The Misconceptions of Cosmetic Dentistry
As technology improves, so does dentistry; both general and cosmetic dentistry are becoming easier, faster, and more accessible to everyone. Yet, despite improved methods of treatment and its accessibility, many people have misconceptions about cosmetic dentistry. In order to help you understand what these procedures are really like, we’re going to debunk some of the most common misconceptions we hear about cosmetic dentistry.
My dentist will think I’m vain.
It’s completely natural for you to want to love your smile. Our smiles help bolster our self-confidence, which may help us enjoy ourselves more by not having to worry about what our teeth look like. Your dentist will never judge you for wanting to love your smile; after all, dentists are people, too, and have the same desires! While it can be difficult to be vulnerable by explaining to your dentist what changes you’d like to see in your smile, they understand what you’re feeling. Most dentists have chosen their profession because they have a passion for ensuring that you have a healthy and beautiful smile, so helping you achieve the smile of your dreams is a privilege.
Invisalign costs more than braces.
While this was true when Invisalign first came out, it isn’t true anymore. Nowadays, Invisalign and braces have similar prices. How expensive your orthopedic treatment will be depends upon how severe your case is, but Invisalign and metal braces begin at the same starting cost, and Invisalign actually has a smaller price range.
Invisalign will affect my speech.
When you first get Invisalign, you may have a lisp for a few days. This will disappear, however, as you get used to the way the aligners feel in your mouth.
Dental bonding fixes chipped teeth best.
There are two main methods to fix chipped teeth: dental bonding and veneers. Neither method is demonstrably better than the other, as they each have strengths and weaknesses; which method is best for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Dental bonding is certainly the faster and less expensive method of fixing your teeth, as it involves a single visit to put resin over the chipped area of your tooth. Dental bonding matches your tooth in both color and gloss, so no one will notice it’s there. Over time, however, dental bonding may begin to stain and needs to be replaced every three to eight years.
In contrast, veneers are a thin sheet of porcelain that is placed over your existing tooth. They take about two visits to place and are more expensive than dental bonding, but they’re durable and stain-resistant; if you take good care of them, they should last about 15 years. Veneers are permanent, however, as a small layer of enamel needs to be shaved off your teeth in order to place them. Once you commit to a veneer, you’ll always need it. Dental bonding and veneers go about their purpose differently, but both do their job well. If you chip a tooth, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist regarding your options.
Cosmetic dentistry is only for aesthetics.
While its name may give the impression that cosmetic dentistry is only about improving the aesthetics of your teeth, this is far from the truth. There certainly are purely cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, but many treatments improve the health, function, and appearance of your smile. Treatments, like veneers and dental bonding, can be used for purely cosmetic reasons, but they can also protect damaged teeth. Crowns can protect weakened teeth, while restoring your smile, and bridges and dental implants improve the function of your bite and protect your entire mouth from the consequences of lost teeth. Dental implants even protect your jaw from bone loss!
Only braces can fix my gap.
If you have a gap in your teeth, you’ve probably been advised to get braces or Invisalign to fix it. For many people, however, spending so much time and money on braces to fix one tiny aspect of their smile isn’t worth it, but they don’t want to be stuck with their gap either. Thankfully, there are a couple of solutions you can choose from to fix the gap in your tooth. Dental bonding and veneers can each be used to make sure the gap in your smile disappears.
Professional teeth whitening only lasts a few weeks.
Professional teeth whitening can last up to three years, though it can last as little as a few months if you don’t take care of your teeth well or if you smoke. This is because teeth whitening can only remove the stains that are already present; it can’t prevent your teeth from acquiring new stains. There are ways you can help your teeth whitening treatment last longer, however.
Avoid staining your teeth with smoking and other forms of tobacco, and limit foods and drinks that will stain your teeth, such as coffee and tea. When you do drink beverages that can stain your teeth, use a straw to limit how much the drink comes in contact with your teeth. Ensure that you’re following a strict oral hygiene routine, which involves brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing, using mouthwash daily, and visiting your dentist twice a year. You can also speak to your dentist about maintenance treatments, which you can get once or twice a year to help maintain your pearly white smile.
Cosmetic dentistry will destroy my smile’s unique qualities.
Cosmetic dentistry is all about giving you a smile that you love, not just a smile that follows current trends to a T. You can absolutely keep what you love about your smile! Even if you need a crown or veneer on a unique tooth, these treatments are so customizable that they can be made to look exactly like the unique tooth they’re covering. You can improve your smile’s function and appearance without compromising its unique beauty.
Whether you’re hoping to erase coffee stains, restore the function of your bite after losing a tooth, or completely transform the appearance of your smile, there’s often a range of treatment options for you to choose from. Cosmetic dentistry aims to ensure that your smile is healthy, functional, and beautiful, giving you the confidence to face each day with a smile.