If you’d like a consultation, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (702) 459-8998.