Have you ever felt so self-conscious of your teeth that you covered them with your lips or hand so other people wouldn’t see them? Maybe you avoided smiling in public altogether. Despite this, chances are you’ve never considered cosmetic dentistry as a solution due to the negative perceptions about it. While these misconceptions may have been true at one point, many of them are simply false today. Read on as we set the record straight about some of the most common cosmetic dentistry myths.
Myth #1: Cosmetic Dentistry Is Only About Looks
While cosmetic dentistry is primarily concerned with the appearance of your smile, some procedures can actually provide health benefits as well. Veneers are a great example. These porcelain shells are designed to erase dental flaws, but they can also protect a chipped or cracked tooth from further damage.
Myth #2: Cosmetic Dentistry Is Too Expensive
Treatments that are considered purely elective, like some cosmetic services, usually do not qualify for any dental insurance coverage. Others, like dental crowns, might be eligible for partial coverage if they also improve your oral health. It doesn’t hurt to ask your dentist’s team to take a look at your insurance policy and determine whether your ideal treatment will be covered.
If not, most dentists offer other ways of making cosmetic dentistry affordable, such as low-interest financing through CareCredit.
Myth #3: Teeth Whitening Damages Your Teeth
This myth is actually half-true. Most of the whitening kits you find at the drugstore can, if used too often or incorrectly, can definitely damage your teeth. The abrasive ingredients in these over-the-counter products might irritate your gums or cause painful tooth sensitivity. Plus, they often don’t give you the dramatic results you were hoping for.
In contrast, teeth whitening provided by your dentist is several times safer and more effective. They’ll use custom whitening trays made from impressions of your teeth as well as a bleaching gel without the harsh ingredients of store-bought products. With these take-home kits, you can achieve a dazzlingly brighter smile in a matter of days!
Myth #4: The Results Won’t Look Real
Perhaps this was true a few decades ago, but dental technology has come a long way. Nowadays, the materials your cosmetic dentist uses, like porcelain, look more lifelike than ever before. These materials can be personalized to mimic the exact color of your teeth, ensuring seamless results.
Most of the cosmetic dentistry myths floating around are untrue – these treatments are a great way to fix imperfect teeth and give you a reason to smile. Call your cosmetic dentist today to find out which treatment is right for you!
About the Author
As one of the 466 dentists in the entire world to become an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, you can trust that with Dr. Nelson Y. Howard, your smile will be in good hands. He offers a variety of cosmetic dental services, such as veneers, metal-free dental crowns, dental bonding, teeth whitening, and gum recontouring. To discover the best way Dr. Howard can improve your smile, feel free to reach out to his office via his website or by calling (858) 451-0550.